“Fine,” she huffs.“But I’m not the one being threatened.”
I’m just glad she gave in quickly.Tacitus hangs up, and he and Roar get as much information from Ruth as they can.Roar then makes a visit to Don and finds out that there are more store owners who are being intimidated.The common denominator is that the owners are all older, in their late sixties and seventies, and all own Ma & Pa-type shops.Small businesses with longtime customers and have been part of the community for decades.Bronson is preying on these shops to either sell out to him for a song or allow them to run their drugs through their shops like they were planning to do with mine.It’s despicable, and I’m nauseated by the thought that I once thought Bronson could be a good guy, maybe even a friend.
Motown
Tessa isn’t herself when Roar brings her back to the compound.She’s quiet, unnaturally so, and I can feel the sadness pouring out of her.It makes me want to hunt Bronson down and throttle him with my bare hands, which is probably what I should have done the first time I saw his smug face and realized he thought he was the king shit.
Tessa barely eats dinner and goes up to our room.I’d go with her, but Hawk needs me, and Reno has arrived and is sitting in Hawk’s office with Guard and a few others.There’s too much happening tonight.Logan’s call is supposed to be coming through too.War and Risk, along with Flex, have their eyes peeled on the hotel, along with some of Reno’s soldiers.If things turn bad, they’re going in to get Logan out of there, hopefully alive.
Chapter18
Mousetrap
Motown
I’ve never met Reno Viale, but I know the power he wields in the Mafia families.He’s one of four dons who have come together and reign over a great deal of territory.He’s lethal, and so are his brothers, but he does it with class.He looks like he stepped out ofGQmagazine, and is as calm as could be, like this is just another walk in the park.
Reno came with Risk, and it’s clear that these two men have a history together.Risk is relaxed and even jokes with Reno.I’m sure there are very few men who could do that without having their throats slit.
Guard greets him with a warm handshake and a smile.Hawk is more guarded, and he should be, because a lot is riding on this meeting.Reno senses the tension in the room.He looks around, making eye contact with Hawk, then he extends his hand, waiting for Hawk to take it.
Reno says, “Risk speaks highly of you and your club.I speak freely because I believe that we need to start off on the right foot.I’m here as a favor to Risk, but also because I don’t like involving innocent people in drug smuggling.It’s a thriving business, and I won’t lie and tell you otherwise, but knowing the score and agreeing to play by the rules is very different from conning a woman and taking over her livelihood.”
Reno speaks matter-of-factly, and for that, he gets Hawk’s respect.Hawk says, “We just found out he’s threatening the older storefront owners with burning down their shops if they don’t comply.Bronson’s a piece of work.”
“I’ve done a little research of my own on Bronson.He’s making other colleagues of mine very uncomfortable.Bronson is dealing directly with the Bratva, and his suppliers will find themselves without product very soon.Alessio and Raffaele will become very angry when they find out the Bratva is carrying product through their territories,” Reno says.“This works in our favor because this man, Bronson, will quickly discover that he has nothing to sell.”Reno gives a smirk that would rattle any normal person.
Hawk takes a seat next to Reno.We all gather around, the Hawk turns to me.“Fill Reno in on what’s happening and quick.We have no idea when the call is coming.”
“Name’s Motown,” I say, introducing myself.“Earlier today, we were able to get close enough to the hotel to see if we could find out where they were holding Logan.Demon came prepared, and we were able to spot Logan in a room on the third floor.He was by the window, and I saw him making gestures with his hand.He was signing.”
“He’s deaf?”Reno asks.
“No, but his sister was.He learned to communicate with her.I recognized it because I knew someone a long time ago and had learned some.He was sending a message.Logan is going to get one chance to make a call and set up a meet for tomorrow.I sent him my number.When he calls, we’ve got to be ready.”
“How the hell did you give him your number?”Reno asks.
“Reflective light into his window.I flashed the light using Morse code for each digit.I just hope to God he got my message.”I breathe out heavily.
Drifter puts his hand on my shoulder.“You did good, brother.If it weren’t for you, Logan would be hanging in the wind.”
“Decker knows Logan best,” Hawk says and jerks his head to Decker.“Bronson’s not stupid.He’s going to verify you know him.”He turns to Decker.“Sit next to Reno.Pad and paper are right in front of you.Write fast, and Reno will respond.”
“Bronson might not—” Risk starts, but Hawk quickly counters.
“He will.He knows we’re on to him.The minute Bronson threw the firebomb close to the club, he knew it would be war.He’s waiting for an attack, and Logan showing up will have him wondering if he’s being set up.That’s why we have to get it right.Logan’s life might depend on it,” Hawk states firmly.
The minutes tick by.Then hours pass until my phone finally rings.I quickly set it on the table, leaving it for Reno to answer.
“Hello, Logan,” Reno answers.
Instantly, Reno’s brother Sebastian jumps in to assist.“Hell, Reno, is that Logan?Hey, man, good to hear from you.”
“Hey back, bro.I’d love to chat more, but I need a word with Reno about important business,” Logan answers calmly, catching the clue that Reno is his supplier contact.
“No sweat.Catch ya later,” Sebastian replies, and looks to Reno, who nods.
“What can I do for you, Logan?”Reno asks.
