Chapter 12
E dmundo
“I’ll be back soon, anima mia ,” I whispered in Ana’s ear and slipped from the warmth of her arms.
“What time is it?”
“Early. Two in the morning.”
“Where are you going?”
Ana pushed herself up into a sitting position as I pulled on my jeans and a hoodie. Her hair was a mess, her eyes were still half closed with sleep, and she was adorably rumpled. She hated that I thought she looked stunning when she first woke up—like a flower opening its petals and stretching for the sun. She was exquisite.
“I have a meeting. One that may help us achieve our goal,” I said, squatting in front of the bed and placing my hand on her knee.
Our conversation from two weeks earlier was still weighing on me, and I found myself flip-flopping over the right decision multiple times a day.
“Really? Can I come?”
I shook my head. “Not for this one. It could be dangerous and I don’t want to say too much until the deal is complete. It could get our hopes up for nothing.” Her eyes went wide as she bit her lip. “I’ll be fine. Marcus is coming with me.”
“I’m not sure that makes me feel better.” she said, and even though she didn’t mean it as a joke, I smiled.
“Trust me, I’ve got this.”
With a sigh, Ana nodded. “Okay. When will you be back?”
Standing, I kissed her forehead.
“If I’m lucky I’ll get to steal an extra hour with you before your alarm goes off.”
Ana reached out and gripped my fingers. She didn’t have to say the words for me to know that she was worried about me.
“I’ll be safe. I promise.”
Her hand reluctantly dropped from mine, and I gathered the rest of my things before heading for the door. I looked back at Ana who practically glowed where she sat on the bed. Giving her a nod, I slipped out and marched for the back exit.
“Hey, man,” Marcus said as I stepped outside. He threw down his cigarette and crushed the butt with the toe of his boot.
“Hey. You have everything?”
“Of course.”
Marcus had already brought my car around, and I froze mid-step when I noticed someone in the backseat.
“Who the hell is that?”
“Paul...he woke up when I tried to sneak out and insisted on coming.”
Yanking open the driver’s side door of the SUV, I looked at Paul.
“This may be dangerous,” I said.
“I know. That’s all the more reason to have reliable backup,” Paul said.
“As long as you know what you’re getting into, thank you,” I said as Marcus sat down in the passenger seat.
It was time to land a big fish, one who would put me on the map as a real up-and-comer.
We slowed at the guard booth. The man on duty looked inside the car and then nodded to open the gate. Did they memorize the faces of all the students? If so, that was impressive.
“Where are we going anyway,” Marcus asked.
I glanced at him as he pulled out a small bag of potato chips. He made so much noise trying to get it open that I was tempted to push him out of the moving vehicle. Paul tapped on his shoulder.
“Let me open it.”
“Good, I’m not the only one who wants to kill him,” I said, glancing at Marcus.
“It’s impossible,” he grumbled, giving the bag to Paul, who opened it and handed it back in all of a second. “What the fuck? I warmed it up for you.”
“Uh, huh,” Paul said as Marcus sulked.
“Just answer the question. Where are we going?”
“Rimrock,” I said, and Marcus just stared at me. “More specifically, we’re heading to the sportsman’s club.”
“Why so they can shoot us and no one will question the noise?”
“Wow, you’re uplifting,” I growled at Marcus. “I have to do this. But if you don’t want to be involved, then I can pull over and let you out so you can walk back.”
“And get eaten by something? No way, I’d rather be shot than feel pieces of my flesh being ripped off with no escape. That’s just freaky,” he said.
“Dude, what is wrong with you,” Paul asked from the back.
Seconded. I’d known Marcus a long time, and if there was anyone who could find a way to mess with your head and bring up the worst-case scenario, it was him.
“I’m just saying, if I had to choose, give me the gun.” He lifted the bag of chips and dumped it over his mouth. All I saw were tiny crumbs falling all over my SUV. Killing my best friend—with the bullet he wished for—before the night was out had become a possibility.
“Can we get back to the importance of tonight? I’m meeting with Mr. Carlo Varriano. I need to make a good impression if I want him to do business with me instead of Ladanov.”
“What’s the plan? Why do you want him to use your new docks? Isn’t it dangerous stealing business from the Bratva?”
