Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 94915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
“We need to discuss next moves,” Niall says, cutting in. “The whole city’s in an uproar right now. That attack was much too big to bury.”
“He’s right, it’s all over the fucking news.” Ronan gestures with his mug and some coffee sloshes over the edge. “Dusan’s usually smarter than that. Now we have everyone’s fucking attention.”
“We’ll have to be careful,” Julien says. “But we also have to move fast.”
“How much strength do you have left?” Ronan asks.
“That I can count on? A couple dozen men, plus a few more wounded. I’d say twenty-five that are reliable.”
Ronan grunts and I can tell he doesn’t like it. Twenty-five men isn’t very many, all things considered, and I can tell the situation is dire by the look Niall and Ronan share with each other.
“We still outgun Dusan,” Niall says after a long pause. “If we bring our full strength on him and combine our forces, it won’t even be a fight. But at this point, the whole city’s watching everything we do.”
“None of them matter,” Julien says. “Only the Biancos. And we don’t know how they’ll react.”
“No, we don’t, but we need to come up with a plan.” Niall sighs and rubs his face. “Personally, I think we should deal with Dusan immediately. Hit him hard and fast. Hit him at home if we can. Kill him, kill as many of his captains and lieutenants as we can, and handle the fallout from there.”
“It might weaken us too much,” Ronan says, sounding like he’s continuing an argument they’ve been having.
“I’m with Niall, but maybe we can split the difference. A mixture of my men plus some of yours should be enough to hit Dusan hard enough to either bloody his nose or take him out completely. Either way, I’m tired of sitting around and waiting for events to unfold. I need to get out there and steer this shit.”
Ronan rubs his shoulder and Niall looks like he’s considering it, and the three men begin to discuss specific actions: burning buildings, attacking clubs, targeted killings. I get up and wander from the table, unable to listen to all the violence, not with the fresh memories of all that blood and dying and killing running through my head. But as I turn back to the table, Julien’s phone starts ringing from the kitchen. I grab it and frown at the screen.
“Someone named Marco is on the phone,” I tell him, holding it out.
Everyone at the table freezes.
Slowly, Julien reaches out and takes it. He turns and exchanges a long, hard stare with Ronan.
Neither of them moves, and the phone keeps vibrating.
Finally, Ronan speaks. “Let’s see what the motherfucker has to say.”
Chapter 40
Julien
Ihaven’t heard from Marco in a while.
Which is exactly how I wanted it.
There was a time when we were all friends. Ronan, Marco, and I, even Dusan and another gang leader named Adam. We were planning together, joining our forces, thinking about starting a fight with the Biancos. There were bold ideas and dreams of a Chicago turned upside down.
Until Marco betrayed us, married a Bianco daughter, and got Adam killed.
Now we’re fractured, and nothing’s been the same.
He sounds like himself when I answer. “I didn’t think you’d pick up,” he says.
“Ronan’s here.” I put the phone on speaker. I’m very aware that everyone’s watching me. “Niall too. And my wife, Brianne.”
“You got married?” Marco laughs, but it sounds forced. “Congratulations. Who is she?”
“Why are you calling, Marco?” Ronan asks, sounding very strained.
There’s a brief pause before Marco answers. “I heard about what happened. I’ve been debating whether I should reach out or not.”
“And you decided it was a good idea?” Ronan grunts, looking angry. “Typical of a fucking traitor.”
Marco sighs like he’s sick of hearing that. “Look, you guys know my deal with Laura’s family. I’m neutral, or at least as neutral as I can be, considering I married the Don’s little sister.”
“Then you can’t do fucking shit for us,” I say, jaw working with frustration.
“But I heard your grandfather’s been having long talks with my brother-in-law,” Marco says, ignoring my comment. “And I know about the shit with Dusan. I’m starting to piece the situation together on my end.”
“My grandfather started a war with Dusan. That’s the situation.” I take a deep breath to calm myself and put the phone down on the table. “Is my grandfather making any progress on the Don?”
I hate asking the question, but I can’t help myself.
“You probably won’t believe me, but I’m not totally sure. We don’t go to the oasis all that often, or at least I don’t, and Laura’s not deeply plugged in to the Famiglia. But from what I understand, Simon’s skeptical right now.”
I tilt my head to the side. “Skeptical is good.”
“Skeptical isn’t good enough,” Ronan says. “Why did you make this call, Marco? You know how we feel about you.”