Page 25 of Mob Queen

“There are some inconsistencies with products and sales. I’m going to do an inventory myself to see where the problem lies. Do you really need me at the meeting?”

“It would be good to have you there.” I lean against the desk and fold my arms across my chest. “It’s best you take care of that.” I pointedly look to the computer Rome is working on. I glance around the office and shake my head. “This should all be finished in the next day or two.”

“You gave the builder a deadline, and he’s gone over.”

“Yep.” Rome looks to me, his brows high with a questioning look on his face. “What?”

“You’re not going to...” Rome smacks his lips together. “Kill him, are you?” he finishes the sentence with tension.

I snort and shake my head. “No, I’m not going to kill him for doing a good job, Rome. Jesus, what do you take me for?”

He holds his hands up in surrender as he leans back in the chair. “I’m just saying, I know what a hard-ass you can be.”

I unfold my arms and wag my finger at him. “I’m a reasonable hard-ass. He’s doing something for me, and just because it’s taken more than the time I allotted, doesn’t mean I’m gonna kill him. But…” I tilt my head to the side. “If he wrongs me, then that’s another story.”

“Remind me to stay on your good side.”

“You’re my brother,” I say to ease his concern.

He stares up at me with wide eyes and a tight smile. “Again, remind me to stay on your good side.”

I release a chuckle before turning and heading for the door. “I’ll have G assemble a crew for you.”

“What do you mean?”

I stop at the open door, and turn to face my brother. “You don’t go anywhere alone, Rome.”

“No one knows I’m here working with you.”

I shake my head and click my tongue to the roof of my mouth. “If they don’t know now, they’ll find out soon enough, which means you’re now a target – either way. For everyone. Other families, the feds, even some of my men.”

“Why would your men want to get to me?”

“Because some of them think I shouldn’t be in this position, and they’re the ones I’m taking care of, one at a time.”

“Like at Dad’s funeral.”

“Exactly like that.” I tap the door twice as I head out to find G. He’s in the kitchen, sipping a coffee and talking with Mya. G sees me and places his coffee cup on the counter. “I need you to assemble a crew for Rome.”

“Who do you want?”

“I need three of our best.”

“That would be me,” he says with a hint of humor. “But I’m not moving to your brother. Sorry, Frank.”

I blink several times while staring at G. “No need to apologize. Just get him a good crew.”

“I’ll arrange it.”

“I need that done today.”

G already has his phone in his hand, sending off instructions. “Karter, Duccio and Abele.” He looks up from his phone. “They’re my picks.”

“Karter?” I ask and lift my brows.

“He may not be of our heritage, but he’s proven to be loyal to you.”

“He’s an outsider, G.”

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