Page 43 of The Mafia's Second Shot

COOPE

Cooper

The cabin feels emptier now,even with Zoey beside me. The attack has shaken us both, but there’s no time to dwell on what happened. Rossi’s men found us, and it’s only a matter of time before they make another move. We’re not safe here anymore. Nowhere is safe until I take Rossi down.

Zoey sits across from me at the small kitchen table, her fingers tracing the rim of a coffee mug. She looks tired but resolute, the fear from last night still etched in her eyes.

“We can’t stay here,” I say finally, breaking the silence.

She nods, her gaze meeting mine. “Where do we go?”

I take a deep breath. “We don’t run this time. We fight.”

By the time Marco arrives,the sun is already setting. He steps into the cabin with a handful of my most trusted lieutenants, their faces grim as they file into the living room. The air is heavy with unspoken tension, every man here knowing what’s at stake.

I stand by the fireplace, arms crossed, as they settle in. Zoey stays in the kitchen, her presence a quiet but steady support.

“We’re regrouping,” I begin, my voice cutting through the murmurs. “The scattered factions are vulnerable on their own. It’s time to bring everyone back under one banner.”

Marco leans against the wall, his expression unreadable. “And paint a bigger target on our backs while we’re at it?”

“It’s a risk,” I admit. “But it’s a risk we have to take. Rossi’s growing bolder. The attack on the cabin proves he’s willing to go further than we anticipated. If we don’t consolidate our forces, he’ll pick us off one by one.”

One of the lieutenants, a wiry man named Frank, speaks up. “What about the safe houses? If we regroup, we lose the element of surprise.”

“We’ve already lost it,” I reply, my tone sharp. “Rossi knows where to find us. The only way to stop him is to face him head-on.”

The room falls silent as my words sink in. Marco pushes off the wall, his gaze fixed on me. “You really think we can pull this off? Regroup, take the fight to him, and come out alive?”

“I don’t think,” I say firmly. “I know.”

The men nod reluctantly,but I can see the doubt lingering in their eyes. I’m asking a lot of them—more than I’ve ever asked before—but it’s the only way forward.

“We’ll start with the southern factions,” I continue. “Bring them to the warehouse near the docks. It’s secure and has enough space for everyone.”

“And what about Rossi?” Frank asks. “He’s not going to sit back and let us regroup.”

“That’s why we’re moving quickly,” I say. “We’ll use his arrogance against him. Let him think he’s closing in while we prepare to take him out.”

As the discussion continues,I feel Zoey’s presence more acutely. She steps into the living room, her arms crossed, her expression determined. The men glance at her, some with curiosity, others with thinly veiled skepticism.

“I want to help,” she says, her voice steady.

Frank snorts, shaking his head. “This isn’t your fight.”

“It is now,” Zoey replies, her eyes narrowing. “Rossi’s men came after me. You think I’m going to sit on the sidelines while you figure this out?”

“She’s right,” I say before anyone can argue. “Zoey’s a part of this, whether you like it or not.”

Marco raises an eyebrow. “You sure about that, boss? Bringing her in puts her in more danger.”

“She’s already in danger,” I snap. “And she’s proven she can handle herself. If anyone here has a problem with that, you can leave.”

The room falls silent again, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Finally, Marco nods, his expression softening slightly. “Fair enough.”

The meeting continueswith Zoey at my side. She listens carefully, asking questions when necessary, and even offeringsuggestions that surprise some of the men. By the time we finish laying out the groundwork, I can see a shift in their attitudes. They might not fully trust her yet, but they’re starting to respect her.

As the menstart to leave, Marco pulls me aside. “You’re putting a lot on her shoulders,” he says quietly.

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