Page 3 of His to Have
“He knows that. Which is why he wants to build something that rivals us. First he has to grow his family. It’s why he’s building a small army of small-time hustlers looking to grow their influence. He puts them in towns where we would otherwise discard, and lets them flourish all under his rule.” He swept his gaze across the table, letting everyone take in the information. “His moves have attracted the likes of the Whitmans. They want to align.”
Quiet murmurs rippled around the table. The Whitmans didn’t move like most crews. They didn’t dabble in everything, but the things they did touch. They were heavy hitters. Their patriarch always kept in his lane—made his money quietly, built connections, stayed outta beef. That’s how they lasted this long.
Expansion was never part of the plan. Expanding meant war.
And war meant money.
Money was all they cared about... until now.
The senator leaned forward. “Are we certain about this? They’ve always been neutral.”
“Positive,” I finally cut in, commanding the room’s attention. “Bianca, the eldest daughter has taken over the business. She wants to expand.”
“And what does that mean?” The Governor asked. “Bianca Whitman doesn’t have the resources to cause a significant problem.”
“Nah, not yet. But if they marry…” I let my words trail. “The resources they both would gain would almost triple. Their men would increase, territories would increase, and all those small problems we’re dealing with would be major fuckin’ threats.”
“And how did you come by this information?” The senator asked curiously.
“I have my ways,” I smirked, not wanting to reveal how I came across the information to a room full of politicians and federal agents. Even as allies, some things aren’t meant for mixedcompany. Today’s friend of the family could be tomorrow’s rival. A lesson taught by my father.
“The intel is solid.”
She studied me for a moment, likely weighing the validity of my information against her instincts. She wouldn’t disrespect me, by questioning further because she respected the hierarchy. Even if I wasn’t my father, I was still a Donatelli and that meant something.
“Well, if that’s true, Orlando aligning with the Whitmans would complicate things for all of us.” She sat back in her chair, her expression neutral.
“So, what’s our next move? We can’t sit back and let either of them gain momentum.” Gianni asked, his fingers drumming on the wooden surface.
I could feel the tension from every person present, even the lower-level crime bosses clustered around the table. They knew the severity of this move. Their clubs, gambling rings, and even their street-level operations would be in jeopardy if any person in this room lost footing. The drugs and guns that we provided on the low would be harder to get, more expensive. The protected routes they counted on would be gone. If even a single politician in our network lost their seats it would not be without consequence. Law enforcement would have free rein to shut down everything. And those advanced warnings about raids would go to thenew kids on the block. Shit would be all bad.
“We either have to disrupt their union before it’s formed, or we need to strengthen our own position.” My father looked toward Samuel. “There’s only one way to do that.”
Samuel leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “You’re talking about our own merging of families?” His tone was neutral, glancing over at Bash and then me.
“If we’re going to go that route, we need to make sure it’s the right match. A merger like this would lock our families togetherfor life and in a way that could protect all of our interests. Not just in our respective states, but across the entire East Coast.”
Gianni leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “The strongest merger has to come from one of our families,” he said to no one particular. His tone was calm, but it still held a hint of insistence. “A Donatelli-Vitale alliance, for instance, would fortify New York and allow us to tighten our grip on the northern territories.”
His gaze flicked toward my father, as if to gauge his reaction. But my father remained quiet, and reflective. Before both their eyes landed on Samuel, to voice his opinion. It had to be something they all agreed on. Something that would benefit the collective.
Samuel sat back slightly, crossing his arms. “A New York-centric merger benefits New York,” he said evenly. “But Orlando’s already knocking on my door down here. The South is where we need the strongest presence right now. A southern and eastern merger would be more beneficial. Maybe a Reed- Vitale or Reed-Donatelli merger seems more strategic.” He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. “Strengthening our position in the South could counter Orlando’s advances and expand our influence beyond just New York.”
The room fell silent as everyone considered the implications of Samuel’s proposal, recognizing the potential shift in their power dynamics. Gianni didn’t flinch. Instead, he nodded slowly, acknowledging the validity of Samuel’s argument. Marco leaned forward, his eyes narrowing with interest. “Samuel’s right,” he said, breaking the silence. “Expanding southward could open up new opportunities and protect our interests from outside threats.” He glanced around the room, seeking nods of approval from the others, or other suggestions that would be just as valuable.
“If I may make a suggestion,” the senator, spoke up. “A political alliance has its own advantages,” she suggested, her eyes moving toward me. “I have my niece, Stephanie, who’s just getting started in her political career. She’s already made quite a name for herself in certain circles.”
She shifted her gaze to the rest of the room, to make her case. “A marriage between her and someone from a family like theDonatelliswould bind my power with yours. Think of what that could mean—legal connections, political leverage... It could set us up not just to fight Orlando but to expand our reach beyond.” Her words were smooth and polished, just like the woman herself.
The offer was tempting. Denise’s niece looked good on paper, sure. But this wasn’t aboutrésumésor potential. We needed somebody who could move through politics and the streets. She couldn’t give us soldiers.
Leaning forward slightly, my gaze turned contemplative. “I get what you’re saying about Steph. She’s smart, driven. No doubt she would make the perfect partner… in the future.”
“But...” she countered.
“But, she’s just starting out in her career. What kind of leverage does she have right now, beyond your family name? We’re talking about countering Orlando’s presence, both politically and in the streets.”
Denise smiled, as if she had expected the question. “Fair point, Teo,” she replied, sitting up straighter. “Stephanie may be young, but she’s already cultivated some solid contacts—judges, local DAs, a few key figures in state politics. She’s discreet, understands the stakes, and her potential reach is only going to grow.”
