Arranged

Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

A lejandro

Hospitals.

They were nothing more than a reminder of death and destruction. I’d seen far too many people dying in a hospital. It had all but removed my faith in doctors.

I was pacing the floor just outside the ICU, constantly recreating what had occurred only twelve hours before. The ambush had been carefully planned, which meant someone from one family or the other had talked. But to whom?

There had been no signature actions, tattoos, or open threats made by the group of men who’d managed to take both syndicates by surprise.

With Dion without a pulse for four full minutes in the ambulance and now considered critical, Don Santorelli just wheeled back to his room after having his spleen removed, and God knew what else, I was now considered the man in charge.

I’d taken it upon myself to have a different crew head to the streets to track down our informants and any word on the street. Almost no one could keep a secret and one where two ruthless syndicates were almost crippled was big news.

As soon as things were under control, I’d need to spend time talking to the men who’d been told about the meeting location and time to see if we had a breach.

Sighing, I scratched my head, continuing to pace while a stream of doctors and nurses went in and out of both ICU rooms. No expense would be spared for either man. In addition, security was tighter than ever, our soldiers roaming the hospital floors as well as keeping watch outside. No one suspicious was getting in or out without authorization.

When a doctor walked out, I moved closer. “How is he?”

“Stable. For now. The night is crucial in his recovery and he has a long road ahead, but his chances are good.” I’d been cleared as family so I could receive updates. I’d already sensed the medical professionals weren’t too keen on answering to me.

Tough shit.

“And Mr. Marcini?”

His expression shifted to something grimmer. “He lost a lot of blood, which deprived his brain of oxygen for an extended period of time. Given the extent of his injuries, we’ll need to wait and see if there’s any permanent brain damage. That’s if he survives.”

I cringed hearing the news. Dion had been about to embark on a new aspect of his life and something he’d wanted for years. More power. More control. A family.

Rage tore through me. I would hunt down and eliminate the fuckers who had done this.

“Thank you, Doctor.”

The door opened, a nurse moving silently toward us. “Mr. Banderas?”

“Yes.”

“Mr. Santorelli is asking for you.”

“Thank you.” I turned my head toward the doctor.

He threw up his hands. Obviously, the Don had laid out his rules prior to surgery. I motioned for Gio, beckoning him closer.

“Yes, sir?” Now he’d already taken to calling me sir. I wasn’t comfortable with that. I also wasn’t thrilled with his performance earlier and he knew that.

“Any breaches? Any issues?”

Gio shook his head. “None. All is quiet.”

“Word on the street?”

“Bronco is working with the men. Nothing yet. I’ll let you know as soon as I do.”

This was taking far too damn long. “Remain by the door while I have a conversation with the Don.”

“You got it, boss.”

“Gio. I’m not your boss. Not yet. Just your associate. Okay?”

“Anything you say, boss.”

Christ. More fucking politics. I headed to the door, opening it slowly. Almost immediately, Don Santorelli opened his eyes, a waning smile crossing his face.

“I understand I have you to thank for saving my life.”

“I did my job. Unfortunately, I couldn’t keep you from getting shot.”

“Do you not think I’ve been shot before, son?” He motioned to the chair.

I immediately headed toward it, keeping it facing the doorway leading to the corridor. No one was going to ambush us again. I had limited medical training, but with the various IVs and monitors, my gut told me the man had been very lucky.

“It’s my job to protect you, Don Santorelli.”

“You are the most formal of my men. I appreciate that, but it’s not necessary. Not now. How is Dion?”

“I won’t lie to you. He’s not doing very well.”

“That’s what I thought.”

“I’ve yet to find the person responsible either.” I felt guilty for that.

He nodded only once. “That will take time. Whoever is behind the ambush is not ready to come forward. Anonymity is a valuable weapon. Just be ready when he does.”

“I will be. I promise you.”

“I can always trust you, Alejandro. You make an excellent addition to the team, a true leader in a world that can become dicey from dishonesty. I value your ethics.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Which is why the decision I was forced to make wasn’t easy.”

I narrowed my eyes. “What decision?”

“Dion will undoubtably be incapacitated for an extensive amount of time. If he ever recovers. Sadly, I can’t afford to give him the time to do so.” Obviously, my emotions had changed because he lifted his hand. “I will take care of Dion both in and out of the hospital. His bills. His family. Whatever he needs. I will never abandon my men or their families. However, I need an Underboss.”

I knew what he meant. Any appearance of weakness would be used against us even if not by the perpetrator of the attack. “I understand.”

“I’m glad you do because I’m asking you to accept that position.”

“Until Dion recovers.”

“Even if he does recover. By then, my regime could have doubled and I’ll need two men as equal but tough leaders.”

Even if I wasn’t taking away Dion’s rank, I would be required to take whatever position the man wanted. To say no would mean certain death. “An honor, Don Santorelli.”

