Chapter 5 – Mari
It felt wrong walking into the Celestine without Greyson the next morning, like there was this voice in the back of my brain, screaming that I’d left my husband behind. Worrying that he’d be in danger if I wasn’t there. Dominic wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pressed a kiss to my forehead before he let go. “He’ll be fine, mariposa. It’s only a few more days.”
Two. Two more days and he’d be home. Not that I was counting or anything.
“Anything can happen in a few days,” I said sharply, and Nate winced. “Shit. I didn’t mean you.”
“I know, Mari.” He pulled me under his arm. “I guess I’m just nervous.”
This would be the first time he’d interacted with my people since we’d found out he was a Beckstrom, and while I’d been stewing in my feelings about leaving Grey, he’d obviously been dealing with his own issues.
“No matter what they say, you’re one of us.”
Dominic’s silence was pointed, but he didn’t comment. Thank God. His issues with Nate were something they’d have to deal with on their own, but I’d intercede if he decided to be an asshole.
“You helped more than hurt,” I promised, and Nate squeezed me.
“I don’t think they’re going to agree, but thank you, angel.” He reeled me in for a kiss on the temple but let me go as we reached the door.
“In, out, done,” I reminded them both. I didn’t want us in the open more than we had to be, even in our own building. Nate’s reminder of a mole high up in my organization made me antsy. They both nodded, and Dominic opened the door for us.
We’d moved the meeting to the basement, knowing the conference room was too small for an all-hands call, and I was pleased to see the room was packed already. There were my capos, their soldiers, security personnel for the bars, servers, managers, and anyone else who could make it. From my quick glance, someone from every branch of the syndicate was present.
Good. The more people to spread the word, the better.
The whispers followed us as we made our way to the front of the room, and it was obvious that everyone’s eyes were on Nate. Some were antagonistic, some outright wary, but most were curious. Wondering why he was here when he’d left so abruptly.
I turned to Nate, intending to remind him that he was one of us, no matter what anyone else thought, but he didn’t seem concerned. In fact, it was the most like Cash he’d ever looked. Emotionless and unapologetic. Unlike with Cash, I knew it was a protective mechanism, something to keep him separate from the reminder of his fuckups.
“Before we begin, I want to clear one thing up. Yes, Nate is a Beckstrom, but he’s still on our side.” I heard some snorts in the crowd, but no one was confident enough to outright disagree. “I understand that it may be difficult for some of you to accept him back into the fold and that it could take some time. Do so at your own pace, but understand that he is a Marcosa in every way that matters, and I will not accept disrespect about him. Am I clear?”
People’s eyes turned to Dominic, as if waiting to see what he would do, not realizing he was a Marcosa through and through. If I said Nate was in, he was in. Dominic’s personal feelings were another situation entirely.
When no one said anything else, I decided to address the situation at hand. “As I’m sure you’re all aware, Nate’s defection from Cash was a surprise for the Aces. As necessary as it was, it paints a target on our backs. This war was heating up with or without him, but now it’s time to discuss plans. We’ve already removed most of the families from the city, but it’s time to move everyone else out.”
“Where will they go?” someone asked from the crowd.
“The same compound as the others. There’s more than enough room, and it’s been protected throughout the rest of the bullshit. So far, Cash hasn’t found it.”
“You think it will stay that way?” I could feel everyone’s eyes move to Nate. He wasn’t just a risk to us but to their families, and that made my people as much of a threat as they thought he was. One wrong move and they’d string him up to keep their kids alive. Fuck.
“We do,” Dominic answered. He’d been spearheading the situation, so I let him talk. He had a better understanding of things than I did. “We understand if it makes you nervous, but we’ve worked hard to ensure the compound is safe for your families. Nate isn’t now, nor has he ever been, aware of the location. So if that’s your concern, it’s a moot point. He doesn’t know where everyone is, and he won’t.”
Nate nodded next to me, perfectly comfortable with Dominic cutting him out for our people’s comfort.
“What about us?” someone else asked. “Are we just supposed to let them go off alone?”
“You’re welcome to go with them if you want.” The shocked gasps spurred me on, and I pushed forward. “I don’t intend to hold you here. It’s obvious that the situation is life or death, so if you stay, be prepared for both. But I understand wanting to stay close to the people you love. The decision is yours.”
There was some low mumbling as people talked among themselves.
