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“What shit did you fall into? If you need my help, you got it.”
I thought about how much information to provide over the phone. “Have you heard of a prick named Michael Azzurri?”
“Big outfit out of Chicago. The Los Zetas play errand boys for them every once in a while. I heard the Azzurris were expanding,” he said. “Why?”
“They did. They’re in Vegas and it seems my brother got hooked up with them.” I’d read enough about the damn family to know they were powerful, dozens of politicians and corporate heads on their payroll or under their control. They owned a solid third of the restaurants in Vegas, as well as several smaller casinos in Reno. Going against them wasn’t in my best interest, but that’s what I intended on doing.
“Fuck. You got it coming from both ends, buddy. I don’t know much, but I have heard they’re vicious animals. You’d do yourself a favor and stay the hell away. If they get wind you’re in town, you can bet a contingency of the Los Zetas are already on their way.”
“I think that’s already in the process of happening.”
“Damn it, man. What the hell did you get yourself involved in?” Cage demanded, cursing under his breath.
“Nothing I can’t handle, but I might need your expertise.”
“Hmm… Is this about the little girl?”
I took a deep breath. “I have a couple people to protect.”
“You work fast, dude. Just do yourself a favor. Don’t take this lightly. I know you can handle yourself, but that’s pretty tough when you’re alone.”
“I’ll manage. You don’t know what I’m made of.”
Cage chuckled. “I think I do. What do you need me to do?”
As I mentioned what I had in mind, I could almost hear his wheels churning. Everything I proposed had its share of risks, but the reward was living a peaceful life.
Or so I hoped.
“I got it,” he said as soon as I finished. “Let me see what I can do. You were a good brother to all of us, even if what you’re asking is gonna push it. But it will pay back the favor I owe you, which is important to me.” He laughed, trying to bring some levity to the situation.
“I’ll have your back if you need it,” I told him.
“I know you will. You’re a standup guy, Savage, and I respect that.”
Respect. I didn’t deserve a goddamn bit of respect from anyone at this point.
After the call ended, I stood, immediately tossing the rest of the cone into the trash. Then I took several long strides toward the officers. Within two seconds, they backed out of the spot, turning around and heading for the exit. Then I took a deep breath. It was time to put the plan into motion.
I headed for the truck, jumping inside. No, even Cage had no clue what I was capable of.
* * *
Michael Azzurri had an office in the Diamond Skies Resort and Casino. Located in the south strip along with all the other luxurious hotels, the facility was considered the poshest in town. But that was only until the next one was built on the site of a former famous location. It was easy enough to locate his office, which was off the main floor of the appropriately called Diamonds Grand Ballroom. As soon as I entered the main suite of offices, I noticed hired guns standing like statues close by, both dressed in ten-thousand-dollar suits.
Michael Azzurri had a reputation for living large, the hotel funded by his father’s operations. He was a playboy, refusing to marry, women his ultimate weakness, although I’d heard he also enjoyed white powder.
“Can I help you, sir?” the receptionist asked. The girl should have been a cover model instead of working for this slimeball but given the ugly bruise she’d done her best to cover up, I’d say she was the man’s latest piece of eye candy, soon to be discarded for another.
He was another Salvator Rivera, using violence to keep control of his women. The shithead wasn’t winning any brownie points.
“I plan on seeing Mr. Azzurri. Now, you can show me the way, or I’ll be happy to find it myself.” As soon as I made the statement, the two goons headed in my direction. I opened the jacket I’d brought with me, showing them my pistol. “I don’t think that’s a very good idea. This is just a friendly discussion between businesspeople. Oh, and think he’ll want to talk to me.”
“Who are you?” she asked.
I leaned over the surface of the waist-high desk, giving her a smile. “Just tell him Savage Masters is here.”
“He’s not going to see you.”
