by Piper Stone
“I took the liberty of building a file on the Movinos,” Dominick stated, easing the laptop onto one of the side tables. “You’ve got a shit load to deal with.”
“Meaning Axel Movino is more connected than I thought.” I heard the angst in my voice.
“Without a doubt, although I must admit I’m surprised. He’s not a true leader. There is no real family, merely thugs he’d collected as followers.” Dominick lifted a single eyebrow, pressing the on button then walking toward the bar. “However, it would appear that he’s well-funded with influential friends.”
“That much I know,” I muttered before taking a sip of my drink, my thoughts drifting to Sierra. I was beginning to wonder if Dante had reached the hideout location. There was a late spring storm, making traveling dicey, but he should have called in by now. I hadn’t told her I had no plans of joining her until this was over. I needed to concentrate, at least during the next two crucial days.
I watched as a waiter I’d never seen brought prepared hors d’oeuvres into the room. Almost immediately, I reached for my gun, only Dominick able to stop me from pulling the weapon into my hands.
“Relax, Lorenzo. I doubt a repeat event is going to occur,” he said under his breath, even though he’d opened his suit jacket, the sight of his shoulder holster becoming visible. “It would appear that Axel is calculated in his methods.”
“I don’t relax. You ought to know that.” I held my breath until the kid left the room, admonishing myself for attempting a meeting in a location such as this. I’d drawn a line in the sand with the devil, tempting the very gods. Damn, I wanted this shit over with.
“If he’s calculated then he may have someone behind him,” Michael suggested.
The thought was a good one.
Aleksei Petrov finally strolled into the room, his usual dark demeanor different than I was used to. Almost immediately he began to pull out cigars, the smile on his face a rare occurrence.
“To what do we owe this celebration?” Miguel asked, eagerly taking one of the cigars.
“I have news,” the Russian said with a lilt in his voice.
Dominick shook his head, giving me a slight smile. “Does this mean you and your lovely bride are expecting?”
“I found that out at the wedding.” Aleksei hummed softly to himself as he walked toward the bar, preparing the usual drinks that we all consumed during one of our alliance meetings. “She gave birth a week ago.”
“Don’t leave us in the dark,” I said, trying to be jovial. It was hard to believe that eight months had gone by since the Russian situation had occurred.
We were the Sons of Darkness, princes of our father’s various mafia regimes. We’d become friends during our eighteen months together, our powerful realms expanded by the knowledge that if necessary, we’d provide muscle for whatever situation one of us had to endure. As Aleksei handed out several drinks, I realized that I was the last of the group to find happiness.
Alone.
Just like Sierra had accused me of.
I’d actually considered the fact the other four had grown attached to a woman a weakness, although I’d never expressed anything of that nature. We certainly kept honor and respect among our group, the realization that our respective family organizations were much stronger since we’d become colleagues important.
Now? Hell, I’d begun to think they’d become more powerful in their leadership abilities since they’d found the loves of their lives.
“And,” Aleksei hesitated as he turned to face us, lifting his usual vodka drink into the air. “It’s a boy.”
“Congratulations,” Michael was the first to say, slapping Aleksei on the back enthusiastically.
“And a girl.” Aleksei grinned.
“Another set of twins,” Michael beamed. “Must be the liquor we’re drinking.”
There was a sense of camaraderie as we toasted his good fortune, a sense of friendship that certainly hadn’t been expected in the beginning. We were supposed to be enemies. While we’d kept the secret from our fathers, we all sensed they were aware of our connection.
An alliance made from blood and violence.
And for some insane reason, I’d never felt so alone in my life.
“It is a great accomplishment and my biggest joy. To be able to have children with Willow is more than I could have hoped for,” Aleksei continued, lifting his glass even higher before gulping over half. I’d seen the hint of sadness in the man’s eyes. We all had endured so much in the last year and a half. A lifetime worth.
Dominick shot me another look, studying me carefully. He’d been surprised when he’d been the first one I’d called, asking for more extensive help. The Lugiano family held court with dozens of politicians and members of the FBI and CIA. Some were on their payroll while others merely had an understanding with the kingpin. If anyone could hunt down who was backing Axel’s group, it was him.
Everyone within Dominick’s turf knew to stay out of their business and there would be less crime in the streets. So far, the arrangement had worked well for New York. Perhaps I needed to sweep into and mirror his family’s business practices, although that wouldn’t bode well with my father.
He finally moved back to the computer, keeping the screen away from anyone who might enter the room other than the five of us. “Come, gentlemen. We have much business to discuss. Lorenzo needs our help.”
“Ah, yes, the asshole known as Axel Movino,” Aleksei hissed. “Svin’ya.”
“Even I know that word in Russian and he is a pig,” Dominick said, laughing. “But he’s well-funded from various takedowns through the Midwest. He’s scum that needs to be dealt with.”
“I’ve heard he has Bratva ties,” I offered.
Aleksei snorted. “Not Bratva. He doesn’t have what it takes, but he’s spouted off enough shit about being a card-carrying member to develop several enemies because of that alone. More important, his cartel has been putting out feelers for months, looking to venture out.”
