Page 44 of Code Name: Grit

The Belcastros’ apparent expansion that was actually a strategic withdrawal. The Patriarcas’ aggression controlled by Rafael’s restraint. And in the middle was Keller. Was he working solely with Cassio’s crew, or was there more at play?

“They’re competitors supposedly at war…”

“What’s that?” Grit asked.

“Nothing yet. Still trying to figure it out.”

When we arrivedat Canada Lake over two hours later, Admiral confirmed what we suspected. “The Patriarcas are making strategic moves into territories formerly controlled by the Castellanos. The same ones the Belcastros want.”

“And Keller?” Grit asked, his jaw tight. “How does he fit?”

As if summoned by the mention of his name, a security camera feed appeared on one of the side monitors—Keller at a café, alone at a corner table. He seemed to be waiting for someone, repeatedly checking his watch.

When a man in a tailored suit approached, Keller’s posture changed subtly. The interaction lasted less than thirty seconds—just long enough for the man to slide a small package across the table.

What caught my attention wasn’t the exchange itself, but what Keller did afterward. Instead of pocketing the package immediately, he placed it on the table and stared at it for several long moments, his expression conflicted before finally taking it. The camera’s angle shifted as he left, capturing him pausing in the doorway to look back at the area where the exchange had occurred. His face revealed a man torn between duty and something else—perhaps loyalty to whoever that package was ultimately meant for.

“Possibly playing both sides,” Admiral replied.

“What about trying to take control of the docks?” I asked.

“It appears they’ve abandoned their plans for now.” Admiral’s expression changed. “Lumi, there’s something else I’d like to discuss with you.”

My heart dropped, and my eyes met Grit’s, who seemed as in the dark as I did.

“Should I excuse myself?” he asked Admiral.

“No, this involves you too.” He motioned for us to follow him out to the deck.

“You’re worrying me,” I admitted.

“Sorry, other things on my mind. Forgive me. This is about your mother.”

My eyes opened wide.

“I’m really making a mess of this,” he said under his breath. “She’s fine. But, for the time being, she thinks it would be best if she returned to Italy.”

“Oh. Well, that makes sense with winter coming.”

“Summer has decided to remain here with her mother and, also, to spend time with Lark.”

That also made sense, given Dante’s wife was pregnant with their first child. “Uh, thank you for letting me know.”

“She’s asked you if you’d mind seeing her off at the Sacandaga compound. Tonight.” He turned to Grit. “You’re invited too.”

I looked up at him. “You don’t have to come. I mean, you can, of course. Dante could always go over with me.”

“He saw her earlier. But you’re right. I’m sure he’d be more than happy to return.” Admiral cleared his throat. “Your mom suggested, given your ordeal today, you might want to spend a couple of days. Anyway, I’ll let the two of you talk it over.”

Grit waited until he went inside to speak again. “I would prefer to go as long as you wouldn’t mind.”

“I’d like you to.”

He brushed my cheek with his fingertip. “The first time I saw you was there.”

My eyes drifted closed, and I leaned into his caress. “I remember.”

“I can make myself scarce, you know, to give you and your mom time on your own.”

---