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“What did you find?” I ask, not in the mood for a prolonged conversation.
“We think we found the next target. Our guys picked up anomalies accessing our systems.”
“Do we know who’s behind the hit job?”
“Still working on it. What we know right now is our operation in Denver is compromised.”
“Can we move the inventory in time?”
Denver is a huge market for us, and losing a supply chain there will hurt my business and reputation.
“It’ll be tough. We don’t know when they plan to hit us, only where.” Jamal’s voice becomes muffled as he yells something to someone on the other end of the phone. “Have you talked to the nanny yet?”
“No, I haven’t spoken toMs. Chaseyet.”
“Oh… Alright then, I’ll get to work on having the goods transferred.”
I hang up and enter the house in search of my phone. Other than Jamal’s missed calls, I have one from my brother. I dial his office and wait to be transferred.
“You have news for me?” I ask when he picks up.
“How has your nanny not taught you any manners?”
I chuckle. “Fratello, you’re one to talk. Sloane’s known you her whole life and despite her efforts, she hasn’t been able to civilize you one bit.”
“Mangia merda stronzo. She accepts me for who I am. Can you say the same about your little nanny?”
“She will, and she’ll be more than my nanny when I’m done getting what I want.”
Without realizing it, I’m in Zakiya’s room, touching her brushes and combs. I check my watch, but it’s still too early for her to return from dropping Jinx off.
“I see… If you need us to look after Jinx while you try to convince her, you have an open invitation.”
“I appreciate it, but I doubt my love life warranted a call,” I say ready to get down to business.
“A Dusan Gianopulos approached me. He’s expressed interest in doing business with us.”
“Us? Does he not know you aren’t part of the business?” I lie on the bed and stretch out.
“I made him aware. He still wants an introduction given by yours truly.”
“What do you know about him?”
“He’s Greek and claims to have ties to To Syndikáto. If true, partnering with them would be a big win for you.”
To Syndikáto is an international organization that is more than triple the size of the DeLuca family enterprises. An alliance with them would make us practically bulletproof, yet Val’s lack of enthusiasm rings my alarm bells.
“You’re being very cautious for giving me life-changing news. What are you holding back?” I grab Zakiya’s pillow and sniff, relaxing as her scent surrounds me.
Val growls his frustration. “My gut says he’s hiding something. Whether it’s his connection to To Syndikáto or something else, I can’t put my finger on it. But I’ve learned to trust my instincts, and this Gianopulos guy smells off.”
“He could be. One of my warehouses got hit. If he’s the mastermind, he’s already got an in with the police. I want to know more about him.” I replace the pillow and stand. “When will you arrange this meeting?”
“Ha! That’s another reason I’m no fan of the lecchino. He’s demanding our first meeting be at a black-tie affair he’s hosting. Expect a formal invitation soon.”
“Interesting move on his part,” I muse. “I’ll make sure to put my best foot forward. Wouldn’t want to embarrass the mayor of this fine city with a vulgar display.” I grin when Valentino swears on the other end of the line.
“Don’t expect the same from me. He’s eating into my family time, and that shit I don’t take lightly.”
