Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 66480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
“This elevator is for private use… Rocky?”
“George.”
“What’s this?” He fingered my T-shirt. “Mr. Luca won’t be pleased.”
“Mr. Luca might not be pleased but I’m not particularly keen on pleasing the bastard just now.”
The older man winced. “You’re looking for trouble, aren’t you.”
I gave him a crisp nod. “I am.”
George raised his hands and stepped back. “Want me to let him know you’re coming, or have a memory lapse and have to look up his number?”
I stabbed the button to call the elevator. “Don’t give a fuck.” The door slid open and I stepped inside.
“Good luck.” George gave me a two finger salute as the door closed.
The elevator climbed as it ascended to the top non-stop. Each floor took me further from the grimy world of the Copperheads and closer to the pristine domain of the Luca Family. The slim dossier tucked under my arm contained everything needed to take down the Copperheads' trafficking operation. But first, I had to face Vittorio Luca.
The elevator doors slid open with another chime that announced my arrival to an empty reception area. A woman with immaculately styled dark hair glanced up from behind a curved desk of polished wood and glass.
"Mr. Russo," she said, recognition flashing in her eyes even as she looked me up and down, her lips pursing in disapproval. "Mr. Luca said to tell you you’d be dealing with him instead of his brother. Dario be with you momentarily. Please, follow me."
“Dario.” Fuuuuck. Someone pulled rank. I didn't know if Tori had ratted me out, or if Tori had decided to contact Bloody Jack and Jack had told Ghost, and Ghost had called for my head on a platter. There were many ways I could die in the next few minutes.
I nodded, clenching my jaw tightly. How many times had I reported to Tori or his brothers over the years? Dozens. But this felt different. Personal failure always tasted bitter, but this time the flavor lingered on my tongue like ash. So did the fact I’d used her on Tori’s instructions. I just took it too far, no matter how inadvertent. I had information she didn’t. Namely that I was using her club as an escape route because Vittorio knew her empathy and loyalty wouldn’t let her leave me in danger and Ghost would never deny her something like that.
Vittorio’s assistant led me through double doors into a conference room that screamed money. Though this floor was Tori’s, Dario often came by for meetings. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city below, buildings reduced to tiny models from this height. Heavy burgundy drapes framed the glass, pulled back with gold cords. A massive mahogany table dominated the center, polished to such a shine I could see my reflection distorted in its surface.
"Can I bring you anything while you wait?" she asked.
"No. Thank you." My voice sounded rougher than usual.
She nodded once and disappeared, closing the doors behind her with barely a sound. Alone, I pulled out one of the leather chairs and sprawled, tossing the folder I’d brought with me onto the table. The chair creaked beneath me, adjusting to my weight.
I drummed my fingers against the folder. Inside lay months of careful work, names and locations meticulously documented, all the evidence Vittorio needed to bring down the Copperheads' trafficking operation, including the upcoming meeting. I should have felt proud. Instead, my mind kept circling back to Wren. The hurt in her eyes when she overheard that call, the disgust in her voice, had gutted me. The way she looked at me like I existed on the same level as the men I sought to destroy. Given the betrayal she obviously felt, maybe I wasn’t much better. Since when did innocent women become our collateral damage?
The sound of the door opening snapped me back to attention. I swiveled in my chair as Dario Luca entered the room.
If I looked out of place here, Dario looked born to it. His tailored suit fit him like armor, dark charcoal with subtle pinstripes that caught the light as he moved. A pale blue tie provided the only splash of color, knotted perfectly at his throat. His cuff links flashed in the light, the diamonds at his wrist worth a small fortune.
"Rocky," he said, his voice smooth and controlled. "Good to see you in one piece." If my attire offended him he didn’t let on. I was as wealthy as he was. I just didn’t show it. Vittorio had always paid me well because he believed in taking care of his family and all the Lucas considered me family. Dario took the seat next to me.
"I appreciate the meeting," I said. "Everything moved faster than anticipated."
Dario leaned back slightly, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. "Tell me what you found."
I opened the dossier and pushed it toward him. Explaining the details of the latest phone call and the resulting meeting.