Page 90 of Goldrage
The deaths of Vincent and then Francis DeMarco destabilized their distribution network, so they’re already close to collapse. I’ve bribed border officials to increase inspections once I give the signal, which will ruin their shipments and bring financial ruin.
I’ve uncovered that the Whitman’s new casinos operate on licenses obtained through falsified paperwork, which will be sent to legitimate authorities. They’ll be shut down the morning after the party.
DeSean Smith’s hotel-based money laundering scheme was already getting federal heat, and since his death DeSean’s brother is doing a poor job of recovering. My contacts will simply provide the feds with more evidence to justify massive arrests.
The Castellano’s trafficking operation will be cut off at the ports. Hopefully. They’ve restructured their operations recently, so I need to somehow find new evidence against them in the next few days.
But I will.
Finally, the Marlowe’s have their claws in law enforcement, but Victoria’s death created a weakness. Olivia simply isn’t as good at making connections and spreading influence the way her younger sister was. Half the police department was ready to break ties with them, and all I had to do was bribe them. When I give the signal, they’ll turn a blind eye to everything.
It’s all ready and only awaits my signal. Once the main families are attacked simultaneously and current heads of the families are eliminated in the war we’re about to have on this estate, my Italian allies will swoop in and create stability that doesn’t rely on darkness and corruption. The lesser families in the Consortium will likely scatter and find new places for their crimes, but they’re not my concern.
My only concern is that the Consortium my great-great-great grandfather created dies permanently.
The plan is perfect.
On paper.
Real-life has many variables, so I can only hope we’re able to handle anything unforeseeable that arises.
Aurelia shifts beside me and she takes my hand. “What about Julian? Have you spoken to him since...?”
My expression darkens with concern. “He’s locked himself away. Won’t eat, won’t see anyone. But I expect him to join the party, even if it’s only to mock me.”
Valentine clears his throat. “We might have to drug him if he puts up a fight.”
“Do what you must. There’s no other option. He’s coming with us, so whatever you do, keep him safe.” I drum my fingers on the counter. “The plan needs one adjustment. The Castellano human trafficking routes. They’ve suddenly changed their ports, and I lack evidence for the new officials. I need specifics—names, schedules, which docks they use.”
Eleanora grins into the camera. “Oh, I’ve been tracking their movements for months. Every shipment, every bribed inspector, every falsified manifest. I havewhat you need.” She holds up a thick folder, rifling through pages.
I stare at the screen with growing amazement. “They changed their routes just a few days ago. How did you possibly get that level of detail so soon?”
“I have my methods,” Eleanora responds with a slight smile and shoulder shrug. “Let’s just say certain… databases are accessible to me.”
Her nonchalance leaves me weary. To access that kind of information so quickly, Eleanora would need either high-level government connections or hacking skills that rival Gideon’s. I file the revelation away for later consideration—right now, I need the intelligence more than I need answers about how she obtained it.
“I’ve already positioned assets at three of their primary docks,” Eleanora continues, her fingers dancing across documents. “I’ve identified the shift patterns of their corrupted inspectors, mapped their container routes, and have eyes on their safe houses. When you give the signal, we can have federal agents there within minutes.”
“Impressive,” I say. “With that piece in place, we can move forward. During the chaos at Castellano’s party, we target Lady Harrow directly. She’s the spider at the center of this web. Remove her, and the entire internal structure collapses.”
Aurelia speaks up suddenly, her voice cutting through the somber mood. “What about Olivia Marlowe? Can we do this plan without destroying her family?”
I turn to study her face, surprised by the question. “Why would you want to protect her?”
“Well… she offered to help against Lady Harrow, and I think she means it.”
“You trust her?” I ask, my strategic mind already calculating the implications of adding another player on our side.
“I know it sounds crazy,” Aurelia admits, green eyes meeting mine with certainty, “but yes. I trust her.”
I consider this for a long moment, weighing risks against potential benefits. Having the Marlowe family’s resources and manpower could make the difference between success and catastrophic failure. We’re going to need all the help we can get once chaos unleashes during the party.
“Lorenzo,” I say finally, “contact Olivia on Aurelia’s behalf. Feel her out about joining our cause. If she’s genuinely willing to help bring down the current power structure, welcome her to the team.”
“I’ll reach out within the hour,” Lorenzo says.
The conference continues for another thirty minutes as we hammer out logistics and timing. When I finally close the laptop, I feel the weight of what we’re about to attempt settling on my shoulders.
