Chasing Arlo (Genoa Mafia Series Book 5)

by Ginger Ring

  Her heart was in her throat. She’d waited too long to make Arlo hers only to lose him. Putting her arms around each woman, Layla did something she’d not done in a very long time. Prayed.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Arlo

  It felt like they were never going to get there. They told the women it would only be a quick in and out operation but things never went that smooth. Roman also didn’t want to worry them. The plan was to have Dominic come back later, tell the women everything was fine, and hopefully they would then go to bed. Last thing anyone wanted was for Madison to be under stress.

  The countryside zoomed by outside his window as they made their way to Chicago. Arlo rode shotgun while Oscar drove. Jasper and Roman coordinated things by phone in the backseat with the other soldiers on the ground. Rinaldi had offered up troops as well.

  Whether or not to get the police involved was also being discussed. One of the spots they were hitting was the brothel Tonya had worked in. The women there were being held against their will, had been victims of trafficking, or both. It was decided that the authorities would be called in when everyone was out of there but the girls. They would be able to help them the most and hopefully get them the care they needed and back to their homes.

  When they were all in place, they would strike. It would be fast and very painful. They were hitting Fedor where it hurt, all the places he made the most money.

  The targets would be hit at the same time. Between the Rinaldis, Caponellis, and a few other Chicago families that hated the Russians as much as they did, it would be a major blow to his organization. The spots were a combination of offsite gambling dens, brothels, warehouses, and even a few bars they owned. That’s why it would be a long night. They needed to wait until most of them were closed. Fedor may not care about innocent people’s lives but they did.

  Dominic would get back about midnight and let the ladies know they were all right. It was then that they would strike. Dom would make it clear they were not to call and that they would all talk in the morning.

  It didn’t sit well the way he’d left things with Layla. In a moment of weakness, he recalled what he’d heard Layla tell her sister and he let himself believe it again. Better that than second guess everything he did tonight and possibly get himself or someone else killed. Never before had he gone into battle concerned about leaving a loved one behind. Why? Because before there were none. It was a whole new experience for him and one that he battled with.

  Their brief time together had been heaven. A dream that’d come true but was it just a dream? They were doomed from the get-go. Her father hated him for some reason. And what if some miracle happened, Layla and he did marry, her husband would rule the Rinaldi family with her. He’d never leave the Caponellis. They’d taken him in when he had no place left to go. They’d given him something he’d wanted for so long after his parents had died. The Caponellis had made him family.

  After going through a drive-through along the way—even bad boys needed to eat—they drove through the gates of the Rinaldi mansion. He’d not been there since Roman and Madison’s wedding. That was the night he’d danced with Layla again. The night that feelings had started to develop, and it wasn’t just curiosity about what had happened to the beautiful sweet sixteen girl.

  Bruno met them at the door. He was dressed in all black as well, which surprised him. The man must have planned on going along.

  “Come in, gentlemen.”

  They followed Mr. Rinaldi to his office. Along the way, Arlo took notice of the elaborate paintings, crystal chandeliers, and endless rooms. When he’d been there before, he’d never paid much attention to his surroundings. The place was not only huge but practically dripping in cash. It was just another reason Layla and he were not destined to be together. He made good money, great actually. Never one for showy suits or cars, Arlo had invested well and spent little, but he was still no match for the wealth Layla’s family had.

  His mood darkened. It was time to get this operation on the road. As they entered his office, it became clear that Bruno had done his research as well. The guy may be up in years but he wasn’t ready to give up the reins any time soon. There was a map on the desk showcasing the location they would hit.

  “I have two teams here and here and here. They leave each night with bags of money. When we hit, we’ll take the money and blow each place up. The warehouses will be raided and we have trucks lined up to take as much as we can before we blow them up. Your guys will take the brothels. Each place closes at two, so we still have some time.”

  Jasper pointed toward the location they would be going to on the map as Oscar looked on. The rest of their team already had been briefed and were keeping an eye on their targets. They were the last to arrive, so were meeting there.