“The Ladanovs and the Mikhailovs have been feuding for years. If Varriano agrees then he and Edmundo align with Mr. Mikhailov and therefore Yuli. Am I right,” Paul asked, and I nodded.
“Exactly. I need to show strength and prove that I’m a valuable ally to Vadin so he’ll want me to marry Ana.”
“Okay…I get all of that, but how are you accomplishing this? Yes, Varriano uses your docks, but what happens if Ladanov finds out? He has the soldiers to crush you.” I smiled at my friend. “What? What haven’t you told me?”
“I may have acquired more land this past year that is proving to be extremely lucrative. Enough so that I’ve tripled what my family had in soldiers, and with the money from Varriano, I can hire more, maybe a few mercenaries as well.”
“Yeah, but will they be loyal?”
“All leaders must prove themselves worthy of loyalty. I’ll show them that I am,” I said, turning off the main road that led right into the heart of Rimrock.
“I still think it’s risky, but I’ve got your back. So, what exactly are Paul and I doing?”
“Nothing. Stay in the SUV, and if things go wrong….”
“Nope, nuh uh, not happening.”
“I have to agree with Marcus. Even if one of us stays with the vehicle, you should have someone in there with you,” Paul said.
“Yeah, what he said,” Marcus agreed.
“Okay, fine. Marcus will stay with the vehicle, and Paul, you’re with me.”
“What?” Marcus’s face was the dictionary description of indignant as he stared at me. “But I’m your best friend.”
“You’re also annoying, and you don’t know when enough is enough. There is a good chance they shoot us both just to shut you up,” I said.
He pointed at me like he was going to argue. “Okay, fine. I have trouble keeping my mouth shut,” he admitted as we pulled into the parking lot of the meet.
As instructed, I drove around the building. A limo and three other vehicles were parked by the back door, surrounded by heavily armed guards.
“I don’t think it will matter where you are,” I said, coming to a stop. “Okay, new plan. You both are coming with me, but don’t say a thing unless I ask you a direct question.”
“Understood,” Marcus said, uncharacteristically focused.
“I understand,” Paul said.
The guards didn’t move an inch as we got out of my SUV. They were not intimidated by us or anything we might have had for weapons. That told me everything I needed to know. If this meeting didn’t go well, we would be lucky to walk out with shattered kneecaps. That would be the best-case scenario.
Showing weakness wasn’t an option tonight. I stared down the biggest of the guards, stopping a few feet away.
“I have a meeting with Mr. Varriano, I’m….”
“I know who you are,” he said, cutting me off but not moving.
“Was there a secret handshake I missed? Or should I just leave since you’re wasting my time,” I said, and his lip twitched.
“Weapons.”
We pulled up our shirts and pants before turning our pockets inside out to show we didn’t have anything on us.
“Go ahead.”
Gunshots rang out as I pulled the door open. More guards lined the hallway and nodded as we passed, gesturing to the ‘Staff Only’ exit at the end. The range was full tonight, each stall occupied with a shooter. We waited by the door while I searched for hidden cameras and any other surprises that might have been waiting for us. The round ended, and a guard approached one of the men. I knew it had to be Carlo even though I couldn’t see his face from this angle.
Sure enough, a gentleman around my father’s age walked over and snapped his fingers. I tensed, but a guard handed him a drink while another set out a folding chair.
“So, you’re Alessandro’s boy,” Carlo said.
“I’m his son. But I’m no boy.”
He smirked.
Carlo was an imposing figure and not easily forgettable, with a ragged scar that started somewhere in his hairline and crossed down his cheek to his chin. I would guess that it was a knife wound, and I had to admit, I was curious about how he got it.
“We’ll see,” Carlo drawled.
He held up his hand, and a guard walked over with a small table and a second chair. Carlo put his drink down before pulling a massive hunting knife from inside his jacket. He placed it between us while pointing to the seat.
Taking his lead, I sat and quietly stared at him. Proving that I wasn’t intimidated was the first step in creating this alliance.
“Would you like a drink,” Carlo asked, finally breaking the long stretch of silence.
“Thank you for the offer, Mr. Varriano, but I cannot indulge this evening.”
“Well, aren’t you the proper one? Ya hear that, boys? He can’t indulge.” He laughed, and so did all his men. “What if I order you to have a drink?”
I smiled.
