Page 127 of Where the Wicked Reign

Nico nodded and went on to explain, “A delivery of carnations came in this morning, instead of the designated roses.” He gave a roll of his eyes. “It took his guys some time to realize the difference, despite me repeatedly advising him that they need to be taught the ins and outs of the front business itself, not just what it’s concealing. It cost them a couple of hours because that wasn’t the case. A couple of hours that could have been spent tracking the missing shipment before the trail went cold. As it was, all Gio managed to show for himself was a message from Carlo Benzino taking responsibility for the confiscation of the coke and promising that this was just the beginning.” He scrubbed his hand over his face. “Last night, one of Marchetti Holdings’ ships down by the portion of the docks under Cassio’s control was damaged so severely it’s no longer operational or sea-worthy. It was slated to export a mammoth shipment to one of our business associates.”

“Shipment of what?” Cat asked. “Your street-level weaponry racket?”

“That and certain stolen goods. Electronics, jewelry, antiques.”

“Jesus, that’s a lot of coin lost, let alone in a single morning,” I uttered. “I assume Leo’s called an emergency meeting with the three Capos that you need to attend?”

“No,” Nico responded, grinding his jaw. “I spoke to him and he claimed that my attendance isn’t necessary, seeing as though my territory wasn’t hit.”

“Bullshit,” Milo said. “This impacts all three of you.”

“Of course it does. This is because he doesn’t want a dissenting voice there when he tries to push for his short-sighted-burst-of-major-violence-and-destruction approach.” He eyed Cat. “Orders are for me to focus on my fresh engagement.”

“I see. He’s sidelining you,” Cat said. “What would your approach have been?”

It was clear from her tone and the intensity coming off her that she wasn’t just curious, she also needed to ensure it was something she could accept, in case he applied what might be an unfavorable approach to her to our own coming plans.

“Intercept their take tonight from their Zenith Grand and Golden Aces casino, and hack their online gambling system, thereby transferring all funds to the Marchetti Syndicate. Both will cover what they cost us with these two attacks. Then I’d also target one of their drug labs—the central meth one—and burn the place to cinders to deliver a warning and also turn their attention to rebuilding that rather than remaining on the notion of further attacks.”

“Wow,” she breathed. “That’s effective on many fronts, focused on the money and also highlighting a shitload of control. While, I’m betting from what I know about Leo Marchetti myself, he’ll opt for wild bursts of aggression like firebombing the businesses under their protection, thinking it will undermine Benzino authority when really it will just inspire hatred from said business owners and have them pulling tighter to Carlo and his people. He'll think a show of force like that will be demonstrating Marchetti strength, when really it’ll be demonstrating a shitload of stupidity and shortsightedness. Something Carlo Benzino most definitely isn’t.”

“Awowto you as well. Fortunately, it’s highly unlikely that my father will allow Leo’s intentions to be put into practice. He’ll bide his time until the alliance with the Leones is firmly in place. Our wedding will draw the big players there together and the public nature of our union will function as confirmation and a physical representation of the solidification of that alliance. Not to mention, the Benzinos will be caught off guard if he waits, rather than responding immediately, which is what they’ll be expecting,andwhat they’ll be highly prepared for too.”

“Why do you think they didn’t attack your territory, just the other two Capos?” I asked him.

Milo cut in, “We were already hit when they sent those Red Vipers shits to our warehouse.”

Cat frowned in thought. “That attack barely got started. They didn’t do any damage, right? They weren’t even highly trained. Not like the Benzino soldiers.”

“You’re saying Carlo took it easy on Nico’s territory?” Milo asked.

“Perhaps.”

“For what reason?”

“That remains to be seen.”

“Or,” Milo said, eyeing Nico worriedly, “An attack could be forthcoming.”

“We’re prepared either way.” He took a seat on the couch beside Cat. “As things stand right now, me beingsidelinedgives us the opportunity we need to strategize.” He reached out and stroked her hair. “We’ll start with what I alluded to with our wedding day. Okay,fiancé?”

She rolled her eyes, and he chuckled. “Get to it. What did you mean about the Leone Estate not being safe so that their despicablewedding nightplans for me aren’t able to go ahead?”

“Carlo’s move against our warehouse with the Red Vipers actually gave me the idea. While he won’t come at the Leone Estate directly, especially not while it’s crawling with Leone and Marchetti personnel on our wedding day, he does have allies who aren’t nearly as cautious, especially when said allies feel threatened.”

“Bold, rash, fans of shows of force and violence,” she mused. “You’re talking about the Lone Gunners Motorcycle Club?”

“That’s right.”

“No fucking way,” I burst out with, before I could stop myself. “Before they gave their allegiance to Carlo Benzino, the Marchetti Syndicate was looking to strike up an alliance, and that’s how Milo ended up getting stabbed with a fucking beer bottle. Things went to hell in their clubhouse bar, a brutal fight broke out, and that jagged scar over his ribs tells the rest. Those fuckers are dangerous beyond belief.”

“What?” Cat exclaimed. “How did it end like that?” She looked at Nico. “You’re known for your cool and calm diplomacy when it comes to those sorts of negotiations.”

“As far as the Marchetti Syndicate is aware, it was a question of money, them being greedy and also showing major disrespect. But really, the story is a little different.” He shook his head at Milo. “They were having one of theirpussy partieswhen we arrived and while I was conversing with the President, Milo noticed three of the members trying to… force themselves on one of the attendees. It triggered him and when they wouldn’t back up, all hell broke loose.”

I stilled at thetriggered himpart.

His gaze collided with mine.

---