Page 16 of King of Praise
My attention keeps drifting to my phone, checking for messages from Naomi. I can’t decide if I’m relieved or worried that she hasn’t messaged me.
“Sit.” Zeke’s command breaks through my distraction. He activates the sound dampening system with a few taps on histablet. The subtle hum of white noise fills the room, ensuring our conversation remains private. “Drink?”
I nod, accepting the glass of whiskey he slides across his desk. He hands a glass to both Sebastian and Eli as well. Normally I decline drinks this early in the day, but I need it. The familiar burn helps ground me in the present moment, in the business at hand.
“How is she?” Zeke doesn’t specify who “she” is. He doesn’t have to. Everyone in this room knows what happened. We don’t keep those kinds of secrets in this inner circle.
“Physically? Minor injuries—bruises, some cuts. Emotionally…” I take another sip, choosing my words carefully. “She’s processing. The cabin gives her space to do that safely.”
Zeke studies me over the rim of his glass, his dark eyes missing nothing. “And long-term?”
“Working on it. She can’t stay hidden forever, but coming back too soon risks complications.”
“Sandra?” Sebastian interjects from his position by the window.
“Among others.” The thought of Lucas’s mother sets my teeth on edge. We need to find a way to neutralize her as a threat before she starts trouble. And she will definitely cause trouble.
“Keep us posted if you need anything, until then, we have more immediate concerns.” Zeke spreads the territory map of Columbus across his desk. “Nicolo’s been making inquiries. Sending representatives to test the waters.”
Shit. I lean forward, studying the marked territories. “How many?”
“Three that we know of. Meeting with the families, gauging loyalties.” Zeke’s finger traces a pattern across the map. “If we don’t establish control quickly, he’ll gain it first. Everything we’ve built here will be forfeit. He’ll have the strength to force us under his control.”
The whiskey turns bitter on my tongue. Nicolo Moretti, head of the New York family and Zeke’s former employer, is not a man who accepts half-measures. If he decides to expand into Columbus, he’ll do it thoroughly and brutally. The power vacuum we created by dismantling key operations suddenly feels like a tactical error.
But what were we supposed to do? Marcus Barone threatened Eve and kidnapped Leo in an attempt to get at Zeke and his entire operation. Our only option was to fight back and make sure everyone in this city knew we weren’t to be trifled with.
Now if only Moretti would get the hint.
“The Barone family still commands respect in these areas.” I tap several locations. “Even with Marcus in jail, they maintain influence. Francesca’s smart. She’ll see the advantage of aligning with us against outside pressure.”
“The Russo’s aren’t a problem, but what about Gallagher?” Zeke prompts.
“Small fish, but strategic positions.” Years of working as a fixer have taught me the complexities of Columbus’s criminal landscape. “The Gallaghers control the fight clubs and associated gambling. Together, they could be valuable allies.”
“Or dangerous opposition,” Sebastian adds.
“We need a unified front.” I drain my glass, the alcohol doing little to quiet the part of my mind that keeps drifting to Naomi. I need to focus on work right now. “A council of sorts, bringing the families together under our guidance. Show Nicolo that Columbus stands together.”
Zeke’s eyes light with interest. “Go on.”
“Each family maintains their territory, their specialties, but coordinates through us. We provide protection, mediation, and connection to broader networks. In return, they present a united front against outside interference.”
“That’s a mafia rule.” Zeke raises a brow. “That’s what I fled from when I left New York.”
“But it’ll work,” Eli muses. “The families won’t just fall in line. They’ll want guarantees, proof we can deliver what we promise.”
Zeke lets out a heavy sigh. This isn’t what he wants but he must know we don’t have a choice if we want to maintain our freedom from Nicolo.
“Fine. Then we’ll give them proof.” Zeke’s voice carries the quiet authority that made him a natural leader. “Starting with the Barones. Micah, you’ll meet with Francesca. See what it would take to bring her on board.”
I nod, already planning my approach as I shoot her a quick message requesting the meeting. Francesca Barone is ambitious but practical. She’ll understand the threat Nicolo represents to her family’s independence. The trick will be convincing her that aligning with us offers better protection than submitting to New York’s authority.
“I hate to be the one to backtrack our conversation, but we need to talk about Sandra,” Sebastian says quietly. “When she starts making noise about Lucas, everything could blow up in our faces and all this careful planning will be meaningless.”
“I’ll handle Sandra.” The words come out harder than intended. “She’s not equipped for this game.”
Zeke studies me for a long moment. “Be careful. We need precision right now, not emotion.”