“Into what?” Miguel asked.
“Serious party favors for high rollers. Money laundering as well. The cartel has been actively recruiting members like PTA moms selling Tupperware,” Dominick answered, waiting until the two waiters who’d brought more food left, closing the door behind them.
In the meantime, I continued to fume. It seemed that I’d underestimated Axel’s capabilities.
Dominick turned the laptop to face us, stepping back as we crowded around. “These are a few of the reports from different parts of the country. Your boy Axel has tentacles reaching all the way into Mexico. Heard there’s even some shit going down between them and the Jalisco cartel.”
“The next generation or so they’re called. They are true savages,” Aleksei offered. “Why not just allow their leader to know where Axel is?”
Michael was the first to laugh. “You know Lorenzo, Aleksei. He prefers to handle his own business his way. Why do I have a feeling there’s more to this?”
I took a sip of my drink, my appetite in the toilet. “You heard about the Illinois senator whose son was just murdered?”
“Heard about it on the flight. The press painted your family out as the number one suspect. I take it you had nothing to do with it.” Dominick smiled after issuing the words.
“I may dislike the senator, but I’m no fool. My goal isn’t to start a war, even though it looks I might not be able to avoid it,” I answered, swirling what little was left of my drink.
“You think Axel is involved?” Miguel asked.
“I know he is because I’m harboring the single witness to the crime.” My answer at least didn’t seem to shock them.
“And let me guess,” Aleksei began. “You’re sleeping with her.”
“Let’s just say that she and I have a certain... connection, but even better. She’s the daughter of the FBI agent dead set on taking down my family,” I retorted, giving him an off-handed smile.
“A deal has been made and I own her.”
“David Fox?” Dominick asked, narrowing his eyes. When I nodded, he continued. “He’s been after our organization for years. I’ve been close to taking the man down on several occasions. The bastard seems to have a death wish. If you have his daughter, then you’re a wise man.” His eyes twinkled given he’d done something similar well over a year before.
“I’ve heard his name,” Aleksei said. “Izmennik. Traitor. He’s playing both ends. I’ve had several sources tell me that given my work goes into New Jersey.”
“That’s what I thought.” I knew now that I would need to play the ace. I just wanted to make certain I handled it in the best manner.
Miguel whistled through his teeth. “You got balls, Lorenzo. I’d just be careful this one doesn’t get them cut off. I smell blood in the water.”
“She came to me for safe keeping.” I glanced between all of them. “Besides, every one of you have taken risks. Owning his daughter will help keep Agent Fox under wraps.” I couldn’t help but grin.
Dominick chuckled. “You’re sounding more like me every day.”
I shrugged, lifting my drink out of respect.
“What else? Something stinks,” Michael suggested.
“Yeah, I know that, which is what I’m trying to figure out.” I moved back toward the bar, pouring a hefty amount. The liquor wasn’t affecting me in any manner. Maybe getting drunk was a temporary answer. I almost laughed at the thought, the concept of losing control ridiculous.
“What do you need from us?” Dominick asked.
“I need to find out who Movino is actually controlling in the FBI. I also need to know who or what organization is funding his rise to power. Eight months ago, he was little more than a street thug, attempting to muscle in on my turf. Now, he fashions himself some crime lord, branching out to all areas of the country? A larger organization has to be behind this.”
“In other words, you think Axel is a front man,” Miguel said softly.
I nodded, my grip on the glass firm. “I’d already begun to think that and what Dominick said seems to confirm my suspicions.”
“I have a few sources that are off the grid,” Michael said casually. “Allow me to make some calls. If you don’t mind, I have some time on my hands. I’d like to stay and help.”
The offer was one I couldn’t afford to refuse. “Fine by me.”
“And the woman?” Aleksei asked.
“I need to make certain she’s protected. She belongs to me, a deal she made herself but someone other than Axel is out to kill her.” I hoped I was wrong, but my gut told me otherwise. “To that end, I need muscle.”
Dominick held out his glass. “Happy to oblige. You tell me how many and where and my soldiers will be at your disposal tomorrow.”
At this point, trusting anyone outside of my organization was difficult but an absolute must. “Just keep her alive.”
The alliance had proven to be successful during the last two years. “I have another idea that I want to throw in your direction, a decision for everyone to consider.” I’d issued the words carefully.
Dominick was the first to raise his eyebrows, crowding closer. “I think we’re all listening. What do you have in mind?”
Unconventional? Absolutely.
Powerful? Without a doubt.
If they accepted, our control over the entire country, including every port within the continental United States would be locked down, the smaller cartels unable to usurp our power ever again.
However, the significant change had its share of risks, including placing larger targets on our backs. A new regime. A new generation of our own.
The possibilities were endless.
And for the first time in years, I was excited about the future, but only if a certain vivacious and feisty woman was in my life.
Against all reasoning, the very one I was already falling hard for.
Chapter Eight
Lorenzo
The hunt was on.
