Page 126 of More Tricks

“Make sure you’re listening to her words, Bev,” Tommaso commented from where he was leaning against the door frame. “That is one of the most dangerous women in the criminal world who’s also known for never calling a bluff.”

“You’re going to let her do this to me, Tommy?” Beverly cried, fear making her words shaky.

Tommaso looked at her with sympathy. “Some lessons you need to learn the hard way, even if you are my sister.”

Well fuck, why the hell did she have to be his sister? How could he let her act this way in the first place? Damn, let's hope Sergio doesn’t witness this. Then there he was. So much for that wishful thinking.

“What the hell is going on here?” Sergio roared. “Unhand my daughter right this moment.”

“No, Dad,” Tommaso cut in, resting a hand on his father’s arm. “She got herself into this mess, and Dax has every right to correct her. We’ve warned her the world we live in doesn't suffer fools lightly. She didn’t listen.”

Hmm, maybe this guy is who we need to fill the spot when Diego is gone. First things first, I had to deal with Beverly dearest.

“Listen to your brother, Bev, because next time, you might do something that’s going to actually get you killed,” I commented. “Having more respect for yourself and others might be a good place to start. All of this could have been avoided if you’d just treated me the same. Not to mention, you might want to change your viewpoint on other women. It’s the twenty-first century, and we’re more than able to be badasses in the world. Stop selling yourself short.”

Giving her a shove toward her father, I released her. “If I were you, I’d stop letting her look like a hooker at work and sleeping with everyone in the office. Not that I have anything against a woman with a high sex drive, I take issue when it's used as manipulation. Fuck whoever you want as long as it’s your idea and because you want it, Beverly. I know how the old-school mafia men like to keep their women in a certain role. If you ever need an out, call me. I’ll find a place for you in the Hidden Empire.”

Grabbing my mug, I headed out of the break room and back to the conference room, where my guys looked a little peeved. I gave them a sheepish smile and pointed to the mug. “Really needed coffee.”

“Sit down,” Wes ordered, pointing to the chair I’d been seated in before. “Something tells me that’s not all that happened.”

“Fun fact, Beverly, the chick with the boobs is Tommaso’s sister,” I shared while taking a sip of my coffee. “Damn, this is good. I’m gonna need to ask what it is so we can get some.”

“For the love of God,” Picasso groaned. “Spitfire, I realize you believe you can fix any situation with enough sass and a sharp blade, but please tell me you didn’t fuck this up for us.”

Before I could answer, Tommaso walked in with two new men in addition to his father. Valter, I knew instantly. He’d been a man we’d watched for a long time. The older Italian man was dapper as ever in his nice suit, dyed black hair fooling no one, and cane to help with his limp. It’s always wise to keep tabs on threats to your business or others in case a coup ever did happen.

The other man wasn’t someone I recognized and that had me slightly worried. Wes had made sure to keep track of all the big players in Valter’s top crew.

He was about the same age as Valter, tanned skin, a head of neatly maintained white hair along with a matching full beard, and intelligent brown eyes. He looked at me as if he knew exactly who I was, putting me even more on alert.

“Thank you for waiting. I felt it was in all our best interests for those in power to be here for this conversation. Dax, I assume you already know Valter Lombardo, Don of the Italian mafia based here in Boston,” Sergio introduced, then gestured to the other addition. “This is François Amato, a close and valued friend visiting from Italy to attend your fight this weekend.”

My jaw dropped when I heard the name. “Wait,” I blurted. “Are you the same François that knows Harper?”

“Si, such a lovely friend you have in Miss Peirson,” François answered with a genuine smile. “Those boys are incredibly lucky they put a ring on her before I had a chance to make a move.”

I tried to keep the surprise off my face at this news, but I hadn’t exactly told her about my change in status either. “I can see she made quite the impression, must mean she really liked you. Otherwise, you wouldn't think so fondly of her and her sharp tongue.”

“Ah, that is where you are mistaken, Mrs. Blackmore. I quite liked how bold she was. While she might be new to the game, she’s got an instinct for it that you can’t teach,” he shared with a chuckle. “But we are not here to discuss these matters, and I do not wish to take up Valter’s time with idle chatter.”

“My apologies,” I said, turning to Valter. “I realize what it means that you’ve come to speak with us directly, and I promise this will be worth your time.”

We all took our seats once more and Wes pulled out the paperwork that had been given to us, explaining what else was found while doing our own research. The men listened and looked over everything, allowing us time to speak before asking their questions. While this was what we’d hoped would happen, my stomach churned with the knowledge they could take all this information and cut us out of the deal completely. Or just kill us. That was always an option when it came to the mafia.

“What of Marco?” Valter asked, his voice deep and raspy.

“Once we cut off any connections he has to getting goods in and out of the US, sending him running to wherever he’s hiding, then I’ll kill him. The hardest part of trapping a rat is anticipating where they’ll show up. With all other avenues taken from him, he’ll be so fucking pissed at me he’s bound to make a mistake,” I offered. “Marco’s one and only goal is to take me down because I’ve been the biggest thorn in his side. He blames me for the Tesoro Cartel almost being destroyed while his father still ran things.”

Valter watched me with a calculating gaze. “What is it you want from us? I’m sure you’re not doing this out of the kindness of your heart.”

“My goal is to get Diego out of power. Being able to fill the void he would leave is a bonus. Something I would like to see happen and feel would benefit us both is a friendship. I don’t want anything to do with your business or to build an alliance that has to be drawn up in contracts. That being said, I feel like a healthy respect for each other would go a long way for both groups. Just think about the benefits of having the ability to call up the person who controls the whole West Coast if you’re having a problem,” I said, leaning forward on the table, looking both at Tommaso and Valter. “Friends like us are very good to have in our world, wouldn’t you say?”

That finally got the old man to crack a smile. “Yes, I would agree with you on that.” His expression sobered slightly as he also leaned forward. “Yet it is hard for me to believe that you don’t want a more vested stance in this power play.”

“You want to know what I’m really getting out of this? Fine, I get the satisfaction that finally I get to stomp out Diego, who’s been trying to undermine me the moment I got any real power. He tried to blame his son’s death on me when he’s the one who had him killed. Between him and Marco, they’ve blown up my house, gone after my best friend, and tried to kill me on numerous occasions. Being able to help place the person who will take over so the De León Cartel can never rise…” I leaned back with a smirk. “Well, that’s just the icing on the cake. Just imagine when his flesh and blood is his demise.”

Tommaso snorted, returning my grin. “It’s clear how you’ve managed to get where you are today. Your mind sees everything from all angles and will pull from any direction to get the piece that will solve the problem. If we are to consider friendship, you and I, then allow me to ask a few questions.”