  “Any questions?” Bruno addressed each man with a stare.

  “Who’s left guarding the brothels after the johns leave?” Jasper asked.

  “Only two men, and from what we’ve been told, one goes to sleep soon after they lock the doors.”

  “We need to hit them just as they throw the last guy out.” This time Roman got into the conversation. “If we wait, we’ll have to storm the door, which will give them more time to react and call in reinforcements.”

  “What if I went to the door pretending to be a last-minute customer?” Jasper suggested.

  Roman tapped the desk with his index finger. “I like that idea but your face is pretty well known around here. Oscar, you do it. See if you can find a different shirt to wear in the car.”

  “Will do, sir.”

  “I’ll have the maid bring you one of mine. If they see you in all black it might tip them off.” Bruno sent a message on his phone to his staff.

  “I can do it,” Arlo interjected. Why, he didn’t know. Maybe he wanted to prove something to Layla’s father, or maybe he just wanted to feel useful. The waiting around had him on edge.

  “No, Oscar will. You have someone waiting for you. Osc is single,” Roman interrupted.

  Bruno’s head popped up from his phone. “You have a woman now, Arlo?”

  Again, Roman spoke up, “Layla and he are quite close.”

  “Yeah, but that is all for show.” Her father frowned.

  “I would say it is more than show. Wouldn’t you, Arlo?” Jasper grinned and slapped him on the back. “By the looks of the kiss she gave you before we left, you two are pretty hot and heavy.”

  Bruno’s eyes narrowed. “Actually, I think it would be best if Arlo did go to the door. He has more experience.”

  At that moment, the maid came in holding a red t-shirt in her hand. “You two decide, I’ll wait in the car.” Arlo took the shirt and left.

  His shoes were silent on the dark wooden floors as he walked to the front door. Rinaldi basically just said he was expendable and someone that he wouldn’t mind getting shot. What was that man’s beef with him, anyway?

  “Hey, wait up,” Jasper called from behind and he stopped just short of the front door. “I’m ready to get out of here also. Time to blow shit up.”

  At least Jasper always made him smile despite the situation. “Yeah, this is dragging on way too long.”

  “I just heard from Dom. He’s heading back now.” He ended up staying until one, and knowing Dominic’s dislike for crowds and being around people, it was probably the longest day of the poor guy’s life. “The girls are not supposed to call but put it on vibrate just in case.”

  He knew all that anyway but Arlo knew Jasper was just there to keep him company.

  “You’re a good friend, Jasper.”

  “I know.” He flashed the bright smile that made the girls notice. “What’s Bruno’s beef with you?” He ran a hand through his dark hair.

  “Hell, if I know.” Arlo exhaled. “I better put this on.”

  “No, you’re not.” Roman’s voice echoed down the hallway. “I want Oscar to go to the door. He’s least known around here. I’m not taking any chances.”

  A red
-faced Rinaldi trailed behind. “Let’s get into place. I’m going with you.”

  They decided at the last minute to just hit the one brothel, the one where Tonya had been held. They had the most intel on that place and there was too much of a risk for the ladies at the others getting killed in the crossfire. Tonya had given them a detailed layout of that location as well.

  Oscar dropped the guys off about a block away before parking in front of the building. It was in a low rent area. A few places were decorated with boarded up windows and sketchy characters hanging around on the front steps. The humid night brought out the lingering smell of urine and garbage to the fullest. It was a good bet that Fedor also ran drugs in the neighborhood. They would have to be fast and not raise any suspicion that would cause someone to call in reinforcements.

  They were all wired for sound with earphones in place.

  Arlo witnessed Oscar park their vehicle and get out. Jasper and Bruno were by the back of the building in case anyone tried to make a break for it. Roman was up front but on the opposite side of the door from Arlo.

  Oscar staggered up the few steps of the house and rang the doorbell. “Anyone home?” He began banging on the wooden door.

