Total pages in book: 159
Estimated words: 149301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 747(@200wpm)___ 597(@250wpm)___ 498(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 149301 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 747(@200wpm)___ 597(@250wpm)___ 498(@300wpm)
His mama had even said he took night classes in between jobs, to get certified and accredited. He got a lawyer so he could start hiring people, reviewing contracts, bids, and writing out checks to pay employees. And then, he had the money for land… At the time, the place was a horrid mess, so he got it cheap, but what he did with it was amazing. Everyone seemed to want it after Kage had poured time, money, and hard work into getting it in tip top shape. To take it away would be like putting the monster in a cage. Institutionalizing him all over again. Putting him in his wretched little place, psychologically destroying him once and for all. This was the silver lining, a bit of good news amongst the bad…
Lorna had in fact showed up at Kage’s doorstep, just as she’d been instructed. The woman called him right afterwards, her voice shaking, stating that Kage had a gun on his hip the entire time, and he kept massaging it as he spoke to her… So, suffice it to say, in her opinion, it didn’t go well, but she still wanted the other half of the money he’d promised her. Despite her concerns, in his view, it had gone perfectly. He sent her the money he owed. After getting it, she called him later on that same day and accused him of lying about Kage’s affection for her. It sounded as if she’d been drinking. Perhaps liquid courage? She mad mention that Kage had a woman, a partner, in his home. Fiancée.
That was rather surprising, but Kage wasn’t someone to go broadcasting his personal affairs, so it fit with his M.O. Still, it was slightly unnerving that he didn’t know about the young lady beforehand… Maybe if need be, she could be utilized, too? However, the fact remained that the bigger issue and prize was still on the table. He reminded her that she could walk away a multi-millionaire—that simmered her down.
Grandpa smiled as he replayed what Lorna said he’d done in response to that letter—curse, and slam the door in her face.
He then re-read his text message to Kage the previous day that the man had never responded to:
Kage, this is your final chance. Your property will be confiscated by any means necessary if you don’t comply with the contract. I expect to hear back from you regarding this matter within a reasonable timeframe.
He took a deep breath and played the voicemail, which was rather vague, then returned Francesco Sivero’s call.
“Hello, Cyrus.”
“Francesco, I saw that you called. I’m just returnin’ your call, per your request.”
“Yes, thank you for that.” The man’s tone was quite pleasant, much to his surprise. “How are you today?”
“Oh, just takin’ care of some errands and whatnot. How about yourself?”
“Well, I’ve had better days. I’m sure you heard.”
“…Yeah. Seems there was a problem with a recent visit.”
“A problem that has yet to be solved, as the culprit is still runnin’ around scot-fuckin’-free. That aside, I did think about all that transpired prior to all of this, and uh, yeah, you were right. I should have listened to you, Cyrus. It’s not your fault that my nephew was killed by your grandson. It’s not like you held up the gun and told him to shoot, and it’s definitely not your fault that ten more of my men are dead, and one critically injured on account of him right now, either. I was angry—so I agreed to them goin’ to his house to take care of him. It wasn’t my planning or idea, but something went terribly wrong. Seems Kage has a few loose screws, and we’ve bitten off a little more than we could chew. I guess, in a strange sort of way, he’s a little impressive… that grandson of yours.” He chuckled, but the sound was tinged with sorrow.
“Yeah, Kage is a slippery one. No worries though, I have a way to get him in line. In fact, it’s already in motion.”
“Actually, that’s why I want to talk with you. I was brainstorming on how to handle this situation. I don’t want to let thirty years of friendship go down the drain because of your piece of shit grandson. I mean, in the grand scheme of things, he was defendin’ himself, ya know?” The man sighed. “I can’t blame him for that, but the way he did the shit is where I take issue, and that has to be handled. Maybe he can owe me… the way we owed you? Maybe we can work together? Join forces?”
“Well, I appreciate the offer, Francesco, but I think I’ve got him over a barrel. I can go it alone.”
“Oh, I see… Well, what can I get out of the deal as compensation for my pain and suffering?” He followed the request with a husky laugh, and then a blow of air, as if he were smoking a cigarette.