Page 72 of The Enforcer

I chuckled. “Is that any different than other products we’ve sold?” The diamond trade industry was quickly becoming the largest share of our fortune.

“You’re a smart man just like your father and brothers. Diamonds aren’t just a woman’s best friend. They are the wave of the future. Try and remember every city with a port is a prime location for bringing in such precious gems.”

“Including New York.”

“Perhaps.” The Don was being careful with his words. I was somewhat surprised he wasn’t speaking to my father about this or to Havros since they’d developed a surprising bond. Then again, it was entirely possible whatever he’d heard about the incidents in New York were the sole reason he was speaking with me.

“What is it you’re attempting to warn me about, Don Coppola?” With the ceremony about to begin, I didn’t have time for riddles.

“Just remember that while both organizations and people appear to be on the right side of the law, there are always gray areas that seep in based on greed and the hunger for power. Your father knows that all too well.”

“I’m not certain what you’re getting at.” And I wasn’t, while I completely understood just by being here today the Don was laying down tracks that could harm his chances at becoming Godfather. Given what had occurred for decades with another Don within the Italian province, there were many in Italy and the surrounding countries who would prefer seeing our family and our lucrative corporation eliminated.

Especially the diamonds.

He turned to face me, his eyes boring into mine. “Be very careful where your loyalties are placed in the upcoming weeks. Trust is a valuable asset and often misused. You know as well as I do that information is a valuable tool. Take nothing at face value. Now, I will go find my daughter before she gets into any trouble.”

“Of course and thank you for the advice.” I watched him amble away, trying to process the warning he’d just provided.

Dimitrios was suddenly by my side. “What was that?”

“I honestly don’t know for certain. Yet I have a feeling he’s tossed down a puzzle for me to solve.”

“About?”

“About who is pulling the strings of the people in New York. The upcoming diamond shipments. Are they secure?”

“Interesting and yes. I checked on them yesterday.”

“I recommend we widen our discovery on the players surrounding Kenneth Baker and his cronies. I also think you should lock down the shipments, perhaps even holding back on delivering to New York.”

“An excellent thought, although we have several buyers with promised delivery dates.”

After scanning the area, I thought about what I was recommending. “I have a strong belief what occurred in New York has nothing to do with the club. However, Mr. Baker and his cronies hope we’ll spend more time worrying about the contract with Stern and lose our control on the ships entering the port.”

Dimitrios shook his head. “You’ve taken great interest in the role you’re serving and I appreciate that. I’ll widen the scope of information sought. But not until tomorrow.” He clapped me on the back. “Try and enjoy yourself. This is a celebration and even our family deserves some happiness.”

Happiness. While that was true, I’d learned a long time ago timing was everything. While my brother’s wedding hadn’t been traditionally announced, that didn’t mean hundreds of people outside of the wedding guests hadn’t learned the date, time, and place. “Be careful, Dimitrios. I have a bad feeling about today.”

“Let’s just hope you’re wrong. If you aren’t, it means war.”

War. The word held different meanings depending on the situation.

As the music began to play, an indication the guests should find a seat, I turned toward Valencia. She’d been watching me during the conversation with the Don. It was amazing to me that I could admit I’d been happier over the last several days than I had for a good portion of my life.

However, Don Coppola was tossing crumbs about the incredible doctor. It was another piece to a twisted puzzle that had been tossed out in New York. He’d held some interest in overtaking the Italian mafia in various cities within the US. I couldn’t help but wonder if his warning was legitimate. He wanted us out of harm’s way.

I stood studying the talented doctor as Havros walked in my direction. Perhaps it was past time to take what we’d shared more seriously.

Was she hiding something from me? If so, I would soon discover exactly what that was. My gut churned in thinking she could betray me.

As my father would tell me, blood was thicker than perfume.

CHAPTER 20

Valencia

Twilight was falling, a few stars appearing even with the last remaining rays of sun casting a beautiful shimmer across the ocean water.

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