“I want to be with my family,” the first man said. “But I want to be useful. Can I help safeguard the compound while I’m there?”
Checking with Dominic, I agreed. “Of course. We could use every hand to keep the families safe.”
“I can check the security system,” one of Tennessee’s men said. “Some of my crew will come too since their kids are already there. We’ll update what you’ve got and set up shifts so we’re monitored twenty-four seven.”
More people spoke, making plans to relocate to safe houses near the compound in case of emergency, some mentioning additional houses on the way so those who were planning to stay in the city could visit, while still minimizing our movements to anyone watching. Anything to avoid the possibility of discovery. Even not knowing where they were headed, they kept trying to figure out security issues that could arise.
As more concrete solutions were created, the prouder I was of them. Of us.
Dominic slipped to my side, fingers brushing against mine. “You did good, mariposa.”
“I did, didn’t I?”
When my father had been in charge, the syndicate was nothing more than his punishing hand, but under my tutelage, we’d become a true family. It was more than I’d ever expected, and despite all we’d been through to get here, I was grateful. I’d built something strong, long-lasting. We’d make it through this together because we’d earned it.
“What about the people who want to stay?” Shara asked once the others quieted down.
“For those who stay, businesses are on lockdown. Each one will need to figure out additional security. As for future plans? I’m not sure. Nate will be working with Tennessee and Moore to figure out where Cash will likely strike and fortify those locations. Right now, we’re still the most prominent targets, but if that changes and civilians start getting hit, we’ll need to consider clearing out the city to protect ourselves from federal and government oversight.”
Because a bloodbath in the city was a surefire way to bring down the strong arm of the government on us. I didn’t mention Two-Bit and his deal because I still wasn’t sure what to think of it or how to use it to our advantage, because there had to be strings involved. There always were. Until I figured everything out, it was staying between us.
Dominic stepped forward. “Managers, run through safe house procedures with your employees. No one goes out alone or unarmed, and no one lives alone. Move to the apartments if you’re out of the territory right now. We’ve got plenty available.”
He turned and motioned to Nate, who cleared his throat and took his turn. “I’m aware no one is my biggest fan right now, but take it from me: Cash is unhinged. Nothing he does is rational, and even if he seems steady, he’s not. Don’t end up in his grasp. Don’t get caught unawares. Don’t become a target any more than you already are. The only way to win this is together.”
“This is a war. Things will get worse before they get better, so make sure that you’re prepared for every outcome,” I said, when the whispering started up again. I stepped up so all three of us were a united front before them. “I want you to know, I appreciate everything you’re doing and will do. We’re stronger together as a family, and we will make it through this. Now get home and get yourselves sorted. I want anyone leaving the city to be gone by this time tomorrow. You’re dismissed.”
With a deferential nod, people started filing for the door. In the middle of the mayhem, Dominic slipped through the crowd, and I frowned.
“Where’s he going?” I murmured. Nate’s only response was a noncommittal hum, and I found him looking into the sea of people too. “What are you looking at now?”
He stared at me, deep and probing, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. The mole was here. I’d never been more thankful I’d only told a few people where the safe houses were located. Knowing that the families we’d sent out of the city to protect could be targeted made me anxious, and I knew I had to ask Nate who the mole was. I couldn’t afford to ignore it anymore.
The problem was, I knew it was going to hurt. It was why he hadn’t told me before. He was protecting me the only way he could. But would it really count as protection if it resulted in the death of some of my people? No. I had to ask. I had to know. Even if it killed me to find out.
Thankfully, Dominic came back with his hand planted firmly on the shoulder of a younger guy, pulling me out of my thoughts. “Mari, Nate. This is the kid I told you about, Montgomery, but he goes by Killer. He was one of Antoni’s boys.”
I had a faint memory of the discussion, but it had faded with the stress of Greyson’s recovery. But I knew my brother’s pet project well enough. “You were one of the last of his boys and the youngest, is that right?”
“Yes, Ms. Marcosa. Ma’am.”
Dominic laughed, and I had to smile when the kid’s cheeks went pink. Already a killer, yet he blushed when he fumbled his words. Adorable. “Mari is fine.”
“Yes, ma’am. I mean—shit.”
“Relax, Killer. She’s not going to bite.” Dominic shook him a little, just enough to get his shoulders away from his ears. If I remembered right, the kid was alone in the world. Maybe he needed a family just like we did. A few big brothers to tease him and set him on the right path.