  A man from inside threw it open. “We’re closed.”

  “I need to get flayed,” Oscar slurred.

  “Are you deaf or drunk? I said we’re closed.” The guy grabbed Oscar by the shirt and began to shove. His eyes widened when Oscar pushed him back in the house and held a knife to his neck. Roman and Arlo rushed in and shut and locked the door behind them while Oscar slammed the guy against the wall.

  “Name,” Roman demanded.

  “Joseph.” The man’s gaze darted about the room.

  “Are you carrying?”

  When the man didn’t answer Roman, Oscar poked the blade in far enough that it drew blood.

  Slowly he nodded. “My back waistband.”

  Oscar pulled the guy forward and Arlo reach for the weapon to unload it. “How many guards are here?”

  Joseph glanced up to the ceiling and sighed. “Just Yuri. He’s with a girl. First room on the left, second floor.”

  Grabbing the guy by the arm, they led him to the kitchen, where they gagged and bound him to a chair. Roman let Jasper and Bruno in on what was going on.

  “Let’s go.” Roman motioned to Arlo as they quietly climbed the stairs. The place was quiet except for the squeak of bed springs bouncing in the room Joseph had named. They stopped, one on each side of the door. “On three,” Roman whispered and then held up said number of fingers to count down. When he got to one, Arlo put his foot to the door and crashed it in. Yuri lay on the bed with a woman on top. He reached for the gun on the bedside table but Roman fired first. They had a silencer and the bullet hit the man square in the forehead. They couldn’t risk the woman being held as a hostage.

  “Nice shot,” Arlo congratulated him as he reached for the woman and put his hand over her mouth. “Shh, it’s okay. We’re not here to hurt you, we’re here to rescue you.”

  The woman trembled, her eyes wide from shock, fear, or both.

  “Do you know Tonya Yerkhov?” She nodded. “She sent us to rescue you. If you promise to not scream, I’ll let you go.” The woman swallowed and slowly moved her head again. Arlo cautiously let her go. Seeing a robe nearby, he tossed it her way and she covered herself.

  “Who are you?” Her dark hair shaded her face as she tightened the belt around her waist. The fact that she hadn’t even glanced at the dead man in the bed spoke volumes.

  “I’m Roman Caponelli, and you are?”

  “Kara.” Taking a seat in the only chair in the room, she crossed her legs and reached for a cigarette. Her fingers shook as she put it to her lips and stuck a match.

  “We’re at war with Fedor. Once we get the guards out of here, call the police. Tell them that the men had been stealing money from their boss and ran off. Let them know that you’ve been held here against your will, forced to work as prostitutes, and that there are other houses like this out there.”

  After blowing a ring of smoke, Kara snuffed the cigarette in the ash tray and stood up. The old floor creaked as she strolled the few steps to the bed. Kara spit on the body of the dead man as a tear started to roll down her cheek.

  “You’re free now.” Arlo placed a hand on her shoulder and her tough exterior crumbled.

  Her lower lip trembled. “Thank you.” Her shoulder jerked as she sobbed. “Thank you so much.”

  Chapter Twenty

  It was four in the morning before they finally left the brothel. Everything had gone smoothly. The money was collected from the gambling sites, and the warehouses had been emptied. A few of Fedor’s men had died in the exchange of gunfire but none of Roman’s had been hurt. They’d contacted Dominic again with updates just in case any of the ladies had awakened and wondered where they were.

  Joseph had lunged at Oscar in the kitchen when they untied him, and he’d received a bullet to the gut. Kara found them blankets to wrap the bodies in and they loaded them out the back door of the building and into their vehicles. Roman gave her the number of a lawyer to contact in case she or any of the girls had any trouble or needed help. As soon as they shut the back door, they could hear her happily calling for the other girls to come downstairs and that they’d be going home soon.

