His as Payment

by Piper Stone

  Giordano stood in the center of the room. While the capos all had drinks in their hands, he was dry.

  Another bad sign.

  He also looked haggard.

  He waved a single hand to stop the conversations, giving me a single glance before speaking. “You’re all aware by now of the damning press conference held this morning.”

  “The asshole really thinks he can take us on?” Angelo asked.

  “He’s bluffing,” another man snarked.

  “Unfortunately, I’ve confirmed that the FBI is close to issuing warrants.” Giordano sighed, the age lines covering his forehead deeper in appearance than even the day before. My father was always impeccable in attire. Not today. He appeared disheveled, much more so than I’d ever seen him.

  The only person he would have trusted to learn the information would have come from the district attorney, but even then, he would usually take the information with a grain of salt. I’d never trusted Clive Banyon and never would. His relationship with my father was far too convenient, but the man owed my father more than just loyalty. Even his recent reelection had been funded in part by my father’s generous contributions.

  “The shipment has been shut down,” I offered.

  Angelo inched closer. “The streets as well. Still looking for the drug lord trying to muscle in. Nobody’s talkin’. Nothin’.”

  Giordano nodded. “Let it go for now. We lay low until the blood in the water clears. Make certain the soldiers collect like normal but alter their schedules. If there’s a single sign that anyone is a snitch, you know what to do, but make certain it doesn’t happen on our turf.”

  I could tell there was absolute discomfort in the ranks. If they followed my father’s orders, additional soldiers could be caught in the warfare. While many of them understood that being pinched was a hazard of the job, a major sweep and lockup hadn’t occurred for a solid fifteen years. Our men were far too soft, at least in my opinion, easily forgetting their required loyalty.

  “This is a very difficult time for us, gentlemen, and I don’t have to tell you what’s at stake here. We have a stoolie in our ranks. According to the district attorney, someone has been dumping information, mostly to the Feds. Of course, he wouldn’t tell me what we’re talking about, but it’s damning enough. We need to find this person before we worry about anything else.” Giordano allowed the order to sink in. Then he looked me directly in the eyes. “If the shit goes down, you know what to do. I have a plan, but I hope I won’t have to execute it.”

  A plan. This was the first I’d heard of anything outside of the norm. “What about the bombing?” I had to ask the question.

  “Let the police do their jobs. That’s what the taxpayers pay them for.” He waved his hand again, indicating the meeting was over.

  And this time I noticed his hand was shaking.

  While the others remained, finishing their drinks, Angelo walked closer, keeping his voice so that only I could hear. “I don’t like some shithead getting away with bombing the club. I also think we’re itching for a war we might not be able to win.”

  “I understand, but you heard Don Lugiano.” I refused to go against anything my father ordered.

  He lifted an eyebrow. He’d known me long enough to realize that I usually argued the various points with my father. Not this time. Giordano was correct. There was too much at stake. “Anything else?”

  “Sweep the streets again. Someone is talking.”

  Angelo snorted. “And I have a feeling I know exactly who it is.” He shot a look across the remaining soldiers, taking a deep breath.

  “If you’re right, bring the fucker to me.”

  “Will do.”

  My father eased into one of the chairs, looking completely defeated.

  I waited, finally grabbing two drinks. At least as I approached the table, the other capos left, giving their signs of respect. I slid a scotch in his direction before sitting down on the edge of the chair.

  “What’s going on, Pops? Why the sit down?”

  “Maybe the request was harsh, Dom, but I had to make certain you’d be here. We’re running out of time.”

  “Of course I’d be here. By the way, you look like shit.”

  He snorted and reached for the glass, clasping his fingers together then trying again. “I’m getting too old for this shit, Dom.”

  “You’re not old, Pops.”

  “Look at me. This business is killing me.” He took a swig, finally locking eyes. “The way the shit is going down, there are some things you need to know. I’ve already heard from Aleksandr Petrov. You know the Russians. They don’t like being played for a fool. Philadelphia is far too close.”

  “I don’t like to hear that tone from you.”

  “Times have changed, Dominick. They’re going to change again. I received word that the board of supervisors has put a hold on our development deal. Dead in the water at this point.”

  I wasn’t shocked at the news. That would have been the first thing on the agenda for the meeting. “We can handle that as necessary.”

  He smiled. “You were never an optimist, son. Why now? Is that girl of yours changing you?”

  I couldn’t help but snicker. “Maybe. She’s...”

  Reaching over, he patted my hand. “I’m glad for you, son. I really am.” I could see a switch of gears in his mind. “Did you know my marriage with your mother was arranged?”

  “I had no idea.” The old Italian ways. I wasn’t going to argue that Drummand hadn’t given his blessing for Caroline’s upcoming nuptials.

  “Sometimes the best. You do fall in love eventually.”

  This was totally out of character for him. “We need to strike hard regarding Drummand, send a warning shot across the bow before there’s bloodshed.”

  “And you know we can’t do that, Dom. They don’t have shit on us and you know that. We need to stay the course, at least for the most part.”

  “But?”

