Page 23 of A Capo’s Love: Featuring A Don’s Love

“Product,” My jaw rolled. “He’s trying to push distribution again out of boredom, pushing back his pending retirement to keep busy. I guess it’s the thrill that keeps him holding on when his time has passed.”

“That means he’s stepping on toes in advance without considering what’s at hand,” Domino’s voice elevated.

“Bingo,” I whispered nodding my head.

“It’s not expansion, it’s creating competition which can turn into unnecessary wars.” I lightly schooled them to something I was sure they already knew.

“So, millions taken from under us,” Matteo clarified with a tight face. “Then he lied to use it to move weight without permission.”

“That’s not business, that’s disrespect.” Roy’s rugged voice cut through the room.

“I’ll handle it,” he added.

I glanced over at his dark eyes before there was a tap at the door. Roy handling something could be just as deadly as me saying I’ll take care of it. He scooted his chair back, buttoned his jacket then calmly walked over to the double doors. All eyes were trained on the door. Roy slapped hands and pulled Brutus in for a brotherly hug before letting him step into the room fully.

Next, the energy shifted, then in walked Monster Decebal. He looked like a living nightmare from hell. Cloaked in black clothes that matched the color of his skin, he said nothing as his all-black Timbs guided him to the corner of the room. With his back to the wall, his black eyes traveled over the room in acknowledgment before landing on me.

I nodded my head in recognition then eyed the men around my table. I dared anyone to show fear from Monster’s presence or else they didn’t belong amongst us. Monster had the type of aura that scared grown men. He made people look away in fear of him becoming their new boogey man.

Monster’s security was so precise that it turned powerful men like me and Roy into ghosts. I respected what he built on his own. His company didn’t just guard people, they erased vulnerabilities. His actions made up for his lack of talking. I looked back over at Brutus, aka Brutal, who stood next to Roy.

He was Roy’s friend and one of the few people Roy trusted outside Bonetti blood. They met young, back when Roy still had a version of life that I never got to experience from being homeschooled. Roy got to get out more and explore, meet people, and create long standing relationships just from being in public school and different sports growing up.

Our eyes connected, just as I lifted my hands and signed.

“Your floor.”

Roy nodded once then stepped forward.

“Most of you are aware of my personal bodyguard, Brutal. Who you don’t know is Monster Decebal.” He nudged his head in Monster’s direction.

“His security make sure people like us stay breathing long enough to keep doing business, create immediate families, and start our legacy by having kids.” Roy smirked.

“His men will start rotating coverage across our properties starting this week,” Roy continued, glancing over at Matteo first.

“Finance offices first.”

Matteo nodded one.

Roy’s attention went to Domino.

“Transport hubs second.”

Domino tapped his chest twice.

Roy kept moving through the table like he already mapped this conversation before arriving, even though I called the meeting randomly.

“Night operations third.” He looked over at Rico.

“Long overdue,” Rico spoke lowly.

“Our men won’t be replaced… Monster’s men will coordinate directly with our internal discipline structure… reinforcing our blind spots that matter because we all know pride and cockiness can kill even a tightly knitted organization faster than a bullet,” Roy finished his statement and stepped back.

He never was the one to overtalk nor over explain. Monster finally stepped off the wall slowly. He stepped three inches away from our table with a permanent scowl creasing his brows.

“The Don and Capo remain primary… Disrespect and more than the job description of what my company offers will not be tolerated. Any grievances you have with Monster’s Inc, take it up with your Don or Capo, and they will speak with me.” He stepped back soon as the last words left his mouth.

“Thank you, Monster and Brutal for joining us,” I whispered out roughly.