Chapter 37
THIRTY-SEVEN
“S o what’re we going to do?” Haldon asks as we walk across the docks together. The wind whips past us as we pace towards our respective cars, leaving an ominous atmosphere we all need to push through.
Our mole was right about a shipment coming in tonight. Unfortunately, we got here too late. The Russians beat us to it, and it’s all left us feeling a little on edge. We’d hoped to beat them to the container to get a look at what they were bringing in, but all that’s been left is traces of a pink powder, none of us knowing exactly what it is.
Haldon has an idea, but until he gets confirmation on what the product is, we need to keep our wits about us. A new product is about to hit the streets—if it hasn’t already—and that’s treading on all of our toes. Haldon’s, especially.
“We know the Russians are the ones bringing it in, we just need to figure out who they’re handing off to.” Roman rubs his palms together, glancing at us both. “I’ll see what our mole knows, but this needs to be shut down before anyone gets hurt.”
“What about Milo?” I ask, which apparently takes them all by surprise. I don’t know why. We all know that Milo has something to do with this, or he might know something.
“Do you know why he’s working for the Russians?” Haldon questions, quirking a brow.
“Not specifically,” I sigh. “To be honest, I’m not sure he’d even tell me.”
Over the past week, I’ve given little thought to what I'm going to do about my situation with Milo. After the incident with Alanis, it gave me food for thought ,and I hate to say the taste is bitter on the tongue. Milo put himself in a position that could’ve had him killed if I were anyone else, but he trusted me enough to tell me. It’s stupid, if you ask me, but kudos to him for taking the leap.
I just wish I had the balls to let him in. That’s the problem with this life, you trust very few people. Despite the famous saying about keeping your enemies closer than your friends, I’m not really sure what category Kyrovsky belongs in. The only thing I do know is that having him close is better than not at all. But my damn stubborn self won’t allow it. He fucked up—more than once—and I don’t forgive that easily.
“See what you can find out, and we’ll go from there,” Roman tells me.
Our footsteps fill the profound silence, breaking apart our thoughts. We have so much we need to do to get back on track. The Russians are still a threat, Milo is still a grey area, and even with Prescott out of the picture, Alanis is still a target.
I’m pissed that Prescott got such a painless death. Roman’s trigger finger isn’t exactly forgiving, but I wish he’d made it hurt enough to satisfy the rage and guilt simmering beneath my skin. Prescott deserved more than a bullet to the head.
Thankfully, none of this shit has deterred my twin. She’s going forward with the NYPD, which I have profound respect for. She’s not one to take a beating and let it get to her. In true Bonanno style, she’s allowed it to fuel her, making her even more determined to succeed. Not even Dad was at all surprised; in fact, he practically ordered her to stay in the program and see it out.
Even with all their differences and clashing similarities, Dad still wants his daughter to do well. Not just for him or the family, but for herself.
But let’s not forget how it’ll benefit us all to have someone on the inside. I’m not saying she’ll be a dirty cop, but she’s still my sister. Ultimately, we need to keep her safe, and she’s made it clear that she’s going to be doing the same.
As we reach our cars, Haldon grabs Roman’s arm, halting our steps. “Everything is set in place,” he states, holding out a set of keys and a card.
Roman smiles as he takes them and fist-bumps him. “Thanks, bro.”
“So you’re really doing it?” I ask.
“If you’re still good with it,” he replies.
I shrug in response, turning my attention back to Haldon. “What's security like?”
“Private,” Haldon answers automatically. I know it’s not his first rodeo; it’s a Gambino trait to have extensive security. His own apartment is like Fort Knox, complete with guards holding AK-47s that circle like vultures. Even Uncle Hunter’s place could contend with the White House in terms of security.
Haldon continues reeling off the security features of Roman’s new place, while I feel a sense of emptiness take hold of me. Even though my best friend has spent more time at my sister’s place than mine since he came back, his company was refreshing. After five years of irregular visits, it’s nice to have our best friend back in the fold, but having him move out so soon has me feeling a little hollow.
“Nobody is getting in or out without your say so,” Haldon finally finishes, glancing at me for what looks like approval.
He doesn’t need me questioning his skills when it comes to that. Out of all of us, Haldon is the most meticulous when it comes to safety, so I have no qualms about my sister moving to a place that he’s set up himself.
“You’re sure you’re good with this?” Roman asks me.
“It’s your death wish,” I laugh. “You can still crash at my place if you change your mind.”
“Is this your way of saying you’re going to miss me?” he teases.
Curling my fist, I send it into his shoulder, shaking my head. “I’m just saying, you’ll have your work cut out with Lani. She’s not the easiest to live with.”
Roman rolls his eyes. “You forget, I’ve practically been living with her for the last month.”
“And how’s that going?”
Pulling out a cigarette, he lights it up and takes a long drag, the cherry lighting up his features. “I’ve got no complaints,” he smirks.
I ignore the not-so-subtle innuendo, resisting the urge to bite back like I know he wants me to. Instead, I make my way to my car, swinging the door to my Mercedes open. Roman and Haldon continue talking—probably about Roman’s new living arrangements—while I slide into the car.
I’m happy for my best friend and sister, I really am. Even though their entire relationship is built upon their toxic attraction and chaotic love, this’ll be good for them both. Alanis will be safe, Roman has somewhere permanent to live, and we can focus on business as usual.
But those thoughts still don’t replace the hollowness seeping in.