“Antonio Martinez. Forty-seven years old. Owns a chain of dry cleaners throughout the city, which serve as fronts for money laundering operations. In court documents, he’s presented as a legitimate businessman with strong community ties. Three prior arrests, zero convictions. Known associates include members of the?—”
“Boring.” I wave a hand. “You’re reading me a court filing. I asked who he is.”
“I don’t know who he is. I know what’s documented.”
“He’s a thug with a good accountant and an even better lawyer. Me.” I allow a slight smile. “The dry cleaners are a front, yes, but they’re also genuinely profitable. Martinez is smarter than he looks—which isn’t saying much, but it’s enough to keep him useful. His real value is logistics. He moves things. Product, money, people. Whatever needs to go from point A to point B without attracting official attention, Martinez handles it.
“And he reports to Nico, mostly. One of his pet projects. Which is part of why this situation is so delicate. If Martinez goesdown, it reflects on the heir apparent. And Nico doesn’t handle embarrassment well.”
“Noted.”
“Now. The Morenos.”
She shifts in her chair. The dress moves with her.
“Victor Moreno Sr. Head of the Moreno family. Controls the ports and significant portions of the union infrastructure. His son, Victor Jr., is being groomed to take over the operation. They’ve been in a territorial dispute with the Contis for at least two decades, possibly longer.”
“Rivals. Yes. Though ‘dispute’ is generous. Victor Sr. would slit Vincenzo’s throat in his sleep if he thought he could get away with it. The son is different. Smarter. More patient. He doesn’t just want the Conti territory—he wants to be seen taking it. Wants the victory to mean something.” I tilt my head. “You’ve met him.”
“At the restaurant.”
“And?”
“He was...” She chooses her words carefully. “Charming. In a way that felt deliberate.”
“Everything about Victor Jr. is deliberate. Remember that.” I lean forward. “Who else?”
“Nico Conti.”
“And what do you know about Nico?”
“He’s Vincenzo’s son. The heir.” She hesitates. “He seemed... upset. On the phone just now.”
“You heard that.”
“The walls aren’t that thick.”
Fair point.
“Nico is impulsive, entitled, and convinced he deserves a throne he hasn’t earned. He’s also Vincenzo’s only legitimate child, which means he inherits regardless of merit.” I pause.“Technically, he’s an ally. We work for the same family. We want the same things, broadly speaking.”
“But?”
“But nothing. He’s an ally.” I hold her gaze. “Stay away from him regardless.”
“Noted.” She flips a page in the folder, pretending to read. “Anyone else I should know about?”
“One more.”
I slowly stand and move around the desk.
She tracks my movement without turning her head. I catch the slight shift of her eyes, the way her shoulders tense almost imperceptibly.
“Raffaele D’Amico.”
Now she looks up.
“What about him?”
