Chapter 18
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Rush
I don’t answer right away. If older brothers are good at one thing, it’s telling you why you’re wrong.
“Of course he’s going to war,” Triston answers. “Vigo is a problem that needs to be solved quickly.”
I move back to the table and return to my chair.
Win is the oldest and the man who both decided we should go into business together and financed the initial projects.
But Triston has actually built the business from the ground up.
And as the second brother, he is forever attempting to gain dominance over Win.
“We are not in the business of war,” Win growls. “We leave that for the Americans like Mason Kincaid.”
The smart play is for me to allow them to make all the arguments for me. Killian enters the room, his face looking as black as I’ve ever seen it. “Change of plans,” he rumbles. “I’m not following Vigo anymore; I’ll remain here should he get uppity and decide to attack.”
“Good idea,” Win rumbles. “Because we all know he’s going to.”
“What I want to know,” Triston chimes in, “is who is Gigi?”
Fuck. I’d forgotten they were on the line when I’d asked Rachel about Gigi’s past.
“She’s off limits,” Killian rumbles.
The line clicks and my brother Ryker speaks. “Sorry I’m late. What are we discussing?”
Newly married, Ryker is frequently late these days.
“Killian?” Win asks, sounding concerned. It’s very rare that Killian connects with anyone. His wife Chloe was the first person in a very long time, and she’s been a tremendously stabilizing force in Killian’s life. Falling for another woman would be a massive problem, which is what has Win worried.
“It’s all right, Win. The only one sleeping with Gigi is me.” I hate to tell them, but they’re going to find out soon enough. The Kincaids helped set up the cameras, which means the whole family has access to the feed.
“Now I’m confused,” Triston says. “Someone explain.”
“She’s my assistant,” I start, wincing. “And Gris discovered that she was lying about her identity.” But I hate saying it. I hate casting any doubt on her. “We were concerned that she might be working against us.”
“You’re not now?” Win asks.
I shake my head and then realize they can’t see me. “I think she’s just hiding from her ex-husband. And the more data we collect, the more support the theory gains.”
“Still,” Win rumbles. “It would be better to get rid of her. If you’re going to take on Vigo, you can’t have any open holes.”
“No,” Killian growls. “Absolutely not.”
“Killian,” I calmly intercede. “Allow me.”
He gives a quick jerk of his chin, but his face remains set in hard lines, like he’s ready to go to battle with the entire family if necessary.
I don’t feel threatened in this regard. If anything, I’m glad.
Happy to know if I focus on Vigo, Killian will be there helping me to keep Gigi and Emma safe.
“Well?” Win asks.
“Gigi stays.” I’m not asking their permission, and I don’t need to provide any more explanation.
To my surprise, no one argues. Gris walks back in, looking as grim as I’ve ever seen him. He sits down, swiping a hand over his face. “Vigo sure knows how to make an entrance.”
“What we need is to learn his weak points,” Killian volunteers. “Knowing that the tire place was his primary front was incredibly helpful in shutting down his attempt to embezzle. What other weaknesses does he have? Who does he trust and who can hurt him?”
“Vigo’s smart enough to cover most of his tracks. He’s skilled at evading even the federal government. He doesn’t leave a lot of trails.”
“If I’d had more time, I could have followed him, discovered all the politicians who are in his pocket, find out which officials he bribes, turn his own network against him.” Killian shakes his head. “But now, we’re in triage mode.”
I look out the window. “I can call Matteo Andriani, see if he does any business with Vigo.” Matteo is friends with Mason Kincaid, our partner. But Mason is just as invested in us making inroads in New York as we are. Our power only makes him stronger against his Vegas opponents.
“Do it,” Triston asserts. “We need as much information as possible and as many allies as we can rally.”
“You’re that worried about Vigo?” I ask.
“He keeps the other New York crime families in check. Without him, it could be a real mess. We mostly work in the light, but I’d be a fool to say that a New York underworld war wouldn’t make all of our lives more difficult.”
“So, my job is to put Vigo firmly in his place, in regard to our world, while leaving him in power in his.” Great. Perhaps I shouldn’t have likened him to a fly. Then again, it’s time for him to understand just who he’s decided to fight.
“Easy,” Win rumbles. “Just beat him within an inch of his life.”
That’s not a bad idea. And while I am a good fighter, I’d prefer to make an even more lasting impression…
I’ve got a few ideas, but first, I’m going to speak with Matteo. I text Mason Kincaid, asking for his contact information.
Mason sends it back instantly and without question.
In this moment, I appreciate that small vote of confidence. Clicking on the contact, I fire off a message, telling Matteo who I am and asking if he might be willing to speak.
His return message is equally quick: Boarding a plane for New York as we speak. Want to meet in person tomorrow?
Satisfaction eases the tension in my body. Stop by my office anytime.
Let’s hope that Matteo can help me unwind this entire mess.