  Giordano rubbed his jaw. “But they need a huge score and they’ve been itching to make an example out of the Lugiano family for years. They’ll find a way and you’re right, we’ll get through it. We always do.”

  “Okay, what else is on your mind? You don’t usually have a heart to heart with me.”

  “You’re right, but as I said, times have changed. Margaret has been located. I have certain trusted individuals on their way to Canada and no, I’m not going to give you all the details just yet. I have a few details to check.”

  “Jesus. Do you think Drummand has any idea?”

  “Possibly. I think his press conference today indicates that he’s willing to allow all his secrets out on the table. He’s either a fool or brilliant and the last one bothers me. She’s being brought to a safe house. Then you and I can make some difficult decisions. Don’t spout this off to Caroline before it happens.” The same haunting look flashed in his eyes.

  “You loved her.”

  “Margaret?” He brought the glass to his mouth and I could swear there were tears in his eyes. “I cared for her deeply, yes, but as I said, I never touched her, but we had amazing conversations, thoughts and dreams for the future. Trust me, I wanted to sweep her off her lovely feet, but she was spoken for. Scruples, you know. Rare these days.”

  “Drummand knew.”

  His laugh was hollow. “Drummand is an idiot.”

  “Who did you have to protect her from?”

  My father finished off his drink, holding the smooth liquid in his mouth before swallowing. “Pure evil.”

  His stark words created a sharp pain in my gut. I leaned further over, trying not to overreact. “What aren’t you telling me? This drug lord. Do you know who he is?”

  “I have a feeling there was never anyone muscling in, Dominick, just rumors to force careless behavior.”

  Slamming my hand on the table, I jumped to a standing position, pacing back and forth. “And I fell into the bullshit.” Lorenzo’s thoughts were beginning to make more sense. />
  “Take it easy, Dom. All the information pointed to Caribbean muscle coming through Miami.”

  “A fact, Pops, that you didn’t tell me. This means the Garcia family was placed smack in the middle of this.”

  “I just learned this bit of information this afternoon, but remember, all this is hearsay at this point.”

  He made this sound casual, as if no big deal. I thought about contacting Miguel Garcia. If anyone was shifting drugs through Miami onto another destination, he would have to know. However, if I did, this would certainly portray another weakness within the organization. I couldn’t afford this risk any more than the others. Fuck. This was ridiculous.

  “There is much more to this, Dominick.”

  “What the hell else could there be? We have the Feds ready to make indictments, a shipment of high dollar Ecstasy going nowhere and a ghost haunting our every move.” I laughed, rubbing my eyes as a headache set in.

  “I also have reason to believe that Carmine Francesco could be working with the Feds.”

  “What. The. Fuck? Why would you think that?”

  “I have my reasons.” He shook his head, darkness falling over his eyes.

  “Wait a minute. I thought you two were friends.” I couldn’t imagine Carmine trying anything so bold. There would be blood raining down for weeks and Carmine knew that. “What in the hell is really going on here?”

  “You never really make friends in this business, Dom. It’s too dangerous. Carmine is a powerful man, but just like me, he’s getting older. He’ll be prepared to turn over his regime to Lorenzo soon enough.”

  “Sounds like he’s pushing to do so.”

  “Maybe.”

  Prepared sounded like an actual plan. Swirling the drink in my glass, I thought about what he was saying. Maybe I was trying too hard to read between the lines, but I had a bad feeling about this conversation and the ramifications around everything he was saying. My father was leaving me breadcrumbs. Every trust needed to be questioned. “If he’s trying to sell us out, he’s going to have to come through me.”

  “Not necessary and I want you to be careful. Stay away from the streets. You have a full life ahead of you. Who knows, maybe children one day.” His grin was more mischievous than I was used to. “I know you mentioned that you were working with Lorenzo. I also know about this club you’re in, son. What do you call it? The Sons of Darkness?” He laughed, suddenly breaking into a coughing fit.

  “How did you know?” I gave him a wry smile. The old coot.

  He yanked a handkerchief from his pocket, wiping his mouth. “I know everything, son. While I’m not entirely certain it’s a good idea and not something that us old lions would have ever considered, maybe it’s time for the new blood to take over. New power. Eh?”

  “You’re not trying to tell me that you’re giving up control?”

  “I’m not retiring yet.” He rose to his feet. “You know, when your older brother didn’t want anything to do with the business, I was pissed, but I’m glad you’re the one by my side. You were made for this work and you’re well respected.”

  “You don’t think I’m getting too soft?” I asked in a teasing manner. My father gave rare compliments and this one touched me more than I was willing to let on.

  “The love of a beautiful and vivacious woman is better than anything you can have in your life, son. Money. Cars. They mean nothing without a special lady.”

  “I can’t love her, Pops. She’s far too innocent and pure.”

  “Remember that none of us are truly innocent, Dom. Not a single one of us.”

