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“Better hope that’s not his wife,” I said. Then Carlo shot back, “Or his daughter.”
We both laughed. I followed as we were let in. Better to let Carlo take the lead on this, as I was so edgy I wasn’t sure I’d stay in control.
As I entered the house, the vast luxuriousness of the place set me aback.No wonder these people are getting so greedy.I would have shaken my head in disapproval, but I maintained quiet. It would be better if I let them speak to me and explain without my judgment.
We were seated in the back patio on a lofty brick back porch that contained an outdoor kitchen and sprawling garden with lush greens. Carlo kept his cool and so did I - these people were spending our money without any regard for sustainability.
Braden soon cameto join us, and sat at the table with a grim face.
“We produced the shipment as promised,” Carlo said. “We won’t be supplying another one. Part of the deal was that the supplies would connect you with the market WEST of here.”
Braden shrugged. “Too bad, we want more, or the girl gets it.” Braden smiled as I maintained a stoic expression, and Carlo feigned slight, held back anger.
“Would we be able to have a moment in private?” Carlo asked. “Brody and I need to discuss something.”
“Take your time,” Braden said. He walked away. My assumption was that breakfast was inside and that he wasn’t going to offer us a thing. Classy.
Carlo looked to see if he was gone, then asked, “How many of them?”
Perplexed, I asked, “What?”
“How many? I can kill Braden when he gets back. His son’s inside eating his heart out, I can kill him too. Then the guards….it’s pretty relaxed out here. I can probably get them all. Say the word.”
“No,” I said. I didn’t want to trigger unnecessary violence. Carlo nodded.
“Then how much?” He asked.
“One million,” I replied. “Offer it to them. They leave. Then they receive the money. Loud and clear.” The offer was an easy one. A fraction of my pocket book for the life of my future wife.”
“This girl dumped you,” Carlo said.
“Money doesn’t buy everything,” I said. “But I’ll work on getting her back.”
“You got it boss,” Carlo said. “What if they don’t accept?”
“You know what to do.”
Carlo smiled. He was a killer, but he really relished the uncertainty and high stakes. Moreso, he was a man who would get the job done. No matter what. He knew what I really wanted - for them to leave Adriana alone.
I got up to go get Braden who was sipping on some coffee in the back of the house.
“So quick?” Braden asked.
“We don’t have much time,” I said.
We came back to Carlo who was wearing his best poker face.
“It seems to me,” Carlo said, “that you and your cronies could use a jumpstart.”
“What do you mean?” Braden asked.
“War is expensive,” Carlo said. “A turf fight surely doesn’t provide you with all the capital you need to have all this. But we need something from you.”
Braden didn’t look happy that Carlo had pointed out their overspending. “What if I refuse your offer? Braden asked. “I could have you killed right now.”
I felt the anger in my bones, but I kept my expression blank. Carlo did too.
“Just listen to the offer,” Carlo said. “I think it’s one you won’t refuse.”
