Chapter 16
CHAPTER 16
A lejandro
“The SUV was targeted specifically, the occupants gunned down and the vehicle torched. There was very little left of the carcasses.” The murder of two married soldiers hadn’t set well with me. The son of a bitch responsible had learned late that night or the next morning his mission to end the alliance had failed.
Social media was the reason.
The honeymoon had been cut short. Now my bride and her son were locked away in my condo, several of my men guarding the suite and the building itself. So far in the two days since our return, there’d been no additional attempts at ending our life.
That would change soon enough. It was why today was important. Every soldier in both organizations was officially on duty.
It was the first meeting of the combined forces.
After that, I had plans on dealing with Derek. I’d found the card left at the wedding, the message keeping my rage right underneath the surface. No one talked to my woman that way.
Another strange feeling washed over me. My woman. As if I had any right to claim her. But who I was didn’t change the fact she didn’t deserve to have some asshole testing her will.
And Gabriel didn’t need an asshole as a father.
My skin prickling, I forced my attention back to how I’d handle the group of former enemies.
I didn’t like the required meeting more than any man who’d been personally invited. I’d had Gio make it abundantly clear no one could have a single decent excuse for missing. If they did, they’d soon learn why my reputation as a brutal leader was the first thing anyone said about me.
We were in a warehouse, one belonging to Lupini and his regime. With me taking the helm as tactical leader, it had seemed prudent to hold the meeting in a location owned by the other side.
Although I’d need to stop thinking of the Lupini Don and his soldiers as anything but members of the alliance.
The entire situation was amusing. Twenty-five men were standing in a crowded warehouse. There appeared to be a proverbial Red Sea in the center of the group, the space between the two former opposing sides measured in yards.
Gio stood off to one side, Drago on the other. They’d been tasked to keep the peace. However, if anyone dared turn this into a brawl, I’d have no choice but to make an example out of them. Given the rumbles and sarcastic remarks I’d already heard, I was beginning to wish someone would make a bad move.
I’d taken the liberty of providing art so any asshole who acted as if they didn’t understand my verbal directions could have their hand held. While crude in nature compared to the complex graphics I and my previous team had once worked with, I was forced to remind myself not all the men had IQs over ninety if that.
The colorized whiteboard had been placed behind me. The pictures would be scrubbed before we left. There was to be no evidence of our meeting or what we discussed.
I studied the group as a few grew hot under the collar. I’d been trained by a man while serving my country who’d taught me early on to keep my mouth shut and my ears open. The best way of learning about anyone, either friend or foe, was listening. But being a good listener also involved paying close attention to physical tics and other traits. Body language told a lengthy story.
After a few minutes of my utter silence, almost the entire group had grown antsy. They were standing in decent suits, every one of them carrying at least one weapon. And at this point, they were ready to hold a standoff as if shifting back in time to the battle at the OK Corral.
I found it somewhat amusing, but at least it allowed me to know what I was dealing with.
After tossing both Gio and Drago a look, I was ready to begin. I knew instantly Drago would be a problem, but I’d deal with him privately if necessary.
“Listen up,” I said. The loud boom of my voice seemed to surprise more than few. Since I rarely talked, not every man on my crew had any idea what my voice sounded like. Not all of them shut up.
I simply walked into the crowd, taking my time doing so. One thing I’d learned from Don Santorelli was that fear was a deep emotion that could be easily evoked by a look given from across a room.
The soldiers squashed their conversations, a few of them taking a step or two further away from me.
“As I said, listen. Do not talk. I don’t have all day, but you need to be made aware of the situation at hand.” I took the time to study each and every man’s face before returning to my perch. It felt like I was their fucking teacher.
I almost snorted from the thought.
“We have an unknown enemy determined to bring both our houses down. That’s not going to happen.”
“Then we kill the fucker,” one of the men from Lupini’s side muttered. Half the group laughed.
I took a deep breath and Gio was instantly shifting from one foot to another. He’d learned first and foremost how much I loathed being interrupted.
“Yes, we will, but we can’t do that until he locks down his lair. In order to feel free to go hunting, we need to have a solid wall of protection around both Don Lupini’s and Don Santorelli’s families and every business owned. That means round the clock shifts, which will stretch us.”
“Some of us are due for a vacation.” I’ll be damned if it wasn’t one of my men, a good soldier who’d been around for years. Hell, he’d taught me a few things.
I slowly turned my head in his direction. “Until this is done, no one gets any time off. We will find the person or persons responsible. We will protect the merchandise and the two regimes. And we will keep our heads about us doing so. However, if we need to remove some cockroaches, then we will. Just remember, we’re not trying to start a bloodbath in Chicago.”
