34
Luciano
Today isn’t just another day; it’s the day Charlie’s plan is set to unfold. We’ve run through it more times than I can count in the last twenty-four hours. Every man knows his role, every step precisely calculated to make sure there are no mistakes. We’re about to dismantle the Andrettis once and for all.
Yet as we move through the silent streets, an uneasy feeling stirs in my stomach with every quiet step. Charlie gives us the signal, soldiers to their positions, and we now wait for the next move. The plan is simple: Charlie and Rocco ambush Vince’s shipment. Charlie is to convince him she’s working behind my back.
My eyes scan amongst the shadows, locking onto my brothers as they spread out around the yard like chess pieces, slowly killing Vince’s soldiers until they’re all in place. Only a few of the soldiers are left alive: the ones close to the docks and ones that wouldn’t give us away. Mattia has trained our soldiers to be deadly and silent, no other family has been able to win against us in a battle yet—they prefer to be sneaky like Vince and find other ways that don’t involve a shootout.
The plan is for me to step out in a few moments, make out that I tracked her down, so she isn’t left with Vince too long. From myvantage point, the flash in his eyes when he spots her coming towards him tells me everything. I need to be on edge, ready to release the demon at any moment.
“Ciao Vince,” she says, her voice laced with an innocent edge.
“Nessun cane da guardia oggi?”No guard dog today?Vince asks, clearly a dig about me.
“Nope. Just me and my good pal Rocco here.” Vince watches her closely, but she’s playing the part perfectly. She was made for this world. “I had a disagreement with Luciano about killing your dealer,” she continues.
He doesn’t seem to care. “And? Men like him are disposable to me.”
“And there is something else I want to talk to you about,” Charlie replies smoothly.
“I’m listening,” Vince snaps back at her.Hurry up, Charlie. You need to get to the point or he’ll start to notice something isn’t right,I think to myself.
“I’m done with the drugs. I’m thinking the Carlisi should pivot into more legal businesses.” She crosses her arms in front of her.
“So you want me to take over your turf?” Vince takes a step closer to her.
“I was hoping we could work out a deal that is mutually beneficial,” she says.
He laughs at her. “Like what?” I don’t like the tone in his voice.
I check my watch: one minute left before I move. “Luciano,” she says my name to him. “I need him gone. He won’t accept the new structure.”
Vince’s eyes flicker with interest. “I could handle that, but what else is in it for me?”
“Satisfaction for killing Caterina’s guard dog. And my turf for your drugs ONLY,” she throws back.
“If only the turf was yours to give,” Vince snarls.
“It is mine,” she snaps. Shit, I can see her mind ticking. She’ll start to second-guess herself.
“Are you sure about that?” Vince’s question slices through the quiet, setting my instincts on fire. My heart hammers as my ears prick up. I spring from my hiding place, storming toward them.
“Charlotte!” I yell towards them, now playing my part.
“Perfect timing.” Vince smirks. “Is there something you need to tell Charlotte, Luciano?”
Charlie turns to me, confusion written all over her face.
“What are you talking about?” I say to Vince.
“Someone wants to meet you, Charlotte,” Vince says, turning to look behind him.
My stomach drops.
Caterina comes into view from the alleyway. Her hands are chained in front of her while Vince’s soldiers shove her towards us. How did Vince find her?
I catch a glimpse of Charlie. She has taken a step towards her mother, her face a storm of shock, fear, and betrayal. I am royally fucked.
