As they got back into the car, Rowan’s mind was already churning with plans. Elio’s death was a twist he hadn’t anticipated, but it was also an opportunity.. a chance to tighten his grip on the power structure and eliminate those who dared to cross him. The city’s underworld was like a chessboard, and Rowan was always to be the one controlling the moves.. to be on the top..
Harvey drove in silence. The dark streets of Venice slipped past them, the city’s beauty contrasting sharply with the shadows in Rowan’s mind. The deal with Elio had been crucial, but now it was in shambles, and the fallout could be catastrophic. He needed to think ahead, figure out the moves of those who would try to fill the space left by Elio’s death.
As they approached a quieter part of the city, away from the busy canals and tourists, Harvey’s voice cut through the silence. “Brother, we’re being followed.”
Rowan’s eyes snapped to the rearview mirror, his expression darkening. Sure enough, a pair of headlights was keeping a steady distance behind them, moving with calculated precision. The car was sleek, black, and clearly meant to blend in.. a professional’s vehicle, not some thug’s.
Ryle, seated in the back, leaned forward, his voice tense. “Is it from Elio’s side?”
Rowan studied the car for a moment, his mind working rapidly. “No,” he said finally, his voice calm but laced with coldness. “They’re not. Elio’s people wouldn’t be this subtle. This is something else.”
Harvey’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. “What do we do?”
“Keep driving,” Rowan instructed, his tone leaving no room for debate. “Take the next left. Let’s see how serious they are.”
Harvey nodded, following Rowan’s orders without question. The car veered left onto a narrower street, the buildings looming closer as the road darkened. The headlights behind them followed without hesitation.
“They’re definitely after us,” Ryle muttered, his hand inching toward the gun hidden beneath his jacket. “What’s the play?”
Rowan’s mind raced through the possibilities. Whoever was following them wasn’t just a random threat; they were skilled, methodical. That meant they had a purpose, and Rowan needed to find out what it was.. before it was too late..
“Take the next right,” Rowan ordered. “We’re going to lead them somewhere quiet.”
Harvey complied, turning onto an even narrower street, the road rough beneath the tires. The car behind them matched their every move, unrelenting in its pursuit to follow Rowan.
“They’re not giving up,” Ryle said, his voice tight with pressure.
Rowan’s lips curled into a grim smile. “Good. Let’s see how far they’re willing to go.”
They drove in silence for a few more minutes, weaving through the labyrinthine streets of Venice until they reached an area Rowan knew well as he had been to Venice for god knows how many times.. a deserted industrial district, far from the prying eyes of the public. The perfect place for a confrontation.
“Pull over,” Rowan ordered.
Harvey brought the car to a stop, and Rowan, Ryle, and Harvey stepped out into the cool night air. The following car slowed to a halt a few meters behind them, its engine still running. The headlights illuminated the three men as they stood in the street, waiting.
Rowan watched as the driver’s side door of the other car opened. A man stepped out.. tall, lean, and dressed in black from head to toe. His face was partially obscured by the shadows, but the confidence in his movements was unmistakable. This was someone who knew what he was doing, someone dangerous.
“Rowan Falcone,” the man said, his voice carrying across the distance between them. “I didn’t expect you to make this so easy.”
Rowan’s eyes narrowed as he assessed the man. There was something familiar about him, though he couldn’t place it. “You’ve got my attention,” Rowan replied, his tone deceptively calm. “Now tell me who you are and what the fuck you want.”
The man took a step closer, his hand resting casually on the gun holstered at his side. “The name’s Dante. I work for someone who’s very interested in what you’ve been up to lately.”
“Dante, huh?” Rowan’s expression remained unreadable. “And who’s this someone?”
Dante’s smile was cold. “Let’s just say he’s a player who’s been watching the board for a long time. Elio’s death has opened up new opportunities, and he wants to make sure you don’t get too comfortable.”
Rowan’s mind raced. Whoever Dante worked for was clearly making a move, using Elio’s death as a catalyst. But there was something else at play here, something more than just a power grab.
“You think you can intimidate me?” Rowan’s voice was laced with a dangerous edge. “You’ve made a mistake.”
Dante chuckled, the sound low and menacing. “This isn’t about intimidation, Falcone. It’s about control. My employer has plans for this city, and you’re either going to be part of them, or you’re going to get out of the way… as simple as that..”
Ryle stepped forward, his hand resting on his gun. “You’re threatening the wrong man, Dante.”
Dante’s gaze flicked to Ryle, then back to Rowan. “You think you can fight this? Elio was just the beginning. There are forces at work here that you can’t even begin to comprehend.”
Rowan’s eyes flashed with cold fury. “I don’t need to comprehend them. I just need to know who I need to bury.”
Dante’s smile widened, as if he found Rowan’s defiance amusing. “You’re bold, Falcone. I’ll give you that. But this isn’t a game you can win. My employer is patient, and he’s already started setting the pieces in motion. You can either cooperate and survive, or you can resist and be crushed. The choice is yours.”