Page 50 of Gambit
He smirks but goes back to concentrating on the task. He knows the importance of his role, the lifeline he controls for all our plans.
James returns and has his phone pressed to his ear, his other hand scribbling notes onto a pad. His eyes meet mine, and he gives me a slight nod. He’s all over this.
“Got a few names lined up,” Tarquin says, joining us again, and I marvel at how quickly these guys are moving. They’re on the front foot, and it’s exactly what I need. “Old friends, new players. They’ll want in on what we’re offering. Loyalty for loyalty.”
“Remember,” I caution, “we need them reliable, not just compliant.”
“Eliza, love,” he glances up, his eyes dark pools of confidence, “when have I ever let you down?”
“Never,” I admit. It’s true. None of them ever have.
“Keep it tight,” I add. “We’re building something here, not just expanding our reach. It’s about strength, not just numbers.”
“Understood.” He nods once, all business now. Tarquin thrives in this world; it’s his stage, and he plays his part to perfection.
As he taps out a message on his phone and pockets it, I look around at my guys, feeling the weight of leadership settle comfortably on my shoulders. It’s a familiar pressure, a constant companion since I was old enough to understand the legacy I’d inherit.
“Accounts are set,” Oliver reports without looking up from his laptop. “Money’s moving like a river. Clean and quiet.”
“You’re awesome.” I smile.
“Eliza, you sure we’ve covered every angle?” Raphael asks, his voice tinged with the kind of scrutiny that has saved our skins more than once.
“Covered for now. We are going to be fluid. Roll with the punches. Accept, pivot, adapt.”
“But remember, this is a balancing act of textbooks and mafia dealings. No slacking on the education front.”
They grumble, but I know they’ll step up.
They always do.
A knock at the door draws my attention, and I glance at the clock. “Robert,” I state. “I opened up the gates, by the way. We are available for anyone who wants to talk, and if they’re here to kill us, then they’ll get a fucking shock, yeah?”
“Agreed,” Tarquin says. “We don’t hide.”
“We don’t hide, and we don’t break.” I shoot them all a smile as I make my way to the door and open it with a big smile, which takes Robert back a bit, turning it into a laugh.
“Alright, take a seat,” I say, nodding at a chair in the living room. Robert settles in, his eyes darting around the room like he’s cataloguing exits and threats, just as he would’ve been taught since he could understand words. New to the university life, but blood ties run deep, and his loyalty isn’t in question.
“Here’s the deal,” I begin, sitting on the sofa opposite him and leaning forward, elbows on knees, “We’re expanding. Not just our reach in the shadows of the underworld but our grip on Castle University, too. You’ve got something we need.”
Robert’s gaze locks onto mine, steady. “I’m listening.”
“Your name.”
“Oh?” His interest is massively piqued, and I know why. This was an opportunity he hoped would come his way.
“Yep. We are rebuilding the Five Families.” I push the dusty old tome I found underground across the table at him.
“Five?” he murmurs.
“Five,” I state. “I am a Hughes through and through, even though Gannon runs in my blood. You, on the other hand, are a Gannon, no doubt. You will take your place as the fifth member of this little quintet.”
“Seriously?” His question sounds incredulous, but his face says anything but.
“Very seriously. Read all about it, but I want that back. I’m not quite done with it yet.” I point to the book.
“Count me in,” Robert replies without missing a beat, his voice firm. “Whatever you need, whenever you need it—I’m there.”
