AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Whoever you’re working for reassured you,” I say, clenching my phone tight to my ear. “Whoever’s signing your paycheck—the bribe you’re likely taking—has told you to proceed. It’s the only explanation that makes sense.”
“So what if that’s the case? Your husband is going away for a very long time. You can’t do a thing about it. We’ll make sure of that.”
A cold chill washes over me. “Who’s part of that we, DA?”
“You’ve lost our battle. Best you accept it. Goodbye, Mrs. Mancino.”
With a click, he hangs up.
17
salvatore
When under house arrest,I have to move carefully. I can’t set foot outside of my compound. The authorities are closely monitoring my whereabouts to ensure I’m a good boy and obey the requirements.
There’s no telling what other ways they’re tracking me—if they’ve got guys situated outside my compound, or if they’re trying to hack into our network.
I wouldn’t put anything past a corrupt legal system. DA Polk has made it quite clear he’s out for a conviction at all costs. How he goes about it couldn’t be less important.
This means I have to find ways covert enough to conduct operations and run my business. No longer am I able to head to Nirvana and oversee what’s happening. I can’t meet with business associates and other families I’ve set up alliances with.
Anything I do, I do from the confines of the loft. Still, it’s a huge improvement from jail. Delphine keeps me company, and when she isn’t able, the cats do.
I hold a brief video call with Kozlov that’s secured on an untraceable line. He’s no less disgruntled than the last time I spoke with him, maintaining that he’s being shortchanged by the latest arrangement with Suarez and the supplier.
“It may not be Giancola that is lying, but someone is,” he snarls with a moody frown.
“I didn’t know Russians were this whiny.”
“We becomewhiny, as you call it, when we are shortchanged. Then we become angry. Very, very angry.”
“I hope that’s not a threat. I have held you in high esteem, Vlad… but make no mistake, I will put you in your place if you make me. I’ve got enough shit on my plate without worrying about your fucking extra five percent.”
I hang up on him without another word. He can kiss my ass if he’s got a problem with how I’m running things, and if he really wants to push me, I’ll make good on my threat. I’ll eliminate the Kozlovs like Lucius eliminated the Viscontis.
Just that easy. Just that quick. No guilt or lost sleep about it.
I glance at the time on my phone. It’s midday and quiet as fuck in the loft.
Delphine’s been gone for hours. She said there was something important she had to do. I decide to call her up, only to receive her voicemail. Instead, I call up Fabio, who’s in charge of her security for the day.
“Yo, Boss,” he answers in his thick Italian American accent. “What’s cracking?”
“Why do you sound like you’re hanging out and not working?”
He fixes his casual tone straightaway—I suspect he sits up straighter too. “Sorry, Boss. I’m… I’m on standby. But still alert and ready. Did you need something?”
“On standby… for what?”
He pauses. “Well… Mrs. Delphine… she… uhh…”
“Where is she?” I ask.
“She’s busy,” he answers cryptically. “With a task. She wouldn’t tell me what.”
“Where are you? Fabio, I swear if you’ve fucked up—”
“I’m with her! I swear. But I’m waiting outside. We’re at city hall.”
