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That was rather surprising, but Kage wasn’t someone to go broadcasting his personal affairs, so it fit with his M.O.

Still, it was slightly unnerving that he didn’t know about the young lady beforehand…

Maybe if need be, she could be utilized, too?

However, the fact remained that the bigger issue and prize was still on the table.

He reminded her that she could walk away a multi-millionaire—that simmered her down.

Grandpa smiled as he replayed what Lorna said he’d done in response to that letter—curse, and slam the door in her face.

He then re-read his text message to Kage the previous day that the man had never responded to:

Kage, this is your final chance. Your property will be confiscated by any means necessary if you don’t comply with the contract. I expect to hear back from you regarding this matter within a reasonable timeframe.

He took a deep breath and played the voicemail, which was rather vague, then returned Francesco Sivero’s call.

“Hello, Cyrus.”

“Francesco, I saw that you called. I’m just returnin’ your call, per your request.”

“Yes, thank you for that.” The man’s tone was quite pleasant, much to his surprise. “How are you today?”

“Oh, just takin’ care of some errands and whatnot. How about yourself?”

“Well, I’ve had better days. I’m sure you heard.”

“…Yeah. Seems there was a problem with a recent visit.”

“A problem that has yet to be solved, as the culprit is still runnin’ around scot-fuckin’-free.

That aside, I did think about all that transpired prior to all of this, and uh, yeah, you were right.

I should have listened to you, Cyrus. It’s not your fault that my nephew was killed by your grandson