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Perhaps that’s why Morales had been hit. Over the years he’d forgotten the golden rule.

Violence solved all evils.

“I can’t take credit for it. Killing him could have started a war.”

He waved his hand as if the violence meant nothing. I had no issues killing whoever was necessary in whatever means created the most fear and loyalty, but business came first.

Besides, we had a large shipment of drugs that needed handling with careful gloves.

“Do you not understand what this means?” he asked.

“The Morales Empire is in jeopardy. I’ll add the takeover of their territory to my list of activities.”

His expression hardened. “Don’t fuck with me, Jago. There is no decent heir.”

I thought about what he was suggesting. I knew little about the man’s family and quite frankly, I didn’t think learning anything about them was important. “No son?”

“The boy is underage and no one will take him seriously. That’s not the issue. Next in line is his daughter, Genevieve. From what I understand, she’s already promised revenge.”

I laughed, which turned into a slight choke. In our world, women were never allowed to be in control of operations. Was it a Neanderthal way of thinking? To some, perhaps, but wives and female children were cherished, even if there were some women considered toys and nothing else.

Did I think a female leader could be as cunning as a man? Absolutely. Did I think she would have the stomach for the violence and bloodshed needed? Not by a long shot.

“Good for her. I’m certain the men in her father’s employ are overjoyed at her intentions.” She would be considered weak by those closest to her father. That meant she’d have no loyalty or respect and could easily be picked off by any enemies, including from within.

“From what little I’ve learned about her, she’s a force to be reckoned with, but I think we both know she’ll never succeed.”

“Yes, I guess we do. What are you asking of me?”

He rubbed his finger across his bottom lip. “Julio had his hands in several businesses and they would be good for us to acquire.”

“What are you suggesting? That I have her killed?”

“She could be reasonable as she already left the country and her father’s empire once.”

“Meaning?”

“She was schooled in America. She is an attorney. Rumor has it she was tasked to take over as the familyabogada.”

“Their corporate attorney. I’m surprised.” Very much so. To place her in such a powerful position was highly irregular.

“Yes, so are her father’s men, I suspect. However, it could mean she’s reasonable. Why not try and buy her out? We have the money. Her brother and sister can live and you can offer her the home she grew up in as a bargaining chip.”

“You mean instead of burning it to the ground.”

He grinned. “You are very much like me. Exactly. It’s worth a try.”

“Yes, I suppose it is. One discussion won’t interfere.”

“If she refuses?” He tipped his head.

I took another swig of the whiskey then swirled the liquid. “Then the answer is simple. I’ll take everything she owns and put a bullet in her head.”

My father laughed.

Yes, our business and our methods were ruthless.

But absolutely necessary.