“Well, we’ll get there soon and then we’ll deal with these fucks.”
“We don’t need to deal with them. We can just snag her and be done with it.”
“I just stabbed Frankie for talking about fucking her like a dog. Now, what the hell do you think I’m going to do to someone who threatens my wife.”
“Damn, you are taking this marriage thing seriously.”
I leaned forward, cuffed my fist around his throat and whispered with deadly intent. “Everyone will take my marriage to Ana Maria seriously, understood?”
“Yes, of course,” he choked out. I released my grip and then he dared to sputter out, “As long as she’s cared for.”
“That’s my promise to you and you know I’m a man of my word.” I sat back and waited while we submitted the proper documents to enter the private hangar. Once inside, I warned Joey, “Don’t make me regret letting this slide. I’ll be back with Ana tomorrow at the latest.”
“Is there anything you need me to do?”
“Just go back and make sure there is nothing out of place for my bride. I want her happy and you know what she likes. Please have some nice things provided at my home.”
He nodded. “That can easily be done.”
“Any funds needed, use the master account.”
“Yes, Mr. DeSalvo.”
“Good, now get out of here while I go get my bride.” I considered taking him with me, but I didn’t trust him enough to believe he wouldn’t dissuade her from marrying me. Not that it would work, but I’d hate to tarnish our marriage with his blood on my hands.
As I sat in my luxurious plane, waiting for takeoff, I thought about whether she’d like it. Did she like to fly? I had a lot of questions for her, but they’d have to wait until I’d get to see her lovely face in person.
My phone rang, and it was Mercado. “What do you have for me?”
“There is one main player who has been running two areas, Giacomo Rossi.” My eyes widened, and I wanted to snap some necks. Most didn’t know that Joey’s last name had been changed when they came over from Italy. It used to be Rossi, but their parents had debts, so they Americanized their kids’ names. Joseph and Jack Rose or like I know them to be Giuseppe and Giacomo Rossi. Her fucking father wasn’t missing. My fists were shaking. I couldn’t resist picking her up myself. There was no way that I would allow anyone else to do it, and now I was so damn grateful I did because the lies were fucking enormous.
“Do you have any other names?”
“Yes, his second is not even Italian. He’s a Mexican by the name of Perez.” So he was intentionally keeping ties to the old country out. The fucker was going to pay, but I had to figure out if Joey and my obsession were involved.
The flight dragged on as I considered my options. One thing was for sure. Regardless of her part, Ana Maria would be my bride. I chuckled to myself. Even in all his family’s attempts to hide their ethnicity he didn’t bother when it came to his daughter’s name. When my flight landed, I couldn’t get off the plane fast enough. Marco was waiting for me.
“Elio, is everything all right?”he asked as he held the door open.
“No. She wasn’t looking for a father that is missing. The bastard is playing games. He is the head of the Houston Costa Nostra.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
“Does Joey know?”
“If he does, he’s a dead man. Although as I spent hours thinking about it, the likelihood of him being aware is low. I have his contact information, so I’m going to call him.”
We stayed parked off the side of the tarmac and called Rossi. He picked up on the last ring. “Rossi.”
“Greetings from Chicago. This is Elio DeSalvo.”
“It’s a pleasure to hear from you. Have you offed my brother yet?”
“Why would I do that?”
“For his betrayal. I knew it would come soon.”
