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Oliver: Meeting set at Gotham @7
Viktor: Copy
I try to look through my emails. I’m not sure why I decided to open Manarch Industries. I’ve been stressed by running both businesses. My father reminds me daily how I’m failing the clan. He doesn’t understand why I’m devoting so much time to Manarch Industries. Manarch Industries is the future. We can’t continue to run around like thugs. We can be much more than criminals. I won't ever abandon our ways. All I’ve ever known is the clan. I would die for my brothers without hesitation. I’m simply building an empire. A place that shields our real business. But he will never get it. He wants the power fear brings.
?
“Speak o’the Devil!” I hear Angus say.
“You must be hanging around your grandma too long. Your Scot is leaking.” I hear Ray say, making everyone laugh.
“Thanks for coming, boys,” I say.
“Anytime. You called, and we are here.” I find comfort in sitting with my top three and Oliver. We have all been friends for a long time.
“Aye,” Beiste adds.
“Down to business. As you know, things aren’t getting any better. Bobby and the capos aren’t getting involved.” Bobby is my father’s consigliere.“Which means we have to step it up.”
“The men have been tired. They are starting to turn on each other.” Oliver chimes.
“We have to find a way to find peace with our brothers while we fix our McIntyre problem. Cillian has inserted himself in my father’s ear. From a distance, people can perceive him as his right hand.”
“Aye,” Bestie says.
“What were you thinking, boss?” Ray asks.
“I called this meeting because I refuse to run the clan like my father. I have the final word, but I want you to feel heard.” As I speak, Oliver is to the side. I know he will follow me to death, but I want to make sure the men in front of me make the choice for themselves.“What I propose won’t be easy and can get us all killed. I want you to be willing to follow. I won’t demand it.” Oliver nods, an answer I expected.
“Whit's fur ye'll no go by ye! I will follow you to deid.” Angus says. I don't expect anything less from him.
“Aye.” Beiste and Ray add.
“Thank you. Your loyalty is priceless. The first item of business, we need to figure out a way to stop the men from killing each other. At the rate we are going, people are going to die and we can’t have that. The last thing we need is the cops at our doorstep. Someone has to be instigating these brawls. We need to find out who is behind it and stop it. Angus, have there been any more issues with paychecks?” I ask him. He is my second.
“Naw. I’ve stayed on top of it. It has helped with morale.” Angus answers.
“Good. Let me know if anything changes. Beiste, I need you at the docks. If anything is out of the norm, I need to know. You have to be my eyes and ears.”
“Aye.” Beiste is the oldest of all of us. He was raised in Scotland and came as a teenager. He is more reserved, but the man will follow orders without question.
“Ray, I need you auditing the businesses. Cillian with free reign? Who knows what he is doing.”
“Aye.” Ray says.
“Everyone has their marching orders. Call if anything is out of the norm. For tonight enjoy yourselves. Drinks on the house.” All three men leave, and I breathe easier knowing I have their loyalty.
“It’s as good a plan as any,” Oliver says.
“I thought so. We just need one crack to have the upper hand.”
“Strategy and patience will be the key to our success. Until we learn exactly what Cillian and our father’s plan is, we need to lay low. You also have an image to maintain with Manarch Industries.” His words make me think of Ava. I started to build Manarch Industries for my future, but after having her in my life, I wanted it with her.
“Oliver, I meant to ask. Where did you assign Marco? I want him at Manarch Industries.” I hadn’t given it much thought to Marco until earlier today when my head of security approached me about needing more men with Manarch Industries going public.
“Honestly, I don’t know. He felt responsible for not knowing where Ava went after he dropped her off. He wanted to move on to other opportunities. I didn’t know you wanted to keep him.”
“Fair enough. Reach out. I would like to offer him a new job.”
