Chapter 9 Da Han Dragonhead Mujin #2
Chen handed him his cell, and Da Han took it to read the page. News had just come in that Nico Castiello arrived in New York less than twenty-four hours ago with over twenty men of his own. Da Han threw his head back and tossed Chen his cell.
"More fucking Castiellos. What do we know about him?" Da Han asked.
"Not much, only that he was recently in prison for assault and battery. He's pretty much been in and out of prison since his teenage years," Chen said.
"What do we know about the crew he brought with him?" Mèng Yáo asked.
"Nothing as of yet, but I have people looking into it," Chen said.
Da Han nodded, then looked down when his cell buzzed on the desk. "Julian Esposito," he said, then answered, "What can I do for you?"
"Mr. Mujin, I'm sure I don't have to inform you that our allies have dwindled, and now it's just my family and yours taking on the Castiello family and Lords.
From my intel, they've called in even more reinforcements from Sicily, LA, and Vegas.
That means the danger is even more intense, and what you offered in our original deal isn't sweet enough for me," Julian Esposito said, getting right to the point.
Just like fucking clockwork, Da Han thought. This opportunistic move was expected of the parasitic don of the Esposito Outfit.
"How is it not sweet?" Da Han asked.
"We want the former territory of the Bartolli, Demarcos, and Torelli families.
The Vanelis territory is yours. I think it's fair since I've lost more men in this battle than you have, and where you have territory in New York, Chicago, China, and God knows where else, New York should be mine," Julian said.
Da Han smirked, then licked his lips. "That is fair, as the streets are lined with your blood; your sacrifice has been greater.
I'm not an unreasonable man. But the Demarcos territory is not up for debate.
I can give you the Torelli and Bartolli territory.
Combined with your own, you still have majority control over the city. "
"Either you agree to my terms, or—"
"Or what, Julian? You think Rico Castiello will hear you out?"
"He might."
"What about the Lords? Don't they have a slogan that says they'll 'never back down'? Do you think they'll back off?" Da Han asked.
"They will if I convince the Castiello family that I'm the better ally. Look, let's not play games. I've survived as long as I have because I'm smart and think ten steps ahead. I'm also about gaining what I deserve."
Da Han scoffed. " 'What you deserve,'" he said in a mocking tone.
"Yes," Julian said. "What I deserve. Now, my terms are fair; if you don't think so, then we can end our little partnership, and I'll take my chances."
"Take them," Da Han said. "I'm curious to see if you can convince Rico to let you play in his yard." With that, he ended the call and looked up at Chen and his wife. "The Esposito family has decided to betray us."
"I'll get Stephen Yeoh on them. He'll assemble a team."
"No, he's still trying to find Rico. I had hoped that bastard had died, but with his family still going strong, I know he's alive, calling the shots. I want him to be Stephen's priority. You can handle Julian," Da Han said.
Chen bowed his head. "Yes, sir."
"Why don't we wait and see if the Castiello family will back them?" Mèng Yáo asked.
Da Han shook his head. "I don't want to take that risk.
Rico may bury them because he doesn't trust them.
Or he may use them and then kill them afterward.
Either way, they won't live, and Julian is smart enough to know that.
He'll either back out to see which one of us survives and then return to clean up what's left, or he'll try to play nice if Rico takes the bait, but Rico is too smart to be double-crossed by the likes of Julian Esposito.
In any case, I don't like variables that I can't control.
I want Julian dead and his family eliminated. "
"I'll get right on it, sir," Chen said.
"Good. Now, everyone leave. I need to call Hiko," Da Han said. He waited until he was alone to make the call he'd been dreading. He dialed the number and waited to speak to his father-in-law.
"Ahhh, Da Han, son, I've been expecting your call," Hiko Saotome greeted in Japanese. The boss of the Saotome yakuza, one of the oldest and most powerful crime families in Asia. He was a big enough threat to force his father and their triad to come to the table.
"Hello, father. If you've been expecting my call, then you must know why I'm calling," Da Han responded in Japanese.
There was a chuckle first. "Indeed I do. It would seem that the Castiello family has a powerful ally that is giving you a bit of trouble."
"This biker club, I did underestimate, but still, they weren't anything we couldn't handle. The problem is that the Castiello family has the Bridger family backing them."
This time there was silence on the other end.
"I'm sure you're well aware of what they are capable of," Da Han said, because the last thing he wanted was to be ridiculed for being incompetent.
He knew what the fuck he was doing. He knew how to run his triad, but he wasn't a god; he was a master player.
But when a family as skilled in killing as they are enters the game, the rules have changed.
"Which ones?" Hiko asked.
"As far as I know, Colton Bridger has already been giving us hell, but then his little brother Nathan and his two sons may have already made their move. One of my strongholds was taken out and I lost over thirty people. And Tian Yu was attacked, and he lost two of his top men," Da Han said.
"Do you know this for certain?" Hiko asked.
"Not really, as it can't be confirmed, but it is Nathan's style from what I know," Da Han said, putting at least one set of cards out on the table.
"What about your allies?"
"The entire Bartolli family has been wiped out. The Five Powerful Families of New York have been reduced to one, and they are trying to pull tricks to back out of our deal. I won't allow it, but that's why I'm reaching out to you," Da Han said, hoping Hiko wouldn't make him beg.
"And my grandson? Is he safe?"
"He is. His husband will protect him, but also, I have a whole team protecting the both of them," Da Han said about Ren and Montgomery.
"Is he happy?"
"From what he's told me, he's on cloud nine. He's never been happier, and his husband... well... he fits in the family just fine," Da Han said.
"I'm happy to hear that. My grandson should have everything he wants," Hiko said.
He's spoiled enough, Da Han thought. "Will you help me?" He wanted to get back to the point and get an answer.
"Yes. I'll send you Aoshi Saitoh. He should arrive tomorrow," Hiko said.
"Thank you, Father," Da Han said.
"I won't ask for anything in return. Just keep my daughter and grandson living their best life," Hiko said.
"I promise."
"Good."
The phone went silent, and Da Han looked at his screen to see that the call had been disconnected. He sighed and slipped his phone back into his pocket. "Well, that was easier than I thought it would be," he said.
It was only a matter of time before this war would end once Aoshi got here.
Da Han smiled at the promise of the future.