I’d been played only once in my life and that had ended badly for the asshole who’d attempted to extort a few of my businesses. If Axel had someone not only backing him but remaining behind the scene on purpose, the situation could get out of control easily. I’d asked my men to put word on the street that I wanted to talk to him. Whether or not he obliged was yet to be seen.
By the time I left the restaurant, it was after eight-thirty. The odds of finding the agent at the office were slim, but I figured I would start there. My family had nothing to hide. Besides, the fucker wouldn’t dare cross me at this moment, especially given the information I’d received from the more than willing police officer. Seeing the good agent’s reaction might prove to be useful.
Sierra’s notes didn’t reveal much, except that it was painfully obvious the senator’s son had been involved in some way with Axel. If by choice remained to be seen.
What continued to trouble me was that I hadn’t heard from Dante. He was very good about checking in, even in the middle of a damn snowstorm. The fact the call I’d made had gone to voicemail had certainly pissed me off. He knew better than to ignore my command. Granted, the area they were going was also very rural, cell phone coverage sketchy. I would hold off on my anger for a few more hours.
I refused to imagine they’d run off the road. I knew I would have felt if she was in danger. I felt that connected to her.
Dear God, I hoped so.
I took several deep breaths, rationalizing the weather had simply forced them to take the trip slowly.
As I drove toward the small offices housing the local FBI force, I thought about what I was going to say to David. This was another risk I was taking, but one I felt was necessary. Whether or not I used the card would remain to be seen. I had to play this very carefully.
I wanted to find out what the police had learned about Lucas’ death. There was one officer of the law I felt I could trust, at least to ask a few questions. He owed my family a significant amount of money for his daughter’s surgery. Although I rarely asked him for favors, he knew that at any time I could call. He picked up on the second ring.
“Lieutenant Fields.”
“Mark.”
I heard the hesitation in his voice. “Lorenzo. Good to hear from you. How have you been?” The tremor in his voice was evident.
“Let’s cut the crap, Mark. You’re obviously aware that my family is being persecuted for a murder we had nothing to do with. All I need from you is some information and nothing more.”
“O-kay. Sure. What do you need?”
“What kind of evidence was found on the scene? Murder weapon? DNA?”
“Let me close my door.”
I was only a few blocks from the set of corporate buildings housing the FBI field office. For some reason, I was anxious about talking with David.
“Lorenzo? Look, this stuff is real preliminary.”
“But enough that my family was already accused in the press.”
He snorted. “You know how they are. They take everything out of context.”
“Uh-huh. What do you have?”
“Um, there was no murder weapon at the scene but there was some blood found. They had the DNA tested. Let me see if it came back.”
Another hold.
Another hesitation.
“Wow. You’re not going to believe this. They had the results rushed. The DNA is for the daughter of an FBI agent. Sierra Fox? She’s a reporter, I think.”
“Interesting. Are they going to arrest her?”
“Not enough evidence,” he muttered. “Just listed as a person of interest. A friend of yours?”
“Don’t know her. Just trying to clear my family name. Any chance the agent knows yet?”
“Yeah, he has to. He was the lead in charge, taking the case right out of our hands. Looks like that happened thirty minutes after the tests came back. If anything else is known, the Feds haven’t shared it with us yet. You’re going to have to ask them.”
Which I intended on doing personally.
My guess was that David was notified and made certain he got the case before anyone found out.
“There’s something else. A note attached to the file. The information is supposed to stay locked down.” He sighed. “I guess because I was one of the officers on the scene, I was given access.”
I had a distinct feeling he’d be locked out soon enough. David certainly wouldn’t want this kind of information getting out to the public. He had enough influence with the police commissioner to cut everyone out he didn’t want involved.
Exhaling, I knew my discussion with Mr. Fox could prove to be interesting and very helpful. “I appreciate your information, Mark. Keep in mind that we never talked. Is that clear?”
“Yes,” he half whispered. “Yes, sir.”
“I hope your daughter is doing well,” I added.
“Absolutely, thanks to you. I’ll never forget what you did.”
I ended the call as I pulled into the parking lot. Mark would never forget. That’s why I could trust him. He knew the consequences if he broke that trust. I’d taken the time to learn everything about Agent Fox including what he drove, where he enjoyed eating and his address. The crappy little house was a rental, likely a byproduct of his difficult divorce.
As I drove to the quiet yet rundown neighborhood, my thoughts continued to swirl around what had been discussed at the meeting with the alliance. With Michael remaining behind and my proposal accepted by the alliance, I could at least run some ideas past him without my father’s knowledge.
I noticed a car in the driveway and several lights on inside the tiny house. If I’d been him, I would have taken the caseload out of the office, trying to keep the findings confidential for as long as possible. Then again, my tactics were entirely different.
I parked on the street almost a block away from his house. The element of surprise would certainly work in my favor.
As I walked toward the small rancher, I searched for any sign of police cars. David seemed to be entirely alone. The man was fractured because of the information. I unbuttoned my jacket and knocked on the front door.
“Yeah?” he called from behind the thick wooden panel.