“Yeah, that’s not going to happen,” Halligan said, diving behind the booth as Franco started shooting. Halligan crawled toward the end of the booth to get a glimpse of Franco. It was time to end this.
Chapter Fifteen
Halligan crawled toward the other end of the row of booths. He’d gotten a couple shots off, but Franco was still standing—well, crouching—behind another table he’d flipped over. His goons were hunkered down behind furniture too.
Now they were just firing shots off intermittently. Halligan was frustrated and ready to end this.
“Heads up. Another vehicle just entered the parking lot. Three men in suits are getting out and protecting an older, white-haired gentleman. I’m letting them through. They’re armed with guns, but they’re keeping them holstered. I don’t think they’re with Franco,” Quinton said.
Halligan waited to see what would happen. The door opened, a loud voice calling outcease fire.
Halligan peered over the top of the booth.
The men Quinton had described were casually standing in the entrance. None of them had drawn their guns.
“No, you can’t be here. This is my deal,” Franco said, standing up and waving his gun toward the men.
“It seems we are in disagreement. You were never given approval to take over Las Vegas, Franco. Boys?” the man said.
Two of the men who had come in with the white-haired gentleman walked over and took Franco’s gun away, pushing him to his knees.
“No. You have no say here in America,” Franco screamed, his face turning red.
“Awww, Franco, if you’d been in the know at all, you’d know that I have a say in everything. Now, who is the Halligan Nelson that I have to thank for taking care of my niece?” the man asked.
Halligan stood and walked toward the man. “I’m Halligan and who are you?” he asked.
The man held out his hand, “Bruno Rossellini. I’m Loni’s great-uncle. Pleased to meet you.”
“Stop. No. I have this all planned. I’m in charge,” Franco screamed, his face turning red.
The door opened, and the figure walking in had Halligan’s eyes widening.
“Icilio, come join us. Halligan, I’m sorry we didn’t reach here before Franco made a mess. We stopped in Las Vegas to liberate a few people, and Franco snuck out of the city before he could be picked up,” Bruno said.
“Icilio, my wife is going to be thrilled that you’re alive. She was distraught thinking she’d lost you,” Halligan said, sticking his hand out.
Icilio looked a little worse for wear. His face was mottled with bruises that extended down his neck. His left arm was in a slingwith a cast. He moved gingerly, which Halligan guessed was due to broken or bruised ribs.
“I am glad she got to you,” Icilio said.
“Where is theprincipessa? I think she should get to have a little time alone with Franco, don’t you?” Bruno asked.
Halligan wasn’t sure whether or not Loni would want to, but he was giving her the chance.
“If it’s safe, I’ll bring Loni,” his dad said in his earpiece.
“Yes, please bring her,” Halligan said.
“My dad was keeping Loni safe. He’ll be bringing her over. If your men can keep Franco there, why don’t we all share a drink,” Halligan suggested.
Maverick, Schaefer, and he poured drinks for everyone. Crewe walked out of the kitchen with a tray of appetizers.
“No reason to be hungry,” Crewe said, placing plates on the table.
Halligan settled back and waited. He couldn’t wait to see Loni again, but he wished he could protect her from being in Franco’s presence.
Bruno smiled. “It seems the rumors of your business acumen aren’t exaggerated. Few men could deal with people in our line of work visiting your establishment and keep their cool. I’ll hold my approval, as will Icilio, until we see you with Apollonia but it’s looking good for you,” Bruno said, picking up one of Crewe’s beer-battered onion rings and taking a bite.