“Why the fuck not?”
The man’s voice echoed. He dared take a step closer. I didn’t budge, but when I stretched, his eyes fell to the two weapons I had in holsters. He seemed to realize the error of his ways, backing down.
“Because the last thing we need is law enforcement breathing down our necks. You’re the top of the crew and you’re going to lead your men. Lupini soldiers, you will handle security of the residences and businesses. Santorelli crew, you’ll be in charge of scouring the streets, rattling our informants and taking photographs and notes of anything that seems out of the ordinary. I have some schematics for you to look at, formations you are to maintain while surrounding the buildings.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were ex-military,” Drago said from beside me.
I wasn’t here to roast the man, but I turned toward him, giving him my full attention. His head was cocked, a knowing smile on his face. I reminded myself to check his background. If I read his body language, I’d say he’d served his country as well. “The best trained men obtain their teachings from anywhere and from everyone they can. I’ve had very special teachers, men and women who would cut every one of you down to mincemeat within seconds.”
A few men laughed. Drago turned red, huffing and puffing, but doing the right thing in giving me a nod of respect. He and I would no doubt have words later.
That was fine with me.
“Are there any questions?” I asked, taking another few seconds to eyeball everyone.
“Yeah, how is the pussy?”
There were a few things from day one I’d learned never to mention to anyone and that included mention of the Don’s family. Not in a good or bad way.
The offending soldier was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed as if he didn’t give a shit about a thing I had to say.
My reaction was instantaneous and without a hint of remorse. I grabbed the handle of my knife, pitching it toward the man. The shock of my throw caught him before the pain rushed to his system.
I’d pinned him to the wall by the blade driven into his shoulder.
The entire group of men backed away as if the soldier was on fire. I didn’t need to look them directly in the eyes to know they were impressed and momentarily terrified.
As the soldier shrieked, Gio sighed from beside me. I headed toward the injured soldier, standing only a few feet away. “There is something that’s vital within this newly combined regime.” I kept my voice loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. “That’s called respect. I will not tolerate any man disrespecting anyone else. Is that clear?”
The crowd stayed quiet. I kept my stare on the injured man, smiling slightly from the fear in his eyes.
“I said. Is. That. Clear?”
“Yes, boss. Yes, sir. Yes. Of course.”
The answers were different, but all the same. It would be some time before one of them crossed me again.
But they would.
And I’d deal with it.
I took a deep breath, narrowed my eyes, and yanked out the knife. The soldier issued a single cut-off whimper before grabbing his shoulder and moving as far away from me as possible.
“Dismissed.”
The crowd dispersed, several heading toward the whiteboard.
I wiped the knife on my trousers and noticed Drago was walking in my direction. He sized me up before sneering.
“I don’t like you, Banderas. You’re not a straight shooter. There’s something wrong with you and I will find out what that is. When I do, I’m going to gut you like a pig.”
I moved within two inches of his face. “You do that, my friend. Just keep in mind, many have underestimated me. That was the last thing they accomplished before their one-way ticket straight to hell.”
* * *
“Carmella and her son are safe?” Don Santorelli asked.
“Yes, they’re safe. Carmella isn’t happy being locked away as you might imagine.”
He chuckled. “Independent women do not like being told what to do.”
“Especially this one.” After learning of the fake couple’s murder, my bride had become withdrawn, barely tolerating me touching her. I could understand her reservations. Coming to terms with the world you’d attempted to leave was difficult.
That much at least I comprehended.
“I’m just getting used to your style of management.” Don Santorelli’s voice held a dark quality not unlike it did when handling an issue. “You’re tough, even more so than I was at your age.”
I’d been summoned to his office after word of how I’d handled the combined meeting had surfaced. My plans for Derek would need to wait.
I stood in front of his desk while he remained staring out the window of his office. While he continued to recover from the earlier shooting, he’d done everything in his power to put up a quiet, controlled appearance. Wedding pictures had already surfaced on the internet, mostly the product of guests sharing them on their social media.
We hadn’t decided to forbid cameras in the room, using the ceremony as a lure to draw out whoever was responsible. I knew better than anyone the plan could easily backfire.
“We need to be prepared for an attack,” I said, keeping my voice low. “Toughness is often necessary when you’re uncertain of your enemy.”
He said nothing at first, quietly sipping on his brandy even though it was barely three in the afternoon. I had to wonder what his doctors would think about his consumption.
“Agreed, but be careful, Alejandro. Currently, you’re respected, but I don’t want that to change. Toughness can sometimes be misconstrued for arrogance, a belief that you are better than everyone else. You’re far too valuable to this organization for me to lose.”
“I don’t plan on going anywhere.”
