Page 47 of Violent God

“Thank you, Moretti, for saying what we can all see. Smith, I know you don’t believe me. Hell, I probably wouldn’t believe you if our roles were reversed, but I’m telling you I’m not lying. I have nothing to do with this.” He takes in a deep breath. “What good does it do to threaten you when we work so closely together?”

Zhang says, “Well said, Jones. Smith, it sounds like you need to figure out who sent you the letter. Now, let’s move onto the next topic. Moretti, I hear there are things you’re questioning that fall under my jurisdiction.”

I hold his gaze on the screen. “There are. After doing some research, I’ve discovered that several men have been let into the Brotherhood over the last decade who shouldn’t be members.”

“Such as?”

I fire off several names and say, “The only reason they were let in is because of their financial donations.”

“That’s not unusual or against the rules.”

“True.” I flatten my hands on the desk. “That’s why I followed the money. Turns out these members only benefit you, Zhang.”

Blanc asks, “Do you have proof?”

“I do. You should each be receiving an email from me with the documents. I’ll give you a moment to look them over.”

They’re silent as they each check their phones or computers. I glance at the clock. Fuck. It’s already five, and I promised Isabetta that I’d be home by six. If this doesn’t wrap up soon, then I’m going to have to call and let her know I’m going to be late. And I really don’t want to disappoint my wife.

Finally, Blanc says, “Well, Moretti brings up some good points. Zhang, do you have anything to say?”

Zhang’s jaw tics. “If Moretti thinks he can do better, then I welcome him to take over my duties.”

“Let’s not get carried away,” Blanc says. “Does anyone have any ideas on how we can resolve this issue?”

Smith says, “Perhaps members who are recruited should be approved by the entire committee.”

Blanc nods. “I like that. Zhang, does this work for you?”

“It does.”

“Moretti, does this work for you?”

I say, “It does.”

“Excellent. Gentlemen, it’s been a pleasure. Now, I’d like to call this meeting to an end so I can get home.”

The others murmur their agreements, but Zhang says, “Moretti, stay on the call. I’d like to speak to you privately.”

“Of course.”

Do I want to speak to him? No. Will I stay on the call to hear what he has to say? Yes.

The other members log off, leaving just the two of us. Zhang leans back in his chair, staring at me for a moment.

“I remember when I first became an Elite Member. My predecessor died unexpectedly, much like yours, and I had to take on the role sooner than I planned.” He lets out a small laugh. “I wasn’t sure my marriage was going to make it past that first year.”

“I assume there’s a point at this attempt at a heartwarming speech.”

“There is.” His gaze is hard as he says, “Be careful of the waves you make.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“It’s not a threat. It’s simply a piece of advice. You may have lucked out this time, but the next time you might find yourself on the outs with the rest of the Elite Members. And that’s not a place you want to be.”

“Noted. Is that all?”

“It is.”

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