AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I didn’t need my father’s approval, I would stay with Joey no matter what, but having it was a huge boost. “Yeah, he is.”
After the positive pregnancy test and confirmation from the doctor, we informed the family of the news. My father was overjoyed to be a grandfather. Louie and Orsino were happy as well.
My head of security, who was also my cousin Tobias, was more reserved. A baby meant additional security and vulnerability that we didn’t have before. The notion worried me, but we had time to plan.
“I’m going to retire,” my father said.
I shrugged at the old news. “I know.”
“As soon as it can be arranged, I want all business to go through you or whomever you delegate. Your uncles have decided to pull back as well.”
I sat back in my chair and steepled my fingers. “That’s a lot of change all at once. I have no doubt that myself, Louie, and Orsino are up for the task.”
“Make the arrangements. I’ll plan a party.”
“A party?”
“Yes, don’t you want to show off your new husband? Forge your own connections? It’ll be good for him to mingle with the other spouses.”
Who was this man and what had he done with my father?
“I’ll call in Silvan and Trev to take on additional responsibilities. I have some ideas for expansion, especially down on the south side with the brothels and our casino.”
My father nodded. “Those are sound plans. Silvan would do well with more work, but you need to keep an eye on Trev. That boy has some growing up to do.”
I was about to continue the conversation when the door was thrown open. It slammed against the wall with a loud thwack, and I was up with my gun drawn before I could register that Orsino and Louie were walking in. Orsino was leaning heavily on Louie.
Louie lay him gently on the couch near the wall.
I rushed to my brothers. “What the fuck?”
“We were checking the restaurant, Cujino’s. We were just leaving when a car pulled up. Black Mercedes. Fucking Vince Mennetti came out with two goons. Told us he was coming for our territory and that we better watch our backs.”
“What did they do to Orsino?”
There was no blood, so he wasn’t shot. Had they beaten him? Poisoned him? What?
“Got him with a taser and some sort of dart gun.”
I checked his pulse to make sure his heartbeat felt strong. “Fucking hell. Call the doctor.”
“He’s on his way.”
“Just feel woozy, Brother. It ain’t lethal.” He pushed my hand away. “They’re just sending a message.”
“Message received. They aren’t fighting fair.”
“They never do.” Father sat on the couch next to Orsino.
I turned to Louie. “What aren’t you telling me? You’re too pissed for that to be all they said.”
Louie looked to Orsino.
“You have to tell him,” Orsino said.
“What?” I demanded.
“They mentioned Joey. Said they weren’t going to let him or the brat in his belly have any power in this town.”
