AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Angelo handed over a thick envelope, his face betraying no emotion. Downing hesitantly took it, scanning its contents. His eyes widened as he read.
"These papers order the FBI to release the Rosedale families from protective custody and vacate the premises immediately," Downing said, his voice taut with disbelief. "But there's more. We're also required to return the phones we have put away for safekeeping and provide all the evidence we've gathered in the Rosedale case to Mr. Angelo Ferrara."
I was dumbfounded. What could have possibly transpired to trigger such an abrupt and stunning reversal of our circumstances?
Antonio regarded Downing with a chilly smile. "You heard the man. It's time for you and your men to leave. And don't forget our evidence."
The room was awash with shock and fear as Downing and the other agents gathered their belongings.
Suddenly, Antonio reached into his jacket pocket and produced an envelope filled to the brim with cash, which he handed to Downing as he stepped closer. "This is to ensure that my niece Amy and the other women and children make it safely back to their San Diego homes by midnight tonight."
Eyeing the envelope with suspicion, it was clear Downing knew better than to argue. "Understood," he said through gritted teeth, snatching the envelope from Antonio's outstretched hand.
Antonio leaned in closer, his voice low and menacing. "And if this Court order is not carried out, you'll answer to me personally."
Downing met his gaze head-on. "Nothing will happen to them, Mr. Russo. I give you my word."
Antonio's eyes narrowed. "Your word doesn't mean much to me, Agent. But we'll see."
The two men locked eyes for a tense moment before Antonio abruptly cut off their conversation. "Give me your business card!"
Downing fished in his pocket and pulled out a card, which he handed over to Antonio. The mob boss carefully examined it, his expression inscrutable. "Very well," he said, slipping the card into his pocket. "We'll be in touch shortly with a secure digital drop box where you are to send the evidence. I expect your final file transfer," Antonio glanced at his watch and continued, "to be finished before six o'clock this evening local time."
"Consider it done, sir!"
As Downing and his fellow operatives withdrew from the stately residence, Antonio motioned for the men to accompany him into Guy's study. Amy's father secured the door in their wake, and the group settled into seats encircling Guy's desk, which now doubled as an impromptu conference table.
Positioned behind the desk, Antonio reclined in the chair, his fingers interlaced in a contemplative fashion. My counsel, who had maintained silence since executing his duties as a US Marshal, was seated beside me. His focus was unyielding on Antonio.
"Gentlemen, let me lay it out for you. Just a few days ago, I couldn't give a flying fuck about your troubles or what you had coming. But when family calls, like my brother here, I answer." Antonio clapped Giuseppe on the back. "He tells me that you guys are like family, and that makes you like family to me. So, it's on me now to help you mop up this mess. I'll use what I've got—connections, calling in favors, and, if need be, getting my hands dirty. And you should know, I don't take losing lightly."
Giuseppe cleared his throat, and continued his brother’s monologue, "Now that the Rosedale families have been liberated from protective custody, it's time we unravel the truth behind the years of murder, abduction, intimidation, and extortion plaguing the Rosedale family and now my only child."
"What precisely do you propose?" I inquired cautiously as the others either nodded or signaled their agreement with a thumbs up.
A smile graced Antonio's lips, his eyes gleaming with intrigue. "My plan entails a measure of risk on your part. However, I suspect you always knew it would come to that, didn't you?"
Guy rose to his feet and paced the floor. "Mr. Russo, one doesn't ascend to your stature without developing survival instincts. I guarantee my friends and me," Guy gestured to encompass our group, "have long sensed something was amiss with the case. We are ready to defend ourselves but were at a loss of how to do it!"
"Indeed, that's the truth," Daniel declared, rising and leaning across the desk toward the mob boss.
"Let's cut to the chase, then. What, sir, do you propose?" Chase inquired as a smattering of chuckles broke out.
"Did I miss something?" Antonio growled, irritated.
Giuseppe reclined in his chair. "Perhaps you gentlemen should introduce yourselves before my brother outlines the plan we've devised for you."
Following the introductions, Antonio chuckled, "So, yes, allow me to cut to the chase, Chase.”
As Antonio continued with the plan, his eyes suddenly caught sight of something outside the window. The lush green of Guy's vineyard spread out before him, a picturesque scene that demanded his attention. He stopped mid-sentence, admiration overtaking his previously stern expression.
"That's a beautiful vineyard out there," he said, pointing out the window. "Is it yours, Guy?"
Guy, noticing the change in Antonio's demeanor, smiled and nodded. "Yes, it is. I took it over a few years ago. It's been quite a project, but it's starting to bear fruit, quite literally." He quickly walked over to the wine cooler beside his desk, opened it, and pulled out a bottle of wine. "This is one of the first vintages from the vineyard. Would you like to try some?"
Antonio nodded, intrigued. Guy uncorked the bottle and poured a glass for Antonio, who accepted it with a smile. He took a sip, savoring the flavors before continuing his previous train of thought.
"Now, where was I? Ah, yes. Rosedale needs to fire the private security detail they've been using. They're nothing but a bunch of schmucks." Antonio took another sip of the wine, clearly enjoying it as he explained his thoughts on the matter. "Their incompetence is causing more problems than it's solving, and I have a better solution in mind…."
