Page 108 of The Gangster King

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“We need an answer, Baldassare,” Connor says, reclining in his leather chair like this is any other day at the office for him.

It probably is.

In the other square on my screen sit Decker, Mack, Nathan, and Braxton. They’re wearing Barrett Security button-downs and making no effort to hide their tats or the valuable wristwatches on their arms.

I guess private security pays well.

Because I know they didn’t get rich being US Marines.

I should hate these guys. They’re responsible for my father’s death.

But I’m not stupid. Every day my father had a target on his head. Either from the other families, dangerous business partners in other countries, or the government.

Last night, I talked to Gianna for over an hour and discussed what the changes I’m proposing would mean to our family and Mama. We had the first honest conversation of our lives. I had no idea she was so unhappy. There were clues, in hindsight, but I didn’t know.

I realize that Braxton didn’t have to do too much work to win my sister’s heart and take her from our world. I said as much and her response was, “For your sake, I’m not going to repeat that.”

As if I’m scared of the bulked-up Marine.

I’m not. For the record.

But I have to admit, together, these five men are a powerful unit. I’m not going to become a Boy Scout suddenly and join their ranks, but partnering up helps them and helps me.

They say you can’t leave the mafia.

Well,I amthe fucking mafia.

As head of the family, I get to choose what happens next. Without the funding of human trafficking, drugs, weapons and more, we’ll be forced to rely on the legit businesses financially.

It won’t cover the costs of our current lifestyle.

The mansion has no mortgage, but it’s an expensive property to maintain, run, and pay the staff...and men for security.

The truth is, the other families won’t let me downsize and go legit. My knowledge would be seen as a threat if I’m going clean.

If they don’t take us out, one of the Colombian drug lords likely would.

Hell, there are dozens of potential threats.

“What’s the hurry?” I grind out. Knowing I need to do this right...and fast when I do. “If the feds want my help, they can wait until I sort out my...affairs.”

“Get your girl, you mean,” Mack says.

Yes.

“I need to speak to my mother,” I reply. “I am not doing that over the phone.”

Connor slowly nods his head.

“I’ve thought about this, Dante. It's best if you leave the United States. It’s up to you, of course, but your face is too well-known. Not just authorities, but everyday people.”

“Think this will hit the news?” Decker asks him.

Fuck, they’re right.

If a mafia boss suddenly starts shutting down their operation, some journalist is going to pick it up. They sniff around regularly.

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