The Don turned, his steps as he moved around his desk stiffer than before. His face was also paler than at the wedding. The man was stressed. We all were.
“What I’m about to say can’t be shared to anyone, your new wife included. While I believe Don Lupini has his daughter’s best interest at heart, caring about her welfare is a backburner item. He has too much to lose in this game of power.”
I didn’t need to be told her father was a piece of work. I’d already witnessed it. I found myself bristling after he made the statement. No one would ever disparage her. “He’s set in his ways.”
“Yes, the old ways. Much like I’ve been my entire life. In turn, I’ve alienated my son. I’m not proud of doing so, but as you’ve witnessed time and time again, he’s not fit for command. But he will be. One day. Under your tutelage. I’ve tried to teach him about the business but he’s… Different. He doesn’t want to take responsibility.” There was a hint of sadness in the man’s eyes.
I felt more uncomfortable than ever. Enzo had given me the cold shoulder, acting as if I was the enemy.
Maybe the kid had a sixth sense that should be paid more attention to.
“I’ll do what I can, Don Santorelli.”
He laughed. “I know you will and I think at this point you can call me Luis. You are basically my adopted son, a man I admire. I’ve said that about very few men in my life.” As he walked by his desk, he grabbed a file. His eyes never left mine as he approached. “This is for you to keep locked in a safe place. No one but my Consigliere knows of its existence and he’s bound by attorney privileges to keep it as a secret until his death.”
I stared down at it, hesitant to accept it. “What is this?”
“Alejandro, you’ve never come across as a man who would ever refuse to accept a single assignment. Don’t fail me now. This is a worst-case scenario, but had to be put in place. My regime is far too important to allow to slip into just anyone’s hands.”
I accepted the file, taking a deep breath before opening it. The documentation could be considered the keys to the kingdom. The ironclad contract as well as additional paperwork indicated his entire empire would be transferred to me, my status changed to the Don of the organization should anything happen to him. I lifted my head, uncertain how to react.
“Don’t be shy, boy. That’s beneath you as well. You earned this. My trust. My loyalty. And my respect. You are a natural born leader in this world and as such, you’re the correct choice. Great leaders know when to use compassion and to never allow their emotions to overrule what’s required and necessary. I see that in you. Now, I will admit if Dion recovers, he will have a difficult time processing the turn of events, but I’ve made my choice. I would anticipate you’ll need his counsel should things go south.”
Well, Jesus F. Christ. This wasn’t what I’d expected.
“I’m honored, Don Santorelli. I won’t let you down.”
He took the time to clap my arm, nodding several times. “I know you won’t. Now, there is a single caveat and one I weighed carefully.”
I’d yet to read over every addendum to the contract. From what I could tell, it was completely legal and forthright. “That is?”
“I waited to see how the wedding occurred, the connection between you and Carmella. From what I witnessed, I know you’ll be a very strong couple, more powerful together than you would be apart. For that reason, in order for this contract to go forth and continue, you must remain married to Carmella for no less than ten years, producing at least one heir. At that time, anything can happen in a marriage. I know that far too well.”
The man had ceremoniously put together an empire that would continue into the future. In other words, he’d found the perfect pawns. Could I lie and say the thought of becoming the Don wasn’t appealing? Fuck, no.
“My lovely, vivacious wife might have something to say about this.”
His laugh was boisterous, but he coughed immediately afterward, throwing out his arm when I took a step closer. “I’m fine, Alejandro. Just residual effects. Like you, I don’t plan on going anywhere any time soon, but I’ve learned to be prudent. Having an alternative plan in place is vital. As far as Carmella, one reason I condoned the marriage was because you needed a stronger companion by your side. You see, my boy. Women truly run the world. But only if you work together. They can also be conniving and vindictive. I’ve also learned that the hard way.”
He had me laughing. “She is… her own woman.”
“Yes, but all women can be tamed. To a point. It’s doubtful you’ll break her spirit. In truth, I would hate for you to do so, but I don’t see you as that kind of man. The two of you will make for an explosive team. Just do me one favor. Don’t allow my son to go to the dark side.”
The dark side. I almost laughed for an entirely different reason. The kid was a hellion at best, refusing to play by the rules, getting himself kicked out of private school more than once. “I’ll do my best. However, he’s not…”
“Happy. Or grateful. Or polite. Or considerate. That’s one reason his trust fund will be locked down until he’s twenty-five. But he is my son. I love him very much. Sadly, that’s something he will never care about or even acknowledge. I know you can make a difference in his life. I feel it in my bones. Please take him under your wing.”
I slowly dropped my head as required for a respectful nod. “Yes, sir. I will honor your request and work with him. I will also protect him with my life.”