“Then, regretfully the meeting is over before it began. It’s a shame, really. I have a decent proposal for you, but if you prefer to play games, then I’ll find someone who is actually interested.” Standing, I nodded to Carlo. “Thank you for putting a face to your name. I won’t forget you anytime soon.”
His nostrils flared as his jaw twitched. “Wait.” Standing, he came around to face me. “You’ll really leave?”
I stepped into Carlo’s personal space and ignored the guard inching closer.
“Yes,” I said calmly even though I was on high alert.
He smiled and laughed again, this time grabbing my shoulder.
“I like you. Sit. I have no time for ass-kissers. Good to see you have no brown on your nose.”
The guards seemed to take a collective breath and backed up, their posture changing. Marcus and Paul at my back relaxed as well when the tension in the air eased.
“Does this place have cameras?”
I looked around but didn’t see anything obvious.
“Yes, but they are off. I don’t like filming my business meetings.”
“Fair enough. This is an unusual location. It’s not what I expected,” I said.
The only thing decorating the drab grey walls were images of hunters showcasing their kills and awards.
“The owner was happy to let me borrow his location.” Carlo smiled, and it made me wonder if the man was tied up, gagged, and happy just to keep all of his limbs intact. “Alright, Edmundo, tell me why I’m here.”
“You know why you’re here. I want your business to flow through my docks.”
Carlo sipped his drink and sat back in his chair.
“Fine, I know why I’m here. But tell me why I should switch from my already very lucrative deal and put my trust in someone...unseasoned.”
“I’ve been making deals since I was fifteen, Mr. Varriano. I know you’re very aware of my family’s rise. I made that happen. This is not to speak ill of my papa. He is a good and honest man. But I have a vision for our family, and he’s given me the reins to prove myself and take the business where I want it to go.”
“I have heard this to be true, but it doesn’t tell me why I should go with you.”
He pulled a pack of cigarettes from inside his suit jacket, and I wondered how many other things he had hidden in the lining. Lighting up, he blew the smoke in the air, and I waited until his attention was on me once more before speaking.
“Four reasons. First...my docks are bigger. We can house larger boats, and we are already doing far more business than your current port. Second, I own a fleet of ships that can transport your product as well as provide guard boats to keep pirates at bay. Third, with my contacts in Russia, you’ll be far closer to your selling region, cutting down on possible theft or law enforcement interference. The fourth and best reason is that I can offer you all of that at a discount.”
“Is that so?”
“It is.”
“How much of a discount?”
“Five percent,” I said.
He snorted, but I knew he wouldn’t go for that. This was a standard dance, the two of us going back and forth until we were both satisfied.
“Twenty-five percent.”
I laughed out loud at the ludicrous amount.
“Only a fool would take that, and I’m no fool. I’m in business to make money, just like you are. So how about I save us some time here. I’ll offer you seven percent, and you’ll come down to twenty. But we both know that is still a terrible deal for me. So, I’ll agree to ten, and although that is profitable for you, you want something sweeter. So we’ll go back and forth until I get fed up and, say, twelve percent, my final offer. We both know you’ll take it because that saves you millions a year. So…twelve percent is my final offer, or I walk and give this deal to someone else. Who knows? Maybe one day that person will become a competitor, and you’ll really regret not doing business with me.”
“Are you threatening me, Edmundo?”
I shook my head as he took a drag of his cigarette, the end glowing bright orange.
“I don’t need to threaten you with the truth. We both know how this business works.”
Carlo laughed and looked around at his guards, who all smiled.
“Can you believe the balls on this guy? Well, Edmundo, you are certainly living up to your reputation.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“As you should. Alright, consider me interested, but I will only sign on the dotted line if you can pass one test for me.”
Carlo drank the rest of his drink, set the glass down, and picked up his large knife.
“You put on a brave act, but I won’t deal with anyone who breaks under pressure or is afraid of a little bit of pain.”
My lip tugged up as I locked eyes with him. “Tell me what to do?”
“Lay your hand flat on the table with your fingers spread open, and if you don’t flinch, I’ll sign with you,” he said.
He had a maniacal glint in his eyes as he picked his fingernails with the tip of his knife. This was probably a horrible idea, but it was for me and Ana, and I’d do anything to be with her.
I placed my hand on the table. This was either a trust exercise, or I was about to lose a finger, and we were heading to the hospital next. Either way, it was worth it.