  After a stop at their Chicago crematory to dispose of the bodies and to drop Bruno off at his house, they were on the way home. It was a job well done and they were all on a high and eager to get to Genoa. Arlo couldn’t wait to see Layla but would she be happy to see him? It was an asshole thing he’d done when they left. His only excuse for his behavior was that he was on edge and if he didn’t return, it was his hope that if Layla really did have feelings for him, that might kill it and she’d move on without him more easily.

  None of the guys had called their women but he noticed each, with the exception of Oscar, had contacted Dominic to ask about them. They were about thirty miles outside of town when he finally gave in to the impulse to text their man at the house and see what was going on.

  Arlo: Dom what’s new?

  Dominic: What’s new? Serious fucker? Can’t a guy get some sleep?

  Shaking his head, Arlo knew the guy was tired but weren’t they all? Next time, they could send Dom, and he would stay home with several beautiful women, a big screen TV, and all the beer and food he could eat.

  Arlo: You got more sleep than we did, dumbass.

  Dominic: Get to the point. Like all the other pussy-whipped guys, I expect you’re calling about your woman.

  Arlo: Not whipped and not my woman, but yeah, I want to know about Layla. Did she sleep well? Is she with Madison?

  Dominic: Don’t know. She left soon after you did.

  What the hell? Screw this! Arlo dialed Dom’s number and a few seconds later Dom answered.

  “Are you kidding me? Christopher said you are almost here and yet you call? I can’t wait to go fucking home but I don’t want to wake Stephanie,” he grumbled.

  “What the fuck do you mean Layla isn’t there?” Arlo grit his teeth. He was in the backseat now and both Roman, in the front, and Jasper beside him, turned to stare.

  “Yeah, I did everything you said. Sat at the bar forever. Which I am never doing again. I think they wanted to call the police on me for loitering but were afraid to deal with shit if they did.” The guy didn’t like to talk much so for him, this was a mouthful.

  “Where is she?” Arlo made a fist.

  “I didn’t find out until I got back here that she was gone. Madison said she was upset and wanted to leave.”

  “Where is she?” The woman was a hard head, that’s for sure.

  “Madison finally relented but only after she insisted Layla take one of the guards with her.”

  “Where’d they go?” Chicago? A hotel? Arlo laid his head back on the headrest. He’d gone too far and messed up. They’d probably passed her on the way back to Bruno’s. Son of a bitch, he’d l
ost her before he even had her, and it was his own damn fault. There was no way he could drive himself back to the Windy City. He could barely keep his eyes open.

  “She’s at your place,” the voice on the other end finally answered.

  “What?” Did he hear him right? He could barely see straight he was so tired.

  “I guess she said she wanted to go home so Tony drove her there and agreed to stay until you got back.”

  Relief hit him like a sledgehammer, but then… “Who. The. Fuck. Is. Tony?” The grip he had on the phone tightened. He was close to throwing it out the window if he didn’t find out in 2.0 seconds.

  “When none of the guards here would go with her, she called in one of her dad’s. He came all the way from Illinois to get her.”

  Arlo closed his eyes and pinched the bridge on his nose. Layla was pissed and wanted the hell out of there, that’s for sure. “Thanks, Dom. I’ll touch base with you soon.” Ending the call, he tucked the cell in his pocket, and tapped Oscar on the shoulder. “I need you to drop me off at my place first.”

  “What? I want to see Jackie,” Jasper whined. “Then we can all go back there together.”

  “Layla’s not there, she left the compound last night with a guard.”

  Roman cursed. “What? I left strict instructions for them all to stay there. Who the fuck took her?”

  “Some Rinaldi man named Tony.” He cursed and shook his head.

  “Drop Arlo off first,” Roman relented. “It’s on the way.”

  The lights of Genoa came into view and they all let out a collective sigh. Home sweet home. It wouldn’t bother him a bit if they never set foot in Chicago again but that was just another one of the issues he had to work out with Princess Rinaldi, and His Royal Highness, Bruno.