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“We’re moving most of the animals off the island,” said Sniff, standing with Lucy in the conference room. “We’re going to leave Alvin, Semu, the lions and tigers, a few of the bison. If we take too many off, it will look odd.”

“So help me, if they shoot those animals, I’m going to rip their throats out,” said Miller.

“I need everyone to be in stealth cover throughout the island. Comms added some cameras to ensure that we have views of every possible angle for the island. We’ve even added cameras on the road to the bridge and in the parking lot. However, he thinks he’s going to get the Samaan family on that island. We’re going to see it.”

Sly walked into the auditorium, staring at the faces of the entire team. The seniors had asked for the VG crew to sit in so they would know what was happening on the property and be prepared to help if needed.

“Nine? We might have an issue.”

“Shit, what now?”

“I’ve been keeping tabs on weapon sales, anything that could be used as a bomb or incendiary device, that sort of thing. Three rocket launchers were purchased yesterday via a black-market dealer. The purchase was made just outside of Houston, which is a little too close if you ask me.”

“Fuck,” muttered Gaspar. “If they have a rocket launcher, they could get close enough to do some serious damage to the main property.”

“Another thing. Francis D’Agostino is on the line for you.”

The men all stared at one another, wondering what the mafia boss would want with them. Since Ghost was the most familiar with him, he took the call.

“Francis, long time no see,” smirked Ghost, staring at the screen. The background was blacked out, not showing the others in the room.

“I’d like to keep it that way, you big ugly asshole,” said the man.

“Now, that’s not nice. I left you alone,” said Ghost.

“Yes. You did indeed, and you kept your word. For that, I owe you, and this is my payment. I understand you’re hunting down Cassius Hugo.”

“That’s not his real name, but yes, we are.”

“That figures,” frowned the old man. “He accepted more than six million dollars from me as an investor in his new distillery, which I now understand was an illegal group of stills that you have destroyed.”

“I did have some help,” smirked Ghost.

“Still a smart ass. Anyway, I want my six million back, so if you could figure out where my money is before you kill him, I’d appreciate it.”

“You’re assuming we’ll find him and kill him,” said Ghost. D’Agostino laughed so hard they thought he might have a heart attack.

“We both know that you’ll find the piece of shit. I have to say, this one is a bit personal for me. I’m usually good at reading people, and I never let a man fool me. He was fucking good at that. Always would show up with, uh, shall we say, free entertainment for us at our meetings. Brought his new liquor with him, and the boys enjoyed it.”

“None of them got sick?” asked Ghost.

“I didn’t say that. I had two boys that had to take off an entire week, but they’re better now.”

“You’re lucky,” said Ghost. “We’ve had people dying from it. But back to why you called, if we can get your money for you, we will, but it’s doubtful he has any left.”

“I sort of figured there was nothing left,” said the older man. “Here’s where I pay you back that favor. The Samaan family is in country looking for a few of you boys. Now, normally, I wouldn’t give two shits about four or five men coming after you and your team. You’d figure that out. But rumor has it that they’ve got a dozen men on the ground who will be helping them. That changes the odds significantly.”

“It does,” frowned Ghost, nodding at the others in the room. “But it’s nothing we can’t manage. I do appreciate the heads up, D’Agostino. Consider your debt paid.” Sly handed a note to Ghost, who started to chuckle.

“Everything okay?” asked the other man.

“Well, you can thank my tech nerds later, but we just deposited your six million into your accounts.”

“Y-you what? How the fuck do you know what accounts are mine? Where did you get that damn money?” he asked.

“I don’t think you want to know how we know which accounts are yours, and it doesn’t matter where we found the money, but it came from Hugo’s accounts. It was under another alias sitting offshore. You’ve been paid.”

“This is why I leave you the fuck alone,” he smiled. “You know, one day, I’d love to just sit down with a glass of wine and talk to all of you. No guns, no fights, nothing illegal. Just talk.”

“You know what, Francis? Maybe we’ll do just that. I think the world needs a bit more of that right now.” The line went dead, and Ghost looked at the room, eyebrows raised in humor.

“Are the accounts drained?” asked Nine, looking at Sly and Code.

“We left a little. Thirteen cents,” smirked Code. Nine smiled, nodding.

“Good. That problem is solved. Roughly sixteen or so men, with at least a few grenade launchers, and they’re coming for all of us. Time to get prepared. Move all the kids out to the Sugar Lodge. Everyone on high alert. Close the café, salon, all of the businesses at the front of the property.”

“Done,” nodded Luke. “we’ll take care of all that. You guys take care of the Samaans. If you need us, we’ll be on comms, listening.”

“Then let’s do this.”