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You’re welcome. Kore
The message contains not only the names and numbers of all the gala attendees but also blueprints of the vast mansion where the gala is scheduled to take place tomorrow.
“I need to call Tim.” That’s all I say before walking to Bai’s bedroom.
Chapter 21
Aidan
The location where the gala is being held bears more resemblance to a castle than it does to a mansion. We’ve been ready for weeks, but I had to make some changes now that I know Shaan is Fusco’s son and the one who is trying to outrun us.
Standing in front of the mansion, only Scott is with me. My da’ decided to make his entrance earlier, and Blakely will be coming later on with some members of her team. I don’t know what she has planned; she only told me to trust her. And that is exactly what I’m going to do. Even though we still don’t know what Fusco and the Snakes planned for us tonight.
Glancing at Scott, we nod in agreement and start to walk towards the main door. As we approach, two guards dressed in black with masks covering their faces step forward to greet us. How surprising.
I can’t spot any weapons on them, but there’s a feeling of tension in the air that suggests otherwise.
This place is bigger than it looks. Kore's message comes back to my mind, and I now understand why he sent us the mansion’s blueprints. You could easily get lost in there. Crossing the threshold of the French doors, noises come from everywhere. The place is swarming with people, and as I look around, I recognise a few familiar faces. I stop dead in my tracks, making Scott bump into me.
“What is it?”
“I…” I start. No, it can’t be. I’m being ridiculous. He’s dead. “Nothing.”
“Now is not the time to lie to me, brother. You saw someone that triggered something.”
“It's nothing. I thought I saw my grandfather.” I catch his gaze, and his incredulous look makes me feel like a circus freak with two heads.
“The old man? He’s been dead for years now, Ade. We saw him die.”
“I know.” I press a hand over my face.
As I push the feeling away, I focus on the decor that surrounds me.
The ceiling is adorned with stunning chandeliers, and a bar is conveniently located in the corner. People are laughing, and some are yelling.
“Why are some of The Twelve here?” asks Scott. “Do you think they’re working with Fusco?”
“I don’t know. Let’s keep our eyes open,” I say, noticing my da’ in the centre of the room. After acknowledging him with a nod of my head, I walk towards the bar as I crave the burning sensation of whisky running down my throat.
“Mr Preston.” I turn my head to see who is greeting me. I’ve never seen him before. He has a strong Italian accent, which doesn’t ease my nerves.
“Aye?” I say.
“I’m Riccardo Valentino.” He extends his hand, offering it for me to shake.
I’m surprised to see him.
“Mr Valentino,” I say, gripping his hand tightly and giving it a firm shake. “I didn’t expect you to be here tonight.” With his glass in hand, he chuckles heartily.
“Aidan. Can I call you Aidan?” I nod my head in agreement, signalling my approval. “When Angelito called me to let me know what was happening, you can guess I had no intention of letting her do this by herself tonight.”
“She already has backup,” Scott says through gritted teeth.
“I guess you’re Mr Reed. Blakely’s brother.” A single curt nod is his only response. “Well, Mr Reed, my intention was not to insinuate that she wouldn’t have backup. What I meant is if the mafia is involved in your business and they have their sights set on my Angelito’s skin, I won’t just sit back and wait for the worst-case scenario.”
“Why do you suspect the mafia is involved?” I ask.
“Through extensive research, I’ve discovered that Mr Fusco is the son of a notorious and cruel mafia leader from Italy. Fusco took his place a few years back when he passed away. We thought they were all dead. He is a relentless seeker of material wealth and is always searching for ways to increase his assets. He’s after more than just your business and title. There’s something else that he’s searching for. The Snakes will meet their downfall at his hands once he is done with them. He views them as insignificant pawns in his game, to be used and discarded as he sees fit,” Riccardo answers, taking a sip of his drink.
