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“ H ow many people can we spare?” I ask Joel.

“Not enough,” he replies. “I’ve already increased security around the most likely targets, and set up advanced scouts that will hopefully give enough notice for people to get the hell out of dodge. Orders that already have buyers is being moved as we speak, and our high-valued inventory is also being moved.”

“I don’t like it. Too much movement can draw attention to us, but we also can’t make ourselves easy targets.”

“I agree.” He hesitates a moment before saying, “You don’t actually think we’re at risk, do you? They’d be stupid to try something like that with us after they already hit the Martellis.”

Instead of answering, I turn to Jude, since this is the perfect teaching moment. “Thoughts? You’re a numbers person, what are our odds?”

He doesn’t roll his eyes at my words, but I can feel his disdain for them all the same. Despite his best efforts, he still can’t hide from me—it’s endearing.

“Not good. Joel’s right in that they won’t hit us the same way, since we’ll be more on guard, but…now is the perfect time to strike. We’re distracted because we’re securing our stash houses, and moving a lot of product at once. If I were them, I’d go after another part of the business.”

And he doesn’t understand why Roman chose him as a Second. His intelligence is part of the reason he’s perfect for the job, along with the knowledge he gained growing up in the household of one of De Luca’s main product distributors; the insights he has will be invaluable to Roman in the long run.

“You’re right. Any ideas of what their next move might be?”

Before he can reply, my phone rings. Pulling it out, I see Hollis’s name on the screen and I meet Jude’s eyes as I answer. “Guess we're about to find out the answer to our question,” I sign. To Hollis, I ask, “How much damage is there?”

His tone is dry. “Enough to keep our lawyers happy.”

Fuck . “Who got picked up?”

“Giulio Ricci and three of his dealers.”

“Fucking hell,” I spit.

Joel and Jude watch me with open curiosity.

“That was pretty much Roman’s reaction, too. He’s already called Sinclair to deal with it. Carter’s getting in touch with everyone else now—Roman wants to delay this week’s distribution and re-supply.”

“Good idea. We’ve already moved all the drugs around. I’ll let my guys know to be on alert. Make sure Carter expresses the need to lie low, otherwise they’ll become training tools for Jude and Benjamin. Speaking of the Martellis, have you or Roman spoken to them?”

Hollis huffs a laugh. “Roman has, yes. Emilio is sending Benjamin your way, and is also bringing you a present.”

I grin. “I do love presents. Hopefully, it isn’t one of those easy to take apart ones. I’ve been quite bored recently. I’m glad to hear they’re taking my offer seriously, especially since Benjamin so foolishly decided to challenge me. I do hope they’ve prepared him for what’s to come, though.” Or not… Breaking people is always my favorite activity.

“I’ll send Joel to help coordinate with Sinclair and see who picked up Ricci and his people. The only good thing about this is that we'll have more test dummies for my new trainees.”

Hollis chuckles. “That’s one way to put it. We have two sales coming this week, but Roman wants to delay them as well. Petrov won’t argue, he’ll want to keep his people out of our shit. But the gang won't wait.”

“Fuck, I know. Let me and Carter handle that—have him call me once he’s done with the dealers.”

“I’m not your secretary. I have my own job. It just happened to overlap with yours, and Roman asked if I could pass his message about the present along. Roman is going to contact Petrov about his order, and I'll see if I can't get the gang to at least wait a few extra days.”

I doubt he'll be successful, but it'll be appreciated. Unfortunately, while we hold the majority market—outside of the Martellis—for the best weapons, thanks to our deal with the Brazilians, the people we sell to aren't too forgiving or understanding when shit that's out of our control pops up. Especially those we sell to who aren't in the immediate vicinity of said shit.

“Thanks, Hol.”

“Uh-huh. I'll call with updates.” He hangs up and I grip my phone hard enough that the case digs into my palm.

Looking to Joel, I tell him, “I need you to get in touch with Sinclair. See if he needs anything from you, then grab whoever we can spare and go hunting for cops who don't know their fucking place.”

“Another raid?”

I shake my head, then turn to Jude as I say, “You know how our dealers and drug runners are structured.” It wasn't a question, but he nods anyway, and I continue. “One of our top people—Giulio Ricci—got picked up with a few of his dealers. I'd have preferred a raid because those charges would have been easier to skirt. Possession with the intent to distribute will make this ugly.

“Anyone else, we’d be okay to let them cool their heels for a bit. But Ricci holds our largest territory; it's the equivalent to two of what other dealers hold. Which means he has more runners and people under him. More clients means more drugs in his possession as well.”

“Fuck,” Jude says. “Re-supply from us isn't for a few more days, but his reserves would be for those who have greater demand in-between the official distribution night.”

I nod in agreement. “And with the uptick in demand, I'm not surprised his guys needed a top-up. His territory is large, and has the steadiest climb in new clients compared to others.

“The fallout if Ricci isn't in place when those clients need their next fix won't be contained to just his territory. If we can't get our product to our people, and then to the clients, we'll lose all credibility.” Which is what our enemy wants.

“Not to mention the power vacuum left behind in Ricci’s territory. It being as large as it is will be coveted by others. We can't just pluck some rando into his place, but also can't risk a civil war as someone tries to take what isn't theirs.”

“Correct.” I give Jude a quick smile. “Not just a pretty face, Agnellino.” That earns me an unimpressed look, but I just grin… Something akin to pride? is coursing through me at how well Jude is stepping up so far, though the real tests have yet to begin.

“I’m off,” Joel says, dragging my attention away from my Little Lamb. “I just got the names of the arresting officers, and have tasked Leandro with finding out who the “anonymous tipper” was.”

I snort. “Really? That’s the justification they're going with? Some ‘Good Samaritan’ calling about shady dealings?”

Joel shrugs and gestures to his phone. “That's all Sinclair has so far, at least.”

Sighing, I wave him off. “Go, have fun. Just save a few for me.”

“Yes, sir,” Joel says around a twisted smile.

The bodyguard leaves and I turn to Jude. “This doesn’t get you out of training.”

“Shouldn’t it? Shit is going down, I don’t have time to entertain your fuckery if I'm going to support Roman.”

Moving quickly, I step in closer to Jude, pressing a knife against his side as I squeeze his arm and pull him into me. “You can’t support Roman if you're dead. My job is to not only prepare you for your new role, but to make sure you keep breathing.

“Right now, we’ve done our part, we have the correct people for each task in place. You and Benjamin had your first trial by fire experience. Now, it’s time to test you.”

He doesn't show fear. Instead, the fucker huffs, and the corner of his mouth quirks up. “Still think the Martellis will let you play with him? After everything both Families are dealing with?”

“Oh, they will. If he knows what’s good for him, Benjamin won’t go back on his word.” No, the fierce loyalty the younger man has for Emilio will guide him straight to me, because we all know I'm his best shot at becoming what he needs to be.