30. Lucas
CHAPTER 30
Lucas
T he city lights flicker through the window as I pour another drink. Funny how Oakland used to feel like home, but now it's just a battlefield. Every corner hides an enemy, every shadow a threat.
The Fabiettis didn't take the news of Serafina's disappearance lightly. I was there when Dominic broke the news to Luciano, and it was a sight to behold. The smug look on his face vanished as he learned he would never have the chance to touch Serafina like I had.
"We have no deal without the girl," Luciano shouted at Dominic with anger in his voice. "And you know what that means? I will make sure my family obliterates yours until there is nothing left of your existence. I knew we couldn't trust you."
With those final words, Luciano stormed out, knowing that his dreams of becoming his family's Don were back to square one without his precious marriage pact to another powerful family. But for me, it was a moment of sweet satisfaction. Seeing him lose control like that? It’s worth the shitstorm that’s headed our way.
Sitting in my office at the gym, I think back to those stolen moments with Serafina in this very space. The way her eyes sparkled when she laughed, the soft brush of her hair against my cheek. I'd give anything to go back to those days, but that Lucas is gone. Buried beneath the blood and bullets of this endless war.
A knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts. "What is it?" I bark, not bothering to hide the weariness in my voice.
Alex pokes his head in, his brows furrowed with concern. "Just checkin' in, hermano. You've been holed up in here for hours." The only time I visit the gym now is when it's empty. The space is filled with memories of the Lucas I used to be, and facing them in a gym full of my clients would make it too painful to bear.
I wave him off, reaching for the bottle again. "I'm fine. Just need some time to think."
He hesitates, then nods. "Alright, man. But don't forget, that favor you asked for from The Fallen Angels, Don Martin himself wants to collect. Tomorrow. Noon sharp." I didn't bother asking Alex who he went to for help when I needed a safe place for Serafina. Looking back, I should have done more research, but all that mattered was her safety.
I was all too familiar with The Fallen Angels; they were one of the gangs after Alex and me when we were kids. However, unlike Alex, I always avoided contact with them.
"I know." The words come out harsher than I intend, but Alex just shrugs and backs out of the room.
I barely recognize myself. Just a few months ago, my life was simple. Clean. Now, I owe one of the most powerful Mexican cartels a favor.
I drain my glass and stand, squaring my shoulders as I head for the door. The Lucas that Serafina loved might be gone, but I'll be damned if I let the Fabiettis win. They're my problem now.
The meeting with Don Martin is set at a nondescript warehouse on the outskirts of town. As I step inside, the pungent smell of chemicals and the hum of machinery assaults my senses.
"Se?or Enriquez." Don Martin emerges from the shadows, flanked by his men. "I trust you understand the gravity of our proposal?"
I nod curtly. "I do. But I have to ask, why me? Why not go through Isabella directly?"
A hint of a smile plays at the corners of his mouth. "Ah, but you see, mi amigo, you're the one who owes me a favor, not her. I trust that you'll find a way to guarantee our partnership."
Whispers have been circulating around the city that The Fallen Angels have been searching for a way to expand their drug distribution in the country. And from what Don Martin says, they plan on using The Mancini's longshoreman operations to move their product to the States. It's a clever move if you ask me. However, considering my recent troubles with the family, convincing them to go along with it may prove to be quite challenging.
"Give me a week," I say finally, locking eyes with Don Martin. I have no choice but to appear confident; I'll need to convince them to partner with Don Martin somehow.
He inclines his head, understanding in his eyes. "You have three days."
With that, he turns and melts back into the darkness, leaving me with my thoughts once more.
I decide not to waste any time and make a beeline for Isabella. She is in her study when I find her, pouring over some paperwork with a glass of wine at her elbow. She looks up as I enter, one perfectly manicured eyebrow arched in question.
"Lucas. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Her tone is light, but I can hear the undercurrent of tension beneath it.
I take a seat across from her, choosing my words carefully. "I had an interesting meeting today. With The Fallen Angels Cartel."
That gets her attention. She sets down her pen, leaning back in her chair to study me. "And?"
"They want to move product through Oakland. Asked for my help to do it."
Isabella's eyes narrow. "And what, exactly, would this arrangement entail?"
I shrug. "Distribution, mainly. Using your company infrastructure to get their shit on the streets. And it comes with a handsome cut of the profits to your family, of course."
She's silent for a long moment, considering. I can practically see the gears turning in her head as she weighs the pros and cons.
"It's a risky move," she says finally. "With the Fabiettis waging war on us, I'm not sure that we can afford to take on any new business ventures right now."
"Maybe. But it could work in our favor. I could talk to them and maybe get some backup - even recruit more guys for added protection?" I'm trying to appeal to her desire to safeguard what we have left. With Serafina out of the picture for just over two weeks now, the Fabietti's constant attacks have everyone stretched thin guarding the family business from their grasp.
Not to mention her own heartache over losing her daughter. She puts on a brave facade during the day, but I can hear her soft cries at night as I pass her and Ricardo's bedroom. The least I can do is lend a hand.
Isabella sighs, rubbing at her temple. "You really think this is a good idea? Getting in bed with the Mexicans?"
I lean forward, holding her gaze. "I think it's a chance, Isabella. A chance to win this war once and for all. Aren't you tired of always losing to them?"
She stares at me for a long moment, then nods slowly. "Alright. Set up the meeting. But Lucas?" Her eyes flash with warning. "You better be damn sure about this. Because if it goes south, it's on you."
I swallow hard, the weight of her words settling like a lead ball in my gut. But I force a smile, pushing to my feet.
"I understand. And Isabella? Grazie. For trusting me with this."
Her lips curve in a faint smile. "Don't make me regret it, piccolo. Now go before I change my mind."
As I leave her study, my mind is already racing ahead, mapping out the next steps. It's a gamble, I know that. But it's one I have to take.
For the family. For Serafina. And for me.