“You didn’t ask what I’m going to do.”
“Doesn’t matter. I won’t flinch.”
Smiling wide, he spun the blade expertly in his hand and then slammed the tip down between my fingers. The sharp knife stuck in the shitty wood while I stared, unblinking, into his eyes. He did it again and again, the metal skimming but not cutting as he went. Finally, he let go of the knife, leaving it between my middle and ring finger, the tip so close to slicing the skin open.
“Not even a single bead of sweat,” Carlo said, standing and buttoning his suit jacket.
He held out his hand for me to shake. I stood and gripped it tight.
“You have the heart of a lion, Edmundo, and the tenacity of a Tasmanian devil. I like it. Keep the knife. It’s my calling card for business. If I ever come to collect it, then I’m severing all ties, and sometimes more, depending on the reason.”
“You won’t regret this decision,” I said, and he nodded.
I grabbed the massive knife that could’ve easily gutted me with one swipe and left. The three of us walked out, and even though things had gone well, I kept my eyes open for anything amiss. I didn’t take a deep breath until the three of us were back in my vehicle.
“Fuck that was intense.” Marcus was the first to speak. “I thought for sure he was going to cut your hand off.”
“So did I,” I said, starting the SUV.
“And you still kept your hand on the table? You really are a crazy motherfucker,” Marcus grumbled.
“Maybe I am.” I looked in the rearview mirror at Paul. “You’re quiet. Are you good?”
“Yeah, all good other than pissing myself,” he said, making us laugh and breaking the last of the nervous tension.
I’d really done it. This deal was massive and important. It would put me on the map.
Thirty minutes later, we arrived back at Wayward. I pulled out my phone as the guys opened their doors.
“Go ahead, I need to make a call. Thanks for coming with me,” I said.
“Anytime. You know we’ve got your back,” Marcus said.
“What he said,” Paul seconded and then hopped out, leaving me alone in the darkened cab.
My gut was telling me it was time. Hitting Vadin’s number, my palms began to sweat.
“Privyet,” Vadin said.
“Mr. Mikhailov, sir, it’s Edmundo.”
“Edmundo? Do we have a meeting scheduled?”
“No, sir,” I said, wiping my hands on my jeans. “I wanted to inform you of the deal I just made. I hope you’ll enjoy hearing about it as much as I enjoyed making it.”
“You’ve piqued my interest, but I have a meeting in ten minutes, so you’ll need to be quick.”
“Then I’ll tell you in five.”
Taking a deep breath, I stared up at the dorm entrance and pictured Ana lying in bed, waiting for me to return, as I laid out what I’d done and why.
“So let me make sure I understand this. You don’t want any commission for bringing me this business?”
“No, I don’t.”
“We all want something in this world, so tell me what you want.”
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I tried to keep my voice even.
“I’d like to look at a more permanent merger between our two families.”
“You want to marry Yulianna?” He sounded shocked.
“Yes, I want to be included on the list. I’m sure you have many options and need to weigh them carefully, which I appreciate and understand. I’ll continue to make major deals in the coming year that will give me an incredible stronghold in Italy and beyond. The arrangements will be extremely beneficial to the growth of your business in new markets.”
Vadin was silent on the other end of the call, and the only sound was his breathing.
“Tell me, Edmundo, and I’ll know if you’re lying to me. Have you had sex with my daughter?”
“No, sir, I have not. I wouldn’t disrespect you or Yulianna in such a manner. I have been looking out for her as you asked. But we’ve known one another a long time, our families have prospered together, and I have grown fond of Yulianna.” It was important not to let him know just how much I was in love with her. “I am simply asking for consideration, not a confirmation, at least not yet. I would like to prove my loyalty and worth.”
“Alright, Edmundo, I believe you, and you’ve given me a lot to think about. I’ll consider it if you continue to be an asset. We will talk again closer to Yulianna’s eighteenth birthday and see what you’ve accomplished.”
My heart hammered in my chest with excitement. It wasn’t a done deal, but it was a massive step in the right direction.
“Thank you, Mr. Mikhailov. I don’t take your trust in me lightly.”
We hung up, and I couldn’t contain my joy any longer as I pumped my fist into the night sky. It wasn’t a done deal, but it was a start. My foot was in the door and now all I had to do was kick it open.