  My father and I usually didn’t have heart to heart talks. We’d never been close, his love of my brother consuming him until Victor left, promising never to return to New York. He’d kept his promise for almost seven years. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “Well, I have a few issues to contend with.” He eased away from the chair. “You know, I feel like everything I worked for is crashing down. Pisses me off. I am going to get to the bottom of this but my way.”

  “Are you feeling all right?”

  Giordano had never been sick a day in his life. Seeing him this way, run down and riddled with despair, yanked at the darkness within my soul. Drummand held some key to all of this bullshit and I was determined to find out what.

  “I’m fine. Why don’t you get back to that lady of yours? Leave the grunt work to the capos. That’s what we pay them for.”

  “We’ll get through this, Pops. We will.” I don’t know why I repeated the comment, maybe hoping I’d actually believe my own bullshit.

  He patted me on the shoulder before heading toward the door. “Yes, you will.”

  I knew my father well enough. We were being set up.

  Rage. I was used to the emotion more than any other and right now, that anger needed to be fed. I knew exactly what had to be done.

  * * *

  I sat in the parking lot, staring at the building. The majority of corporate minions had already left, heading home to their adorable families and golden retrievers. Twilight was settling in, leaving ominous shadows crisscrossing the parking lot. I was angry with myself and with my father. He continued to harbor secrets. What the hell was I going to tell Caroline? At least she was exactly where I needed her to be right now, safe. I popped another three aspirin and turned off the engine. My patience was all but gone, answers needed immediately.

  And I knew how to get them.

  I’d noticed the light remained on, the corner office all aglow as if glorifying the man himself, not just his claim to fame. I snickered at the concept.

  My needs had nothing to do with the rules I was required to follow. I’d asked for a hit and my father had declined. While I wouldn’t go against his wishes, I would make certain the Senator understood what he’d stepped into the middle of. The discussion would be... frank. And I wasn’t going in without backup of my own.

  I pulled the Glock from under the seat, checking the ammo before sliding the weapon into my jacket. I would make this visit brief but effective. I was only two feet away from the car when my phone rang. Angelo.

  “You have news?”

  “You’re not going to like this,” Angelo snarled.

  “What now?”

  “Marco has been put on ice. Thought he was the leak.”

  I stopped short. “By whom?”

  “Professionally handled and clean. No other issues I noticed. He was all alone. The shop was closed. Don’t think it was a robbery since he had a shitload of cash on him.”

  “Cash?” If the motherfucker turned...

  “To the load of fifty G’s.”

  I exhaled, my jaw clenching. “Fuck! Leave him and the cash but continue the sweep. Giordano is right. Someone directly in the higher ranks of our organization is making it difficult for all of us.”

  “I thought we had our man,” Angelo said under his breath.

  “Find the real asshole. I don’t care what it takes but not with the others. Do this alone.” Whoever had gotten to Marco was trying to clean up any loose ends. Now, the question was by whom? This wasn’t something sanctioned by the Feds. Not their style. Which left Carmine. That would make some sense given Lorenzo had sent a few soldiers my way for ‘helpful’ purposes. God, I was fucking furious for trusting the asshole. I took a deep breath, pulling out of my anger. That’s what Drummand wanted, my mind completely off kilter.

  “You got it. I don’t like this. The men feel like they’re sitting ducks.”

  I took another harsh glance at the corner light, the warm glow far too inviting. “Pull them off after and lock ‘em down for the night. Find out if Francesco’s soldiers are still in town.”

  Angelo hesitated. “Why, Dom? That doesn’t make any sense. Why would they bother helping?”

  “Just do it!” They would either help or create a trap. I was going to have to place my trust in someone, following my instincts. After this conversation, I’d have a much better idea of what we were dealing with. Of t
hat I was certain.

  “Will do.”

  I held the phone to my head before heading into the building, purposely taking the stairs to the fifth floor. There was no one in the hallway, no sounds of any type. The massive glass doors leading to Drummand’s office highlighted a nicely decorated reception area, completely devoid of people. With the senator’s car remaining in the parking lot, I knew he was still somewhere in the building.

  I knew exactly where to go and was pleased the door was open, as if the man was already waiting for my arrival. Maybe I would make this fact finding only, but again, in my way. I didn’t know or hesitate, walking straight in.

  Drummand stood at the window overlooking the parking lot, a drink in his hand. “My gut told me you’d come for a visit, Dom. You’re very predictable.”

  “You mean thorough, Drummand.”

  He chuckled, a slight shaking of his head. I could hear the amusement in his voice, as if he had one over on me. “Would you care for a drink, Dominick? I know I certainly needed one after the long day.”

  I exhaled, walking further inside. “What the hell, Drummand? We are old friends and are going to be related soon.”

  Turning, he gave me a once-over. “True. How is my lovely daughter?”

  “Adjusting.”

  “Mmmm... She was always... what should I call her? A handful. Always asking questions. Never listening. Perhaps with your help she can learn that being obedient is the only way forward for her.” He took another sip of his drink.

  My angry thoughts against Drummand were increasing, becoming more volatile. If he was capable of putting an innocent woman away for challenging him, what else could he do?

  “Sadly, Caroline reminded me of her mother,” he continued.