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I hadn’t been surprised reporters had been waiting for me to walk outside, curious to catch a glimpse of the monster leaving the atrocity of his cage. However, I had been somewhat astounded by the tenacity of the questions that had been thrown at me.
“Mr. Montenegro, do you intend on seeking revenge?”
“Mr. Montenegro, have you repented for your crimes?”
“Alessandro. Are you aware the FBI has been investigating additional information discovered regarding several murders occurring at the time of your arrest? Do you believe their sudden increased interest is a result of your early release from prison?”
The single question had stopped me in my tracks almost as soon as I’d walked out of the prison gates. I’d smoothed down my jacket and walked toward the beautiful blonde with eyes highlighting the hatred she had for a bastard like me. My answer had been curt, on point, even as I’d seethed deep inside.
“I will enjoy any and all discussions with the FBI and look forward to learning more about their discovery.”
My smirk had obviously been caught on camera, my invitation something the FBI wouldn’t ignore. Then Matteo, my Capo, had pushed the horde way, allowing me to slide inside the waiting SUV.
Matteo Rivera had remained loyal. He’d been working for me since the tender age of seventeen. His grin said it all. He knew I was back, ready to tackle every obstacle.
Several minutes passed and I sensed that Edwardo—the man responsible for my early release—was enveloped in fear, uncertain of my future actions. Good.
“What the fuck other information was the reporter talking about?” I asked my family attorney quietly. Edwardo Francesco been with the family for years and was considered one of my father’s most trusted allies. At this point, I trusted no one.
However, I was beginning to question his loyalty. Maybe he needed a stern reminder that I was now in charge of the organization.
“The FBI have been snooping around, but there’s nothing concrete. They’ve wanted to take your family down for years,” he answered.
“Which is why the loose ends should have been handled after my arrest.” While the man responsible for turning state’s evidence was supposedly dead, he hadn’t worked alone. That meant until those traitors were hunted down like dogs and handled, there was always a chance additional charges could be filed. I’d suspected the bastard who’d turned against me had secured and hidden away information, but I was unable to interrogate the man.
Or so I’d been led to believe.
I’d heard dead people told no tales, but I was betting that man was wallowing in both money and still breathing air, provided with a new life for betraying me. And for stealing a significant sum of money from my organization.
“Cruz determined it wasn’t wise and your father agreed with him.”
I laughed in response. My younger brother didn’t have my backbone. “That’s bullshit and not the way we handle business.”
“Alessandro. The feds were watching everything, every action your father and brother made after your arrest. You went through that several times. You, of all people, should understand what the ramifications would have been if they’d found a single additional piece of evidence.”
While his statement made sense, that didn’t squelch my anger. Or my need for revenge.
The tension in the air could be cut with a spoon.
“Glad you’re back, boss,” Matteo said, although I didn’t acknowledge him, still processing parts of the plan. There was much to do before I altered Sierra’s life permanently.
While the cinder block walls of a prison hadn’t prevented me from partaking in several luxuries, I’d been unable to run my empire the way I was used to. I also had barely tolerated being unable to take what I wanted without fear of retribution.
My patience had nearly reached the end. At least Edwardo had managed to have my sentence reduced. But only after I’d explained to him exactly what I would do if he didn’t manage to put the fear of God into certain individuals who held the key to my freedom.
It was time to regain control of the crumbling empire left in my brother’s command. He was worthless in my mind, unable to keep the wolves at bay. I would break the cycle, taking back what belonged to me, using all methods of violence regardless of the consequences I’d been warned about more than once.
The fact that after four fucking years my brother still hadn’t managed to hunt down the other people responsible set a bad precedence. And it left a horrific taste in my mouth.
I’d spent years building a solid hold on New York City, taking my father’s dream to another plateau. Long hours and the ability to think clearly had been of benefit, our territory expanding beyond my wildest dreams. My tireless efforts had paid off royally, the Montenegro name symbolizing power, placing alarm into every other syndicate who dared defy us.
We also owned a good portion of those in a different level of authority, which usually allowed my family and the men who worked for me protection from the law.
Then one fucking act of treason had changed everything.
The blame fell squarely on my shoulders for allowing a moment of trust, what my father had called a blatant error in judgment. I’d paid a significant price. Now I should have the joy of exacting revenge, taking my time to assist the individual in understanding that fucking with a man like me wasn’t in his best interest.
But the asshole had died in a horrific crash. Bullshit.