The way Dominic looked at him made me wonder if he’d already considered it.
Later, Mari. Expand the family later.
Smiling gently, I made a last-minute decision.“Dominic says you were instrumental in keeping him alive inside. I’d like to reward you for it.”
Dominic beamed at me, and I knew I’d done the right thing.
“He’s family.” The kid shrugged. Humble, too. Good. We needed more men like that. “Getting out is reward enough, though.”
I nodded to Dominic, who looked like he was going to burst with excitement. In our world, giving people good news was something so rare and special, we savored each moment like we’d never get another. “Mari always shows appreciation for loyalty like that. In this case, we’ve got a job for you. It’s not common knowledge, but we’ve recently lost a capo. Mari’s cousin will be taking the vacant spot, but that leaves a managerial position available. You’d be closer to the inner circle than most, with your own team and territory. There’s room to grow from there, if it’s something you’re interested in.”
“If you want out, that’s okay too.” I cut in. “You’ve already given so much of your life to the family, I won’t be upset if you decide to leave. In fact, I’ll get you set up wherever you want to go. No strings attached.”
It was the least I could do for a man who’d lost his youth to my syndicate.
“I didn’t know there was a new capo,” Killer said carefully. Not surprising since the capo decision had been made while we’d waited for Greyson to wake up. “Would I be under his jurisdiction?”
“No. You’d be under my uncle Gabriele.” I tilted my head at the shrewd look in his eyes. “Why?”
“If I’m going to take the position, I’d prefer to be under someone with enough capo experience to teach me.”
Dominic and I laughed, and even Nate joined us. “Trying to take over already, kid?”
“No, but I want to do the best I can for the family. It’s all I’ve got left.”
“And we’re honored to have you.” The reassurance puffed his chest, and I chuckled under my breath. “Does that mean you accept?”
“Yes, ma’am. Mari. Sorry, I’ll work on that.”
“I know you will. Get home safe. We’ll send you the information on your team tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Mari. Dominic. Uh…sir.” The last was said questioningly to Nate before the kid hurried out the door with a skip in his step. I snickered at the disgruntled look on Nate’s face as he mouthed sir.
Dominic watched Killer go before turning to me. “He’s young, but he’ll do well.”
“I don’t doubt your instincts.”
“That’s because they’re amazing.” I rolled my eyes.
Finally, I turned to the only remaining people in the room. Next to the wall, Cameron was standing with no aid, though he leaned heavily on Aislynn’s shoulder.
“Thought you got crutches?” I snarked.
“I did.” But he wouldn’t use them because it boosted his ego and his cred to walk around a week after nearly being burned alive. Fucking men.
“I’m starving. Do you guys want dinner?”
“Please. Someone talked so long that my stomach’s rumbling.” Shara nudged me on her way to the elevator, and I laughed, pulling her in for a hug. “You good?”
“I’m good. Are you?”
She peered over her shoulder at the others. “I will be.”
Whatever that meant.
The rest of them decided to get their own elevator, so I took my men and headed up, but once we were inside, I noticed Nate falter. The signs of discomfort were obvious, but I didn’t know why. Was it because he’d never been allowed inside the Celestine without sneaking in? Was he worried about my cousin and my friends?
While Dominic called down to get food delivered, I slipped across the room to stand next to Nate. “What’s wrong?”
“It feels strange to be in here,” he admitted.
“It’s your home too.”
“But it isn’t. It’s yours and Greyson’s and Dominic’s. Not mine.”
Ah. That was the issue. He felt out of place in our lives now.
Thank God it was an easy fix.
“It’s your home too,” I promised, grabbing his hand and dragging him down the hall. The apartment boasted way too many rooms, but only one was left on the hallway where we slept. I pushed the door open and hauled Nate in with me.
There was nothing special about the room, other than everything being luxurious, but it just screamed Nate. Dark and peaceful. Homey, even. Deep blues and comforting greens, the faintest hint of charcoal here and there. Like being inside a forest at night. I loved it, and it was obvious Nate did too. Greyson had even managed to find a picture of Nate and his mom and set it on the bedside table.
“Grey had this one renovated for you,” I said while he took everything in.
“Before I left.”