“You’re a good man, Alejandro. A very good man. I’m proud to call you my son. Now, go be with your wife. I know you’re house hunting. Just remember the safehouse is there for a reason.”
“You anticipate vicious retaliation.”
Sighing, he nodded and glanced away. “Maybe sooner than we think.”
Why did I have a feeling he knew who was behind the attack? “I’ll keep a close eye. Thank you, Don Santorelli.”
“Don’t fail me. Betrayal is… It’s the worst thing for any family.”
“Yes, sir. I’m well aware.” As I headed for the door, my blood cooled. Betrayal was something I hadn’t thought about until the last few months. Up until then, I hadn’t cared.
But now? Now, everything was different.
After all, I was a married man.
* * *
I continued reminding myself about my marriage as Gio and I headed into the lobby of a skyscraper office building in downtown Manhattan.
“Who is this pinhead again?” Gio asked.
“Gabriel’s father.” I wasn’t in the mood to answer but so many questions. What I was about to do needed to be handled carefully and would likely piss Carmella off, but I couldn’t have Derek thinking he could waltz into her life, and now mine any time he felt like it.
Plus, his wedding card had been rude.
“An asshole?”
We strode into the elevator and I adjusted my jacket. “You got it.”
He cracked his knuckles and I chuckled. “Then we’ll have some fun.”
“Only a warning, Gio. I don’t think it’s fair for Gabriel to grow up without a father.”
“Isn’t that what you’re going to be?”
The question hit me hard. “Not the same.”
I had nothing else to say as we headed for the top floor. The man was in risk management assessment, his clients some of the wealthiest in the city. Too bad he hadn’t mitigated the risk factor prior to sending the ugly note.
Gio knew better than to push me about the subject, merely tagging along behind as I pushed my way into the reception area.
“Can I help you?” she asked.
“I’m here to see Derek Bloom.”
“Do you have an appointment?”
“I do now. Where is his office?”
She was immediately flustered. “You can’t see him without an appointment.”
“I’ll ask you one more time nicely. Where is his office?” While I kept a smile on my face, I sensed my eyes were a clear indication of my intent.
The receptionist, trembling, pointed down one of two hallways. “Last door on the right.”
“Thank you very much. Oh, and we do not want to be disturbed.”
“Understood,” she breathed and backed away.
How could I be that menacing in an Armani suit? Both Gio and I took long strides down the corridor until we reached the end. I knocked once and threw open the door.
Only to find Derek somewhat cozy with a blonde chick sitting on his desk. She was fiddling with his tie, playfully tugging on it while she giggled.
His eyes opened wide and he jerked to his feet. Obviously, he knew who I was. “Shannon. Why don’t you head back to your office? We can talk about this later.”
Shannon glared at me before shifting her gaze toward Gio. I sensed my Capo wasn’t attempting to play nice. She finally left, keeping her head down while doing so.
Derek had regained some of his resolve, smoothing his jacket while his upper lip curled in a snarl. “You can’t just barge into my office this way, Mister…”
“You know who I am, Derek, as well as what I can and will do, which means you’re completely aware that I was recently married to a very special woman, a woman you tossed aside. Now, while you might have spawned a child, I understand you want nothing to do with him, but you don’t mind harassing the woman you treated like garbage. Am I correct in my assessment?”
His entire face was pinched. “You’re a fucking lunatic.”
“That might also be true. In fact, it is. Given that I’ve admitted it, I think you understand that your wedding gift was completely inappropriate.” At least the son of a bitch had the good sense to cringe. Even his face turned red.
“Fine. Okay. Fine.”
“Well, see? That wasn’t so hard.” I moved closer, adjusting his tie for him. “From now on, you’re going to be a very good boy and stay away from my wife. No notes. No cards. No phone calls. No emails. No texts. You’re also going to ensure from now on Gabriel is treated like your son. A present every once in a while. A visit at least once a month. All when my beautiful wife deems it acceptable of course. If you do that, I think I can assure you’ll have a happy life. If not…” I turned my head toward Gio who snorted on cue. “If not, then the deranged side of me will pay you a visit next time. Do we understand each other?”
Derek swallowed first before nodding.
I patted his tie, made certain I had a smile on my face, and stepped away. “Good boy. I know I can count on you because the alternative isn’t pleasant. Now, have a nice day.”
As we walked out, a few of the employees shied away from us, including the lovely receptionist. It would seem my reputation preceded me.
“That was some fancy shit back there, boss,” Gio said as I hit the down button on the elevator.
“I learned a long time ago you can get more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.”
He laughed. “Exactly what my mama used to say.”
Funny how women always knew better.