Page 44 of The Mafia's Second Shot

“She can handle it,” I reply.

Marco studies me for a moment before nodding. “Let’s hope you’re right.”

He glances around the room, lowering his voice further. “There’s something else. We’ve got intel that Rossi’s planning a major strike. One of our key allies is the target.”

My stomach tightens. “Who?”

“Victor,” Marco says. “His operation’s been flying under the radar, but Rossi must’ve caught wind of it. If he takes Victor out, we’ll lose a crucial piece of the puzzle.”

“When?” I ask, my mind already racing.

“Soon,” Marco replies. “We don’t have a specific timeline yet, but it’s happening.”

I nod, my jaw clenching. “We’ll deal with it. Gather the men and get them ready. This ends with Rossi.”

That night,as Zoey and I sit by the fire, the weight of the plan presses down on me. She notices, of course—she always does.

“What is it?” she asks, her voice soft.

“Rossi’s planning another move,” I say. “It’s bigger this time.”

She reaches for my hand, her touch grounding me. “Then we’ll stop him.”

Her words are simple, but they carry a strength that eases the tension in my chest. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m not carrying this burden alone.

32

ZOEY

The warehouse is buzzing with activity, a stark contrast to the quiet of the cabin. Men move purposefully through the space, their voices sharp as they bark orders and exchange information. I stand near a makeshift command station, a large table cluttered with maps, notes, and a laptop. It feels strange to be here, in the thick of it, but I’ve never felt more determined.

Cooper is across the room, talking to Marco. Even in the chaos, he commands attention. His presence is steady, his voice firm as he directs the men. Watching him, I can’t help but feel a surge of pride. These people trust him with their lives, and for good reason.

“Zoey,”Cooper says, motioning me over. I join him at the table, where Marco and another man, Frank, are studying a map. “We’re coordinating the movements for the southern faction. Marco will handle the details, but I want you to assist with logistics.”

“Got it,” I say, glancing at the map. It’s marked with red circles and lines, each representing key locations and routes. “What’s the timeline?”

“Two days,” Marco replies. “We’ll need to move fast to secure the depot before Rossi’s men catch wind of it.”

I nod, my mind already racing with what needs to be done. Supplies, transport, communication—it’s a lot, but it’s manageable.

As the meeting continues,I feel a pair of eyes on me. When I glance up, it’s Frank, his expression skeptical. He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. “No offense, but why is she here?”

Cooper’s jaw tightens, but before he can speak, I cut in. “Because I’ve proven I can handle myself.”

Frank raises an eyebrow. “Taking down a couple of Rossi’s men in a cabin is one thing. Coordinating a mafia operation is another.”

“I’m not here to prove anything to you,” I reply, my voice steady but firm. “I’m here to help Cooper, and if you have a problem with that, take it up with him.”

Frank glances at Cooper, who gives him a hard look. “Zoey’s part of this,” Cooper says, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Deal with it.”

Frank mutters something under his breath but doesn’t argue further. I suppress a smirk, knowing I’ve earned at least a little ground.

After the meeting,I stay behind to review the plans with Marco. He’s all business, walking me through the details with a professionalism I appreciate. By the time we finish, the warehouse has quieted down, most of the men dispersing to their posts.

Cooper approaches me as I pack up the papers. “You handled yourself well,” he says, his voice warm.

“Thanks,” I reply. “I wasn’t sure how they’d take it, but I guess I held my own.”

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