“Actually, after.” Nate’s shocked gaze met mine, and I laughed. “He told me he was making it into a home office since things were getting dicey, but we have office space a few floors down. After you visited last time, I checked inside…and sure enough.” I shrugged, because that was the only thing left to do.
“He shouldn’t have,” Nate whispered.
“But he did, because this is your home and you’re our family. He just figured it out sooner than I did, and Dominic will too.”
“I’d understand if he didn’t.” I knew he meant it, but there was an ache in how he spoke that told me how much he missed Dominic, how much he’d missed all of us. This wasn’t the reunion we were supposed to have, with terror and worry. At least we were together.
“Well, I wouldn’t,” I said seriously. “The only way we survive this is if we do it together. He’ll come around eventually.”
We stayed in the room for a minute before I led him down the hallway, showing him the other rooms too. I wasn’t sure if he’d had a chance to snoop when he’d snuck in or not. When I said that, he laughed, and I felt the fog he’d been hiding in lift a bit.
Sometime during our mini tour, the others had come up, and so had the food. With a brief kiss to the cheek, Nate headed to the kitchen to help Dominic divvy things up, but before he could even step past the threshold, Shara swung.
The loud crack forced us all into silence. I stepped forward, but at her guarded glare, I decided whatever fight that was, it wasn’t my business.
“You’re mad at me,” Nate said, prodding his jaw. I bet he was hurting. Shara had a solid right hook.
“I’m furious. You’re a dick.” It was the catch in her voice that clued me in.
How had I not thought about Shara’s relationship to Nate before this? They’d worked together at Gilded. She’d told me straight up that he was a good guy. It was obvious now that she’d liked him as more than an employee, as a friend—and he’d walked out on her. On all of us. Of course she’d be upset.
His infiltration of my family started with her.
“I’m sorry, Shara. I didn’t want to hurt you, but I didn’t have a choice.” His voice was quiet, but he didn’t look away. He held her gaze, even when I knew it was hard for him to do it. Nate carried so much shame for his actions, something only time and forgiveness could heal. He had mine and Grey’s. He’d earn the rest eventually.
“Don’t you think I know that?” she snapped, shoving her braids over her shoulder. They were a brilliant pink, and I wondered if she needed the happy color to help her bleak mood lately. “That doesn’t mean I have to like you right now.”
He nodded. “It won’t happen again.”
I knew he wasn’t talking about his betrayal of her, but me, and so did she. Shara snorted. “I know that too, but I can still be mad at you.”
“I’d recommend it,” Dominic said.
Nate said nothing, and she huffed at him. “I hate that you’re so agreeable. Makes it hard to hate you.”
“Does it, though?” The barely audible whisper came out of nowhere, and I looked over to find Cameron breathing heavily on the couch with Ash at his side.
She grimaced at me, then turned to her husband. “I’ll grab you a plate, babe.”
Then she was gone, and it was only my cousin and me. “You know why he did it.”
He settled deeper into the couch with a sigh. “I would have done the same, but that doesn’t mean I have to like him.”
“I trust him, Cameron.”
“Do you?”
“Yes.” I really did. Nate had made a mistake, but he’d done it for his mom. The only family he’d had for so long. I couldn’t fault him for that. Besides, I believed he wasn’t interested in doing me any harm. I had to.
My cousin stared at Nate for a while, turning away before the other man saw him. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Mari.”
I sighed, knowing he wasn’t going to push it again. Cameron was a good soldier. He’d question me privately, but when I gave my orders, it was law. He’d do whatever I needed, and his faith meant more to me than I cared to admit.
We lapsed into silence while the others talked quietly around the table, and guilt sprang up again. There hadn’t been time to talk since I’d put Joaquin down, and I hated that his death felt like a canyon between us, smaller than the one with Rafael but no more crossable. “I’m sorry.”
Cameron shook his head. “It wasn’t your fault, Mari.”
I was the one who’d killed his father. If it wasn’t my fault, whose was it?
As if he heard me, Cameron went on. “It had to happen, Mari. You have to be able to trust family, and Joaquin wasn’t trustworthy. What happened was the result of his own actions.”
Without waiting for me to agree, he stood, ruffled my hair, and made his way slowly to the dining room. Slumping into the seat next to Ash, he wrapped an arm around her while Shara and Dominic bickered playfully, and Nate watched with a silent grin.
Cameron was right that you had to be able to trust family, but what would he do when he found out someone else in ours wasn’t trustworthy either?