“Don’t say that too quickly. Of course there is a raise involved, additional perks as well as responsibilities.”

“I will perform them as required.”

He offered a smile. “I know you will. Now, I need a favor.”

“Anything.”

“Good. Then you will take Dion’s place marrying the daughter of Matheas Lupini. You will strengthen our alliance and at some point, you will be considered the leader of both organizations.”

“I don’t understand. Dion was supposed to marry her.”

“Things change. Sadly, sometimes in the blink of an eye. Carmella will make you a fine wife. You’ll have many children. You will be respected.”

“I’m not certain I can do that.” An immediate ache formed in my gut.

“Let me make myself perfectly clear. You can and you will.”

* * *

The overcast day had dawned much colder than normal, the brisk wind rustling the leaves. The drive hadn’t done enough to clear my head, but at least I’d had time to myself to process everything that had occurred over the last seventy-two hours. I had three crews running the streets, searching for even a rumor that might sound plausible.

It was only a matter of time before the pigs began to squeal. I could feel it in my bones.

With Don Santorelli improving and set to get his walking papers in a day or two and Don Lupini already released from the hospital, security had been increased significantly. There were additional motion detector cameras, lights and recording devices covering every wall around Don Santorelli’s estate.

In addition, Enzo Santorelli had been brought to sequester at home, much to the kid’s anger. At sixteen, he believed himself to be capable of handling any danger by himself. His arrogance made him entirely different than his father. And the kid hated me. Always had. Now, with me calling the shots, at least he had good reason to feel the way he did.

I checked the rearview mirror as I’d done several times before, ensuring that I hadn’t been followed. The entire organization was on pins and needles, fuses short as we all waited for the moment of discovery.

Whether forced or found.

The heavy ache had remained in my gut, the feeling making it difficult to breathe. I lingered at the entrance, a part of me chiding myself for not driving away. This was my life now and for all practical purposes, I was living high on the hog. That was an old saying my father had used. I had money, clout, and a place others would die for, suits handmade in Italy and a high expense account.

I also had the Don’s respect, more so now than before. It was a complete honor to be promoted and made into part of his family. For Don Santorelli to consider giving up his throne to non-blood meant he truly had no faith in Enzo. I had no say in the matter either.

A significant part of me had asked the same questions for days. Did the life I was now living beat to shit the one I’d had?

At first, the answer had been easy. Now? Not by a long shot.

The driveway was almost nonexistent, the overhanging pine trees nearly blocking out what light there was. It was the perfect place for a meeting, a mostly abandoned park that had lost funding over ten years before. Only hardcore hikers bothered to enter the jungle.

There was a single car close, but I chose not to park beside it. As I climbed out, I scanned the area, taking my small binoculars and searching the trees in a complete circle. There was no one around.

I shoved them into my pocket, once again ensuring my gun remained in the holster. Given everything that was going on, I couldn’t afford a single mistake. I tromped off the path and into the woods, mindful of the briars and fallen limbs. When I finally came to a clearing, I hesitated before advancing.

“You’re late,” Louis stated. His back remained toward me.

“I have additional responsibilities. I can’t leave without providing a decent reason why.”

He turned to face me and I was struck by how the man had changed in the months since our last meeting. His once full head of dark hair had gray at the temples and was distinctively thinner on top. He had more creases in his face and was at least twenty pounds lighter.

While it hadn’t been a bad idea for the man to lose some weight, I had a feeling the job was taking a toll.

Meanwhile, I’d bulked up by at least thirty pounds, using my off time mostly spent in the gym located in the condo or jogging a nearby track. He studied me for a few seconds, finally shaking his head.

“Do you want to tell me why you didn’t provide advance warning of the meeting between Santorelli and Lupini?”

“There wasn’t time. The address was provided to us at the last minute.”

He chuckled and finally walked closer. “If I didn’t know you better, I’d say you like living as a monster.”

At least fifty percent of me could easily agree. “In making my way up the food chain, more eyes are on me. You knew that would happen.”

“I also find it interesting just how much you’ve achieved in such a short period of time.”

“Two years is a lifetime.”

“Yes, well, I can understand why you think that. I’ve caught wind there’s a new player in town,” he said casually. Louis Franks was a decent operator, a man I’d been forced to trust over the years. As my handler, he was the only contact I had to the real world, the one I’d put on hold when accepting an undercover position.

“I’d be curious as to who you think that person is.”

“You mean you’ve yet to discover your new enemy.” He wasn’t surprised, just amused.

I raked my hand through my hair. I needed a goddamn haircut. I also needed a fucking shave, something I hadn’t done since the attack. With no sleep, little food, and scouring the streets, every other thought had been whether it was the right time to get the hell out.

In my mind, it was now or never. There was too much at stake, now including perhaps an innocent woman’s life.

“They are enjoying remaining anonymous, but that won’t last for long. It never does when powerplay is involved.”

