To my surprise, no one argues. Gris walks back in, looking as grim as I’ve ever seen him. He sits down, swiping a hand over his face. “Vigo sure knows how to make an entrance.”
“What we need is to learn his weak points,” Killian volunteers. “Knowing that the tire place was his primary front was incredibly helpful in shutting down his attempt to embezzle. What other weaknesses does he have? Who does he trust and who can hurt him?”
“Vigo’s smart enough to cover most of his tracks. He’s skilled at evading even the federal government. He doesn’t leave a lot of trails.”
“If I’d had more time, I could have followed him, discovered all the politicians who are in his pocket, find out which officials he bribes, turn his own network against him.” Killian shakes his head. “But now, we’re in triage mode.”
I look out the window. “I can call Matteo Andriani, see if he does any business with Vigo.” Matteo is friends with Mason Kincaid, our partner. But Mason is just as invested in us making inroads in New York as we are. Our power only makes him stronger against his Vegas opponents.
“Do it,” Triston asserts. “We need as much information as possible and as many allies as we can rally.”
“You’re that worried about Vigo?” I ask.
“He keeps the other New York crime families in check. Without him, it could be a real mess. We mostly work in the light, but I’d be a fool to say that a New York underworld war wouldn’t make all of our lives more difficult.”
“So, my job is to put Vigo firmly in his place, in regard to our world, while leaving him in power in his.” Great. Perhaps I shouldn’t have likened him to a fly. Then again, it’s time for him to understand just who he’s decided to fight.
“Easy,” Win rumbles. “Just beat him within an inch of his life.”
That’s not a bad idea. And while I am a good fighter, I’d prefer to make an even more lasting impression…
I’ve got a few ideas, but first, I’m going to speak with Matteo. I text Mason Kincaid, asking for his contact information.
Mason sends it back instantly and without question.
In this moment, I appreciate that small vote of confidence. Clicking on the contact, I fire off a message, telling Matteo who I am and asking if he might be willing to speak.
His return message is equally quick:Boarding a plane for New York as we speak. Want to meet in person tomorrow?
Satisfaction eases the tension in my body.Stop by my office anytime.
Let’s hope that Matteo can help me unwind this entire mess.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Gigi
At some point,I burned myself out of worry and fell asleep.
I only wake when I hear the door to my apartment close.
Jolting awake, I sit up. What time is it?
I look at the clock, blinking in complete confusion for one second before absolute panic sets in. “Emma!” I gasp, jumping from the bed and stumbling to the side.
“Hi, Mama,” she calls from the living room. “Rush picked me up early!”
I blink stumbling into the door to find Emma bopping over to Birdie’s cage while Rush walks across the room, a pink backpack adorning his Armani suit.
“I hope you don’t mind,” he says as he clicks the lock into place. “But I didn’t want you to have to go downstairs—” he turns toward me, “you’re still in your skirt.”
I look down at my crumpled blouse. “Fell asleep.”
“Have you eaten?” And that’s when I notice the takeout bags in his hand. Our building is attached via skybridge to a shoppingand apartment complex next door. There are restaurants and even a small grocery store located on the first three floors.
I can see from the bag he’s holding in his left hand that he’s gone to the Thai place with an amazing soup selection. My mouth waters.
I threw up my breakfast and I skipped lunch. “You brought dinner?”
