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The mafia lifestyleand violence go together like spaghetti and meatballs. That’s the way it’s been my entire life. Dad and Uncle Tony were always violence first and talking second.
It’s always worked for us, but Alexandra’s idea of talking first seemed productive. Justin didn’t want to talk to me. He only talked to her. She is less intimidating, so I didn’t take offense.
Justin Miller has a wife and two kids who are being held hostage. He’s being blackmailed by Giuseppe Rossi to work for him and gather information about rival businesses and even us.
He got on Giuseppe’s bad side and is repaying his debt by working as an informant. At least he was until we scooped him up.
He was supposed to give Rossi a report this morning about the information he dug up on the Reapers. From his findings, the members of the Reapers all work for the city. They wear all black clothing and contacts to conceal their true identities.
Their meetup spot is an underground bar. I’ll need to do some surveillance and scope the place out before barging in on some half assed plan. I’ll have to get a team together to come with me on a night that we don’t have a game.
I stare at the folder Francesca dropped off last night containing the details of the Savannah Sharks community event. Grabbing my phone, I call Alvin to see.
He answers on the first ring. “Mr. Marino, is everything alright?”
“I was just looking at Francesca’s plan for the community event and wanted to get your professional opinion.”
Alvin sighs. “I would strongly recommend the team not take part in any community event right now. The threat from Giuseppe Rossi was real, and there’s no telling when his revenge is coming.”
“Unfortunately, we have to participate in the community event because Francesca already leaked it to the press.”
“Why would she leak it when it hasn’t been approved yet?”
“She wanted to make the team look good despite everything going on. Those are her words, not mine. The event is supposed to take place this weekend.”
Alvin scoffs. “Piss poor timing. That’s not a lot of time to pull off an event of this caliber.”
“I couldn’t have said it any better, myself. I’m not worried about the event. Francesca is an excellent planner and negotiator, but my concern is the security.”
“I’ll be there and only vetted security officers will be there as well.”
“Alexandra was able to get our prisoner to open up yesterday. He’s been digging into the Reapers’ true identities. I don’t know how, but he thinks they all work for the city.”
“Hmm, that seems a little far-fetched. Is he confident?”
“We snatched him before he could find out for sure, but he did find their base. I’m going to get a team together to do surveillance and then, when the time is right, we will strike.”
“I’ll help anyway I can, but you should do your due diligence and make sure it’s the correct place. I just wonder how he was able to get answers and not one of our informants could.”
“I appreciate your help and will double check everything. If his research is true, then our trusted circle just got a lot smaller. If the Reapers were able to get to our informants, then we need to clean house.”
“I agree. I’ll ask some of my people if they’ve heard anything.”
“Thanks.” I end the call and throw the folder back on the table.
Glancing at my watch, I hop up and head upstairs to get ready for the club opening. It feels stupid getting dressed up to attend the opening of a strip club that deals drugs, but it will be good publicity for the family.
It will also send a message to Giuseppe Rossi that we aren’t afraid of him or his threat of coming for blood.
I head into my large closet and grab the suit still hanging in the dry cleaner’s bag. It’s my favorite fitted custom made suit from a top designer in New York.
The jacket is black with a hand sewn floral design that came from Italy with satin lapels and a red satin pocket square. The vest is plain red satin to match the square, and the tie is black with a hand sewn red floral design to match the jacket.
Laying the suit on the mattress, I grab a fitted white button up from the closet before laying out the rest of my attire.
I want to look good for the press and the opening, but mostly, I want to look good for Alexandra.
When I am dressed, I give myself a once over in the mirror. I button the single satin button of my jacket and make my way downstairs.