Page 29 of Vicious Chaos

Romano is going to pay for this. I can guarantee that.

“Luca, go,” I command as I lock eyes on the fire chief, still fighting to stop the flames from spreading any further than the building. We could have a wildfire on our hands if it jumps to the trees that are to the side of the building.

I survey the destruction as Luca makes his way back around the road from where we came. He will find the fire inspector and pave the way to sweep this under the rug. We’re going to need full details of what caused the fire, where it started, and the autopsy reports for every person we lost, but there can’t be any record of these details other than ours.

At least I recognize the crew here right now and both the chief and inspector owe me a favor or two.

I keep up a steady stream of observations muttered under my breath for Ian, Ty, and Holden. I notice the way all three of them not only soak in my words but let their gazes roam and really take in everything I point out. Learning what’s important to pick up on in a scene like this and how to do it.

We need to make mental notes of the crowd, the faces, the reactions. What whispers and rumors start right here. Where do they come from and how fast do they pick up traction?

If Romano wanted us to lose face, he could have a couple people planted in the crowd to start the lie that a meth lab blew up here. I seriously doubt that’s the route he would choose to take. He’s not one to think of subtle attacks that can weaken your opponent.

He’s intelligent, meticulous in his work. I’ll give the man that. Respect where it’s due and all that. He has run a successful empire for decades longer than I’ve been alive.

They say you can learn a lot about someone from their torture techniques. Okay, no one says that. It’s still true though. Romano is the same way in life and business as he is in torture. Effective, efficient, but blunt. There’s no finesse in his moves, in the way he thinks.

He doesn't have the patience or the craft for the subtle arts that underlay what we do. It’s one advantage I have over him. The silent currents that swirl underneath the water are what changes the tides of war. I’m a master manipulator at such things.

I also know how to spot when someone is using it against us and how to counter it. I doubt Romano will have the same defenses prepared for a type of offense he would likely never consider.

Sometimes, it isn’t what someone does that gives you insight into their plans. It’s what they don’t do that can speak volumes.

Everything I’m not seeing here is telling me that Romano didn’t attack The Black Rose for any other reason than that it is ours and it was the easiest target he could set his sights on.

The location and the clientele means the security here is much more relaxed. It’s not a business we normally have issues with. Not somewhere we would have been equipped to defend as readily as Thorns or Steel Roses.

We will have to lock down all of our other businesses connected to our known identities now. It’s clear Romano doesn’t care about how hard something hits us, as long as he can land a hit.

I’ve seen a lot of fighters like that in the ring. Not as much skill or strength, but a tenacity that makes them a threat. Can make them lethal. They just need timing and a little luck on their side. They aren’t my favorite fighters to train or even watch.

There’s no respect for the fight, just a stubbornness to not fall. I could appreciate it if it wasn’t so sloppy. It’s not enough to win one fight. That isn’t what makes you a good fighter, a worthy opponent. It’s consistency, the ability to hold your own, the logic and reasoning to observe and adjust depending on your opponent. Not striking blindly and hoping for the best.

That’s what Romano reminds me of right now. It’s almost disappointing to finally face one of the men that turned my nightmares into reality, only to find him a subpar opponent.

All that he has really working for him now is his connections and his already established businesses with their reach and resources. It clicks together for me. This is why he ran. Why he’s hiding in the shadows. He isn’t equipped for this fight and he damn well knows it.

I feel no pride or ease at that. It stokes my rage and ire. Because the facts still are, this hit does hurt. I never wanted innocent people to be dragged into the shadows. I should have known Romano would never keep this fight where it belonged. He had to go and bring it into the light because it was the only way he could throw a strike.

My anger continues to burn even as the flames finally die down before flickering out completely.

I stop my observations and all three guys around me straighten as the chief makes a beeline for me.

I paste a cocky smile on my face before he reaches me.

He narrows his gaze at me, dismissing the men at my side, giving them only enough attention to note they aren’t Kade or Luca. “Scar, I’d say it’s a pleasure, but that’s hardly ever the case.”

The laughter is genuine as I look at the older man. He’s one of the rare ones in this world. A good one. Someone worth protecting. He has no insight into my life, and yet that gleam in his eye tells me just how much he sees. Not that he ever comments on it. He values his safe and comfortable life too much to be tempted over the line.

“Hmm,” I hum in thought. “We both know there are plenty of times you enjoy my presence,” I pause as I watch a smile grow across his face. “Just as long as it’s from a distance,” I finish with another laugh.

He nods his agreement before sighing, the exhaustion riding him obvious in the sound and his posture. “When you’re dancing is the only time you aren’t surrounded by destruction.”

“Touché.”

“Why do I get the feeling the reason there have been no recent performances is connected to this stunt?”

I shrug, not giving him anything. He rides that line of not being clean while not being shady. He’s still one of the good guys, even if he isn’t by the book. He’s more of a realist. I like that about him. Too much to drag him into this fight if I can help it.

---