Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 85089 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 425(@200wpm)___ 340(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85089 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 425(@200wpm)___ 340(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
“I’m finished with the Liberto,” I said as calmly as I could. “Giatno and Manzi are both dead and their hierarchy is a mess right now dealing with the power vacuum and fighting the Ramos Cartel. If any of you want to sweep in and take them, by all means.”
“I just might do that.” Kaspar tilted his head. “But you haven’t answered my question. You’ve been too ambitious, Roman. What the hell do you want?”
I leaned toward him and took a deep breath. “I want revenge,” I said softly.
The men fell silent. Even Old Bern seemed taken aback.
I was tired of lying and games, tired of pretending, and I knew whatever was said in this room would never leave.
And it didn’t matter. The gears were turning, the plan on motion. They couldn’t stop it even if they wanted to.
“Revenge? Are you still after that Irishman?” Kaspar glanced over at Torin. “What’s his name?”
“Oisin,” Torin said. “And I have a hard time seeing how all of this is connected.”
“I don’t care if you see it or not. I want revenge and I plan on getting it. Once Oisin is dead, all of this will be over, and we can return to your precious status quo.”
Kaspar finished his drink. “Revenge I can understand. Go kill away, Roman. You have my blessing. Two months should be sufficient.”
“God, you young fucks.” Old Bern struggled to his feet. “When my son takes over, he’s going to chew you all to pieces.”
“I’m sure he will, Bern,” Torin said, grinning. “I don’t know what you’re so grumpy about. This was a great meeting. Nobody got killed.
“Define great.” Old Bern limped toward the door but paused to pat me gently on the shoulder. “I liked your old man, even if he was a real bastard.” Then he left the room.
Torin stood next. “This was fun and I hope we never do it again. Good luck, Roman. I’ll talk to Darren and see if he can cut you some slack, but don’t worry, I won’t mention Oisin.” He saluted, winked at Roza, and followed Old Bern.
Leaving Kaspar. He circled his glass and the ice clinked against the side. “I still think you’re leaving something out,” he said, speaking quietly, and looked at Cassie. “I think you’re dangling it right in front of us.”
Cassie stiffened by my side.
“Why would you think that?” I asked.
“You’ve never brought a woman to a meeting before.” He glanced at Roza and made a dismissive gesture. “You don’t count.”
“Thanks, I think,” Roza said.
“Cassie is my wife now. If she’s going to share in my life, she’ll share in my business.”
“You’re lying.” Kaspar leaned forward. The bastard was perceptive—too perceptive for his own good. “I did some digging. What’s your last name, Cassie?”
“Ward,” she blurted.
I grimaced and looked away.
“Thought so. Cassie Ward, daughter of Eamon Ward. Interesting little family connection you’ve got here, Roman.”
“Sometimes you should keep your mouth shut, Kaspar.”
He showed his teeth and stood. “Don’t fret. I won’t spill the beans, though your influence over multiple crime families is growing out of control. I have the feeling there are going to be more meetings in our future.” He tossed his glass over his shoulder. It landed in the fireplace and shattered. Cassie jumped in surprise. “I can’t wait.”
Kaspar finally left.
“Showy little fuck,” I said and squeezed Cassie’s leg. “Are you okay/”
“I’m fine. What the hell was that?”
“He’s trying to intimidate you,” Roza said, glaring at the door. “How’d he figure out who Cassie is, anyway? You haven’t exactly been dangling her out a window.”
“I don’t know, but it’s worrying. I’ll deal with Kaspar another time. For now, we got what we came for.” I stood up and put on a brave face.
But inside, I was spinning.
Kaspar knew too much. I wanted to keep Cassie’s connection to Oisin and the MacKenna family a secret, but he worked it out—maybe spoke with Darren, but I couldn’t be sure. Kaspar wasn’t close with anyone, and that made him even more deadly.
“We’ll deal with Kaspar. For now, let’s get back home and plan the wedding.” I squeezed Cassie’s hand. “We’re almost there.”
She leaned against my shoulder as Roza walked ahead.
“Are you sure about all this?” Cassie asked softly. “Those men, this place, I just… what you’re doing is so dangerous, isn’t it? Even if everything goes right, you still might end up fighting for your life.”
“There’s no turning back for me.” I bent down and kissed her cheek. “But if you’re having cold feet—“
“No,” she said, staring into my eyes. “We’re getting married and you’re not getting out of it.”
I chuckled and tugged her along.
33
Erick
Roza, Roman, and Cassie exited the Shadow Club. I radioed down to my team and had the driver go pick them up as I packed my rifle. The other Oligarchs must’ve left already—though how they got out of that place, I didn’t have a clue.