Page 61 of Lucian

“What’s the cost estimate so far?”

“Ten million. It’s mostly roof work this time. Nothing excessive.”

“Ten million seems kind of excessive,” Jordyn said quietly. “That’s a big number.”

Frank offered her a shrug in explanation. “Once you factor in contracts and costs for a dozen buildings, it all adds up.”

“It does,” Lucian said. “But it’s always well overestimated, isn’t it?”

“It is,” Frank confirmed.

“Dante and Antony want in on the contractor side of it. At least ten percent of the final cost of the entire contract. Antony guaranteed a fifty percent return for you. When it comes time to draw up the list of contractors for the final job, their company needs to be on it.”

“Five-hundred-thousand isn’t bad,” Frank mused.

Lucian smirked. “Antony takes seventy of anything I, or anyone else makes, so no, it certainly isn’t.”

“A million is hard hide.”

“Then move it around. Ten smaller contracts divided between whatever. They have more than one company able to put their name on the docket. It’s easily hidden that way.”

Just by the distant stare Frank was sporting, Lucian knew he was considering the numbers and proposition of the deal. If it was worth it, if it could work, and how it all needed to be done to the very final end. Frank was particularly good with numbers and decisions. It wasn’t the first time they’d made one like this.

Staying silent to give the man his time to think, Lucian skimmed his hand up to Jordyn’s knee before rubbing back down to her ankle in the same, slow manner. That wine glass of hers tilted up to her lips once more to hide her growing grin.

Lucian had to admit he liked her there, listening and learning like she was. There were some aspects of their business better seen than talked about. This happened to be one of them.

“We can do that,” Frank finally said. “Gio and you aren’t looking to get in on this I take it?”

“No,” Lucian responded. “We like the shipping district, as we always have.”

“Ah, and that’s what I’m waiting for. Dates?”

“Next month. Three shipments will be coming in during the last week. Could be any day that week, depending on the weather,” Lucian explained. “Security needs to be loosened up in the west docks.”

“And me?” Frank asked outright.

“One-hundred per shipment, and I want them all in and out of the area before it’s paid.”

“That’s feasible. I’ll work the details out, and give you a call for confirmation. Anything else?”

Lucian shook his head, taking a quick drink of his Grey Goose. “No, but thank you for coming.”

“Always good to do business with you, Lucian. God knows the Marcellos are easier to work with than some of the more legitimate deals.”

“Well, that’s because we know what we want right from the start. Say hello to your wife for my mother, Frank.”

Frank smiled. “Will do.”

When Frank was gone out the back of the restaurant, and the chef had come out to refill their glasses, Jordyn shot Lucian with a sly smile. “Did I just watch you extort a piece of a construction contract for the city?”

“Something like that.”

Jordyn snorted. “It’s kind of like getting your name on a party invite list because you know someone up high, not because you were actually invited or anyone wants you there.”

“Except we’re not going to the party,” Lucian said indifferently.

“Oh?”