Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
“Focus on these nuts!”
Jean-Pierre remained standing as the second barrier. “Gentlemen, we have an audience.”
I scanned the sea.
Tons of fishermen looked our way.
Further ahead, the first boat with Harlem Crew rowed away fast as if they were too embarrassed to be seen with us.
David winked at the onlooking fishermen and spoke in Italian, “We are so excited about the swordfish today. So excited. . .we're fighting over the poles.”
Several of the fishermen turned back to what they were doing. Some shook their heads.
I sat down.
David and Jean-Pierre lowered too, yet remained between Maxwell and me.
Meanwhile, Maxwell wore a smirk.
I will get you back later.
Everyone went silent.
My guards sped up their rowing.
Now how will I check on Emily and my child?
Needing to be calmed, I took in the breathtaking view—the blue of the sea, the contrast of white houses stacked on rugged brown cliffs.
I spotted Scilla Beach off in the distance with its coarse white sand and was ready for violence.
Soon. Very soon.
Jean-Pierre cleared his throat. “Have you decided who will take over the region, after the Italians and Black Axe are killed?”
I didn't turn around. “Not you.”
“Why not?”
“You are too ambitious.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you, Butcher.”
“I am just a simple business man, hoping to expand.”
“You made friends with my mouse to trigger a historic alliance between the Brotherhood and Corsican.” I turned his way. “Genius, yet completely suicidal.”
Jean-Pierre held out his hands. “How was it suicidal?”
“I do not like any man too close to my mouse.”
“How could I not be friends with such a lovely woman?”
“Careful.”
“I would never do anything to shake the strong foundation of love that you two hold.”
I sneered.
“However, you need to maintain a stronger alliance with the Corsican.”
“Do I now?”
“Love inspires war.” Jean-Pierre picked up a fishing pole. “You love Emily more than an average man would care for a woman.” He placed his line into the water. “Thus. . . making Emily a powerful weapon to use against you. Fela understood that.”
“And Fela will die soon. Should you hope to join Fela, let me know.”
Jean-Pierre frowned. “I do not.”
“Are you scared to die?”
“In life, death silently dances in everyone's shadow, twirling and twisting about.”
“Not exactly an answer, Butcher.”
“Basically, all humans are afraid. However, our success in surviving against death, depends on our working together. My intention is for you and me to become close friends.”
“Aww. So the spies you put in Harlem Crew were to find out what type of presents I would want for Christmas. It was all about friendly surprises.”
“The spies were to protect the Mouse.”
My jaw twitched. “Only I do that.”
Maxwell sighed. “This boat ride is long as fuck. I almost wish a sea monster would burst out of the waters. I don't even know if we all are going to make it to the Don without killing each other first.”
Jean-Pierre spoke. “Kazimir, we will be friends one day.”
“And how will you manage that, pansy?”
“I plan to give you all your enemies' heads on silver platters.”
“I prefer the finest porcelain rimmed in gold.”
“Noted.”
“Yo. Let's lighten the conversation up.” Maxwell looked at King David. “So, you got your tradition back right? A little oral sex before fighting?”
David nodded. “Baba said it could return.”
“So, what chick did you get to suck your dick before this?” Chuckling, Maxwell nudged Jean-Pierre. “David has a tradition where he has to cum before battling. I'm thinking about stealing that from him.”
“Well. . .” David cleared his throat. “I actually cut the tradition off. No more blow jobs before battle.”
“What? Why the fuck would you do that, man?”
“I did it for a special woman. I wanted her to know how serious I was about courting her.”
Suddenly, Giorgio leaned forward in his seat and targeted David with a furious gaze.
“Oh, yeah.” Maxwell looked at David, then Giorgio, and released an exasperated breath. “Fuck it. Enough with the chit chat. Maybe, we should just go over the plan again.”
David pointed ahead of us. “We hit the cliffs. There are two of the Don's security guards at the bottom with guns. There are six more men spread along the cliffs. They are not used to anyone bothering them, so I expect them to be lazy.”
“Makes sense.” Maxwell bobbed his head. “Most wouldn't come by boat to get it popping on the Don.”
“Exactly.” David lowered his hand. “When we arrive, we need to peacefully get on the shore, get to the men, and then kill them without shooting.”
“I get it.” Maxwell turned his view back on the pole. “If there's no noise, then there isn't a signal for the Don's people inside.”
“Correct. We don't want them to rush the Don away and we need to catch his security crew by surprise.”
I spoke, “How many men are guarding him?”
“It's war mode. Misha told me around forty guards are throughout the house.”
You're scared that I'm coming. Aren't you?
David continued, “Make sure you carry your fishing poles onto the shore.”