Page 54 of Nanny for the Don

“The top priority for all Conti operations right now is to find this prick, Jack. I don’t care how long it takes or where he’s hiding—wewillget to the bottom of who the fuck killed my father and our men. And understand this: the life of anyone who stands in my way is forfeit. Even if they’re sitting in this room.”

The tension rises, but no one says a word. I ask again, my voice like steel. “Am I understood?”

There’s a chorus of nods and murmured agreements.

Paolo speaks up again, his voice cautious but steady. “We could use some of our contacts at the docks, shake a few trees down there. If Jack’s trying to disappear, he might look for a way out of the city by boat.”

Angelo, calmer now, adds, “I’ve got some connections in the clubs. Jack’s not a ghost. If he’s spending money, we’ll know.”

“Good,” I nod, appreciating the initiative. “Do it. Both of you. I want updates by the end of the week.”

Another lieutenant, Franco Moretti, speaks up. “We could hit up our street-level dealers. They hear everything. Junkies aren’t exactly known for their discretion.”

“Smart move,” I say. “Get on it.”

I dismiss the room, my gaze hard as the men file out. “Sal,” I say, holding him back. We’ve got more to discuss.

Sal starts off, apologetic. “I’m sorry again, boss, for letting Jack get the drop on me.”

I wave him off. “One fuck-up isn’t gonna ruin your reputation with me, Sal. Let it go.”

I lean in, lowering my voice. “You could sense it in the room, right?”

Sal nods, his expression darkening. “War.”

“That’s right,” I say. “Half the lieutenants in there walked out pissed because I didn’t give the green light. They’re itching forit.”

Sal leans back, crossing his arms. “Makes sense. The Rossis have been a pain in our ass for years. They want to end it.”

“Not to mention,” I continue, “war’s a chance for lieutenants to make their names. Get in good with the new boss.”

Sal smirks, nodding. “Ambition.”

“Or r,” I add, locking eyes with him, “a chance to take out the new boss.”

He falls silent for a moment. Then he nods slowly, understanding exactly what I’m saying. We both know the truth—when you’re in a seat of power, everyone’s got an angle. Some are loyal, but others? They’re just waiting for their shot.

Sal leans back, his eyes on me. “You’re the man in charge, boss. Whatever you say, goes.”

I raise an eyebrow. “But…”

“But,” Sal continues, “war might be on the horizon. Thereisa damn good chance the Rossis were behind the hit. If that’s true…”

I nod, cutting him off. “If that’s true, then we handle it. But I’m not jumping into all out bloodshed because a few lieutenants are itching to prove themselves.”

Sal nods, respecting the decision. “Still, we need to be ready.”

“Exactly. y,” I reply. “I won’t let them pressure me into anything, but we’re not going in blind either. We’ll have a battle plan in place, just in case.”

Sal’s eyes narrow. “That means we need another meeting. One where we lay out what each lieutenant’s gonna be responsible for when things go south.”

“I agree. But not here, not in the city. We need somewhere outside of town. No prying eyes. No ears listening in.”

Sal nods, understanding the need for discretion.

“I’ve got a place in mind,” I say, leaning forward. “One of our old warehouses in Yonkers.”

Sal smirks, nodding. “Perfect spot. Quiet, out of the way, and no one’s gonna poke their nose where it doesn’t belong.”

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