“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.
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.