Page 53 of Carnal

"Every day. I can give you lessons if you want," Flex taunts.

"Let's get this done. I've got shit to do," I state.

Rubio grabs a file off his desk. "I started working on this last week. I think there needs to be two options. We don't have all the police data and won't until it's closer to shipment time. Frankly, I'm surprised Angelo wants this when we don't know the coordinates yet."

I shrug and cross my arms over my chest. The last shipment was too close for our comfort. Police were everywhere, and nothing was as normal. Our contacts on payroll claimed the chief changed things at the last minute. After that, Papà decided we needed fresh routes for all shipments. However, it requires aligning things with our police contacts in other counties. "Me, too, but let's give the old man what he wants. We'll confirm closer to the date which route we'll take. What are the options?"

We spend several hours going through possible routes and each of the counties and local districts that could cause issues. Rubio makes a copy of the file. I leave and take it to Papà.

He opens the file and thumbs through the pages.

"Rubio, Flex, and I triple-checked all the police entities we'll need to work with on each route," I tell him.

He reads some more then looks up. "This is good work, Tristano."

Pride and surprise fill me. My father hasn't given me a compliment in months. I hate how I actually care about his approval, but I do. I reply, "Thanks."

"If you had to choose today, which route would you take?" he asks.

"Plan A."

"Why?"

I step closer and tap the summary. "Fewer cops to organize. It's a few miles longer, but overall less possible exposure."

He rises and pats me on the back. His lips twitch. "So you do listen."

Insulted, I huff. "Seriously?"

He chuckles, goes to the bar, and pours two shots of sambuca. "Since when did you lose your sense of humor?" He hands me a glass then clinks his to mine, adding, "Salute."

"Salute." I down the liquor. It coats my throat in a slow burn then hits my stomach. I question, "Do you need anything else? I have plans this weekend."

"Oh? Where are you off to?" he inquires.

"Quick trip to the Caribbean. I need some sunshine," I state.

"Who are you going with?"

"Just a girl I'm seeing. You don't know her," I lie.

He studies me then says, "Have a good time."

"Thanks." I leave his office and go to my office in my wing. Then I turn on my computer and pull up several high-end New York boutiques.

Several items catch my eye, so I place orders. I text Flex to pick everything up and take it to my private jet. Then I call my travel agent, Barry.

He answers, "Tristano! What's going on, bro?"

I scratch my jaw, replying, "Hey, man. I need a place in the Caribbean for the weekend. Something top notch."

"Boys’ weekend or are you bringing a woman?" he asks.

I chuckle. "It's a woman. I need something secluded but with options to do things around wherever we are. I want all the amenities and something full service."

"Any particular island?"

"Don't care. Surprise me. But I need it tonight through Monday morning."

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