“Well, your job is to flush him out. We were ready to make several arrests when you put a hold on doing that. Now, I need to know why.”

“Because an alliance has been formed, the two Dons willing to work together.”

His eyes reflected what I’d just told him. They were lit up like Christmas trees. I could easily tell he was bucking for a promotion within the DEA.

I couldn’t care less about heading up those ranks. I’d learned in my stint becoming Alejandro Banderas that there were as many corrupt law officials as there were criminals. Maybe more.

“Then by all means, stay inside.”

“I don’t think I can do that.”

“And why not?” Louis lifted a single eyebrow.

“Because I was made the Underboss and commanded to marry the daughter of Matheas Lupini. She’s not a part of his world, a pediatrician far removed from her criminal father. That’s not fair to her.”

“Do you really think anything about this world is or should be fair, Jeffers?”

It had been a long time since he’d used my real name. As far as I was concerned, Jeffers Sanchez was dead and buried and it would stay that way if it wasn’t for a single reason.

The man from before had been a decorated hero, someone who’d fought for his country. With his level of expertise with weaponry and communications systems and his hacking abilities, he’d been recruited by the DEA a month to the day of his discharge from the Marines.

Also given he had few ties, he’d been marked as use for underground missions, something he’d once believed in with all his heart.

Now that man no longer existed. In his place was a natural born killer.

“I’m Alejandro. Remember?” The very first scrap of information I was provided during my undercover training period was that I was to remain as my alter ego, no matter the circumstances. Arrest. Hospitalization. Nothing was to alter that.

“Ah, yes, more so now than before. You’re staying inside. With a prominent position. You’ll be handed prime information on a silver platter.”

“Possibly at the expense of innocent lives. She has a son. A four-year-old boy.”

Louis nodded several times before reaching into his coat jacket, walking even closer as he did so. “Here. I thought you might want this.”

As soon as he handed me a photograph, answers swelled from deep within my core. I turned around, coming close to hyperventilating. I’d cut all ties to my former life because I’d had no choice. None. I’d believed in the greater good, right versus wrong and the entire line of bullshit.

Now I wasn’t certain what to believe any longer.

“She just had her birthday party. Your sister had a nice little get-together with other kids in the neighborhood and a few families from her day care. From what I could tell remaining on the outside, she had a great time. Lots of presents.”

I’d forgotten all about Jessica’s birthday. What kind of man did that? What kind of father allowed his own flesh and blood to grow up with a relative, allowing his little girl to believe Daddy was in heaven?

I held the photograph against my chest, taking several shallow breaths. “You had to show me this. Didn’t you?”

“They’re safe. I’m certain you want to keep it that way.”

I spun around, reaching for the man’s neck, something I would never have done even a year before. He was shocked, fear creeping into his eyes. “You’re threatening my little girl? My sister? You fucking bastard.”

“I’m only pointing out that because of your fine acting abilities, no one is aware you’re anything but a damn good soldier. I know you don’t want anything to change that.”

“You fucking bastard. I can’t keep doing this.”

“Bring us both Santorelli and Lupini and you will no longer need to.”

“And how the fuck is that possible?”

“Like I said. You’re a damn good actor. You’re also an excellent agent. You’ll figure it out. Marry the woman. She might be your in.”

“My in. I thought I already had one.” I knew he was just doing his job, ordered by the higher-ups to keep me engaged. We’d gone through a tremendous amount of effort to place me in a position where no other agent had been before. A few had tried and ended up dead in the Hudson River, their bloated bodies eventually turning up with evidence of torture.

What I’d never felt before was the need to beat the shit out of the man. Violence was like second nature to me, driving me to a different aspect of my personality. Some would say the dark side. Any other agent who found him or herself in this position would be pulled immediately, deprogrammed in an attempt to bring them back to mainstream society.

I was too far gone and I think Louis knew it instinctively.

“You do, but this is unprecedented. If you do this, you’ll be labeled a hero.”

“And what about my family? What then?”

“We’ll relocate you.”

I laughed, taking a purposeful step back to abate my desire to punch him in the face. At this point, all that would happen was dragging me into the DEA’s version of hell. Why bother? I would never be able to return to my normal life.

“You’re a fucking piece of work, Louis. When this is done, you and I are going to have a long discussion.”

“Fine, buddy. Whatever you want.” He held out his hand. There could be no evidence anywhere of my other life.

I glanced at my daughter’s sweet face, imagining her laughter that I hadn’t heard in months. My sadness had long since faded, my ability to feel normal emotions stripped from me. I handed him the photo and took a deep breath. “If I do this, be prepared for the outcome.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means the things I’ll need to do, the men I will destroy will be by these hands.” I held up my arms to make a point.

Louis glanced away, rubbing his jaw. “Just do me a favor and try not to lose your humanity.”

I shook my head before turning around, heading back to my car. “Too late.”