AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“No indication to the perpetrator whatsoever?”
“He was programmed to die instead of identifying his client. I gave him what he wanted. Granted, I took some time providing sweet peace.”
The man had no more patience than I did. Everything was leading to a dead end. That wasn’t acceptable. However, there were at least some benefits gained by Kostya interrogating the man. Whoever was behind the defensive maneuvers was planning something much greater than the simple theft of arms. This was about a full scale takeover attempt.
Hissing, I looked away, my instinct fortified by what he’d just said. “I need your expertise, and this is a different assignment that you’re used to, but I have a feeling that time is of the essence.”
“I figured as much. What do you need?”
A portion of what I was planning could destroy what little trust Giada had in me, but this was business and I refused to be caught with my pants down again. “I need you to go to New York. Senator Casper Donahue has been a thorn in our side for months. He’s seeking reelection, running on the platform of destroying the Bratva, among other things. He’s not ruling out attempting to remove every Mafioso family.”
Kostya laughed. “No one man has that power.”
“Of course not; however, he’s made enough waves that the DEA is dead set on infiltrating our operation to boost their level of power and influence. With the theft of their weapons and the location of the heist, it made it much easier to blame the Bratva. The other information they’ve gathered is… disconcerting.”
“Meaning you think someone from the DEA has infiltrated the operation.”
“It’s possible, but I’ll deal with that later. I need to know what the senator is planning. He’s dirty, no doubt about it. Either someone has blackmailed him or made an offer he can’t refuse. I need to know what that offer is. There is a reason that Diez requested a purchase from my collection. I think he’s making a foolish attempt at disarming us.”
“Very possible. There are always reasons behind every decision made, Sevastian. Just remember that those decisions often have consequences.”
This time I laughed. “You’ve become the philosophical one.”
“I do what’s necessary in order to remain alive. Keep something in mind. If Diez is planning something against Rojas, he is likely to fail. The cartel is expanding their control into every country in South America. It’s possible Diez longs to protect his business and nothing else.”
“Anything is possible, but my instinct is never wrong. Diez could be a front man for Rojas as well. This forced union with the Vincheti family is a perfect opportunity to use a single weakness involving two powerful families.” For a full minute, it seemed we were at odds. Then he nodded.
“I’m not certain why you think I’m the man for the job.”
“Because I’m not ruling out a necessary assassination.”
“Of a US senator,” he murmured.
“Does that bother you? Have you suddenly developed scruples?”
He moved closer, locking eyes with mine. “I don’t think insulting me is in our best interest. Do you?”
I pushed aside his aggressive words, keeping the harsh glare we shared until he was the one to look away. “In addition, I need to find out if there is a direct connection with Cesare Vincheti.”
His laugh was strained. “The father of the woman you’re supposed to marry?”
I snorted. He obviously didn’t know me very well. “There is a link between the two men. My gut tells me that. I just need to know what that is. Several of the men who shot up the restaurant used blanks, as if I wouldn’t know. I wasn’t supposed to be killed that day. My father would have torn the city apart.”
“An overt threat made yet minimal casualties. That does sound like someone who does have a conscience, but not the Colombians. They don’t play games. There are enough hired guns from South America that a limited façade could be arranged.”
“That’s exactly what I was thinking. As you can imagine, I’m not the man to initiate this kind of operation.”
“You don’t want to piss off your pretty little bride.”
He had a way of infuriating me to the point I didn’t give a shit how important he was to the family. This was one of those times. “This is more about the damn DEA breathing down my neck. Is this something you’re willing to do?” An attack. An infiltration on secure grounds. A rat in the ranks. A corrupt senator. A powerful Mafioso leader threatened. And the DEA holding too much information. This was nothing more than a shit show.
Kostya lifted his head, taking a deep breath before nodding. “I owe your father. This will be my one-time exchange for his assistance when I arrived in New York.”
“Understood. Whatever you find, I need to know immediately.”
“Not a problem. If the situation becomes… difficult?”
“Then do what you do best.” I was ready to turn away when he slapped his hand on my arm.
