Page 106 of Deception

That we want to talk. That we are willing to negotiate.

Of course, it’s bullshit. I want Dom’s head.

But wholesale slaughter only leads to retaliation.

He must have promised them the world—the thugs and multitude of street gangs working for him—there’s no other reason so many different gangs would team up, join forces.

Unless they all got tired of going up against us on their own.

We never tolerated competition on our turf.

And we never offered to let them join us. It’s always been our way, to be the sole power in any area we own.

So, regardless of the methods, they have us outmanned.

But not outgunned.

We have more money. We have better tactics. Now all we need is confirmation that Dom is where we need him to be for a full-scale assault. After he agrees to sit down and talk to me, that is.

“Got it.” Ero slips into his seat across from me.

“Yeah? Wait, seriously?!” I sit up straighter. “You’re not pulling my leg are you?”

It’s the closest thing to a smile I ever see on Ero’s face. “I don’t pull legs. That’s the other twin.”

“Not what I meant, smartass.” I shouldn’t question Ero, undermine his trust, but I’m tense. “When should we move?”

“I suggest we wait until tomorrow night. If he still hasn't reached out for a meeting, we strike.”

“Agreed,” Adriano intones, clasping his hands on the table. “In the meantime, we need to be at our best. Which means?—”

“Yeah, yeah. Sleep. I get it.”

“Same goes for you two, and anyone not on guard duty. We gotta be sharp.”

“Right. So. Tomorrow just after midnight?” I ask, rhetorical, but wanting their agreement.

“Fuck yeah.”

“Absolutely.”

Ero nods.

It’s finally here. Some sort of resolution to this hellscape of waiting. Just one more day.

“Spread the word, quietly,” I look each of them in the eye. “Nothing slips. We’ve got one chance to do this right.”

Ciro rolls his eyes. “Yeah, we know the drill, boss.”

“Shut the fuck up, Ciro.” Adriano snaps, but he’s grinning like a fool.

We all are, except for Ero, looking smug enough.

Standing there, the four of us around the war table, I connect with them, appreciate them for the men they’ve become.

One by one I embrace them, thank them.

“You’ve all sacrificed a lot for me. I’ll never fucking forget it. It means the world that you’re all here.”

---