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There are only two options.
But I’ll fight to make sure Ray isn’t thrown under the bus.
He helped save Sophia…
“We just need to press harder,” I insist.
“Are you lot going to help?” Ray asks.
“We can’t,” Aiden says. “The feds are watching us with a microscope. One wrong move and this all comes tumbling down.”
“Then what am I supposed to do?”
“I can help,” I offer.
“No,” Aiden says, shaking his head. “The current bosses have to stay under the radar. I have another idea.”
“What?” Ray is getting fidgety now. We all know there are only two ways this can go. He understands his entire future is on the line.
“I’m putting you in complete control,” Aiden announces.
“… Of what?”
“Of the Italians.”
The proclamation seems to hit Ray like a sledgehammer. Hell, he even stumbles back a few steps before gathering himself.
“You’re going to make me a boss?”
“Do you want to be a boss, Ray Byrne?” Aiden asks.
“Of course.”
“Well, then here’s your chance. Do whatever you want with the Italians. Whatever it fucking takes. Just get the information we need and don’t tie it back to us. Understand?”
Ray runs a hand over the salt and pepper stubble that lines his sharp jaw. His smart black eyes are already getting lost in some distant web of thought.
He’s planning.
“… I can do whatever I want?” he mumbles, almost more to himself than to anyone in the room.
“Yes. I will give you complete control over the three remaining Italian families. Complete control… for a year. If you don’t find the rats before then… well…”
Aiden doesn’t have to finish. This move isn’t exactly unprecedented. I remember my father giving at least two men this option to advance in the organization. One succeeded. One failed.
I’m sure Aiden’s father did the same thing. It’s probably where he got this idea.
The only problem is that we all seem to like Ray too much to see him fail; to… get rid of him.
I’d imagine we’re all hoping that he succeeds… and fearing what happens if he fails.
But I guess that’s the price you pay as a leader. Shit needs to get done, and you need to be able to know who to count on when shit gets rough.
“And what if the feds get to us before my year is up?” Ray asks, his black eyes darting back and forth as a million plans race through his thick skull.
“Then you’ve failed.”
To my surprise, Ray just nods.
