Page 81 of Single Mom's Mafia Daddies
Alessio took the phone and frowned at the screen. “What the fuck happened?”
“We don’t know, sir.” Bruce maintained his military precision with a stiff spine. “Both bodies are missing.”
“Check all the cameras. One of their men must have retrieved them.” He shoved the phone toward Renzo. “Or we have another rat in our midst who thought taking Luca’s and Vincenzo’s bodies back to the Verducci compound would cause us trouble.”
“Either way, it means our rivals are not entirely defeated.” Renzo handed the phone back to Bruce. “Find them.”
41
LILA
Two Weeks Later
“Still no sign of them.” Renzo lounged in the chair across from Alessio. Matteo sat at his left, while I’d made my place in the window seat that overlooked the pool.
Alessio’s office had a few more feminine touches to it since I’d officially joined the cartel. So far, his men respected me. I’d gained their trust during the Verducci battle when I helped them from the control room, and they’d been quick to accept me.
Alessio steepled his fingers and propped his chin on his fingertips. “Rumors still spreading?”
“Like wildfire,” Matteo answered with a grimace. “I’ve spoken to my brother, who reports that the Russo syndicate is withdrawing their support of the Verduccis.Ifthey reappear, their syndicate is fractured and most likely will not regain power.”
“We’re going to make sure of that.” Alessio sounded certain, and I knew why. “Lila has drawn up a plan for the Verducci’s businesses. With her expertise in the area, we’re going to turn the businesses over to her for management. With the Verduccis fractured, our goals are to strengthen alliances.” He pointed atRenzo. “Continue your attempts to reconnect with your family, even if it’s a minimal shift, we need to continue to pull resources our way.”
“They’ll see the light.” Matteo’s grin flashed. “I’ll make sure of it. My brother is set to inherit the syndicate. He’s young enough to want to make a good impression, especially with the man who single-handedly took down the Verducci clan.”
Alessio harrumphed. “That’s not true, and everyone knows it.”
“Yes, but it’s a better story, and it fits our needs.” Matteo relaxed in his chair with a snarky grin. “So I’m helping the rumor.”
Renzo picked at the edge of the new patch on his sleeve that marked him as Alessio’s second-in-command. “This is ridiculous.”
A short laugh burst from Alessio. “You’re not required to wear it except when we have meetings with other syndicates. I know how you are about your uniform.”
Matteo cuffed Renzo’s arm off the chair. “Get over it. You’re a hot shot now.”
Renzo rolled his eyes in a dramatic display that made Matteo laugh harder. “My military precision is not something that earns badges or accolades.”
“It should be.” I sipped my morning tea and enjoyed the lack of nausea that came with the glint of sunshine over the yard. The pool sparkled below me, and Leo’s excited chatter reached us all the way from the suite of rooms across from us. I’d had the space converted into a playroom for Leo so he could be close by while I handled business with Alessio.
I’d been hesitant at first to fully accept my role as the queen of Alessio’s empire. Fame and fortune were one thing, something that had been within my grasp my entire life. But this changed things. I had fortune enough for several lifetimes, andthe fame lingered more on the side of infamous than I originally wanted.
My own business still needed time before it could reopen. The insurance company for my boutique was dragging its feet, but my heart wasn’t in badgering them. I loved the fashion, but applying my knowledge to many businesses was a new challenge I couldn’t resist.
“What kind of businesses are you bringing in?” Renzo asked.
Matteo wiggled his eyebrows. “Let me guess, brothels and black-market auction houses.”
“You wish.” I took a minute to linger over the fragrant ginger tea and swung my legs around until my feet rested on the floor. “Would you show them, Alessio?”
I’d drawn up the plans a few days ago and discussed them with Alessio last night. “The downtown area is rife with opportunities. It’s one reason why my boutique did so well. We want to create competition without saturating the market.” I ran them through a quick explanation of the businesses I’d selected and why, waiting for the moment when their eyes glazed over and they stopped paying attention.
It never happened. They listened to every word, expressions open and their full attention locked onto every word.
“The layer of protection this adds is significant.” Matteo tapped his finger against the tablet sitting between him and Renzo. “This is amazing.”
Leo ran into the room, holding up two blocks. “Guess what I did.” He climbed into Renzo’s lap and handed him the blue triangle. “I made the whole house with blocks. You want to see?”
“Of course.” Renzo stood with Leo in his arms and poked Matteo in the shoulder. “Matteo has to come with us. He’s not seen your blocks yet, and I bet he’d love to see.”