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No one dares to even flinch.
“We’re with you, boss. Donny Valentino, ’til the end.” Louis the Boot smirks at me. I can never tell if he’s being sarcastic.
I can make an example out of him, show the others that even a sideways look means their end. But then I’d be no better than my father.
“I mean it. This is your one chance to air it out.” I open my arms, allowing them to take a shot at me. “Otherwise, it’s forever hold your peace.”
One of the shorter guys – Vinny Spanolo – shrugs with a wide frown on his face. “A’right. I got a bone to pick. Not with you necessarily. But your blood.” His eyebrow twitch is acting up. Weird guy, truth be told. But he’s a good earner. “Your pop passed me up for capo six years running.” He puts his hands together like he’s praying. “Six fuckin’ years. You going to do me dirty like that too?”
I stare at him, unblinking and unwavering.
He sticks his chin out, waiting for a response.
I don’t give it to him. I want him to sweat for being so bold in front of the others.
“Ey oh, Donny. I didn’t mean to offend.” He backpedals, as expected.
“No offense taken, Vinny,” I say, holding back my smirk. “Let’s talk, me and you, after this job. I’ll hear you out.”
Vinny sighs and looks to the ceiling like his prayers have been answered. “That’s all I ever asked. Bless you, Don Stallion. A million blessings. You hear that, Louie, he’s going to hear me out. Finally. Marone.”
The others laugh and clap Vinny’s shoulder as if he’s already been promoted.
New hierarchies are forming before my eyes. I glance at Ellie, letting her know I’ll need her take on all these boys later.
Terry enters the front door of the safe house, wiping his hands. “All set, boss.”
I nod for everyone to get in positions. Two of my sharpshooters – Benji and Phil – haul sniper rifles as we exit. You didn’t think I’d let myself into a Russian warehouse without eyes and bullets at the ready?
Precaution. Preparedness. Paranoia. All synonyms in my line of work.
I squeeze Ellie’s hand to let her know I’ll be watching over her with every spare second I have.
Sal runs up to me before we get in our cars.
“What’s your gut tell you?” I side-eye him.
“My gut? Tells me I’m starving for some chicken parmesan from Scarpy.” He holds his belly.
I glare at him.
“Oh c’mon. Just keeping loose. We’re going to be fine, Donny. First big job as boss. Let’s kill it.” He pats my shoulder and looks at Ellie. “You ready for your first magic trick? Going to make you disappear.”
“Been preparing my whole life for the big time.” Ellie smiles at him nervously.
“’Atta girl. See you on the inside.” Sal runs off to his car.
Six black vehicles are lined up. Only three will be making it all the way to the warehouse. The rest are to be stationed close by in the event of any Russian foul-play. Week-out plans with multiple possible locations shouldn’t give the cops enough time to mobilize, so we should be fine on that end.
I hop into the passenger’s seat with Scar as my driver and Ellie as the goods in the back. She’s surrounded by bags of pure cocaine.
The doors slam shut and we’re off. You could cut the tension with a knife in here. John Scar is always silent while operating, and I’m always cold. That leaves my prize behind me – both her hands folded over one another. She picks at her nails nervously.
“You’re playing the part perfectly, rabbit,” I tell her, glancing at the mirror.
“Oh, I’m not playing, Donny,” her voice trembles.
“It’s alright. Everyone gets nervous on their first big job.” I reach back and grab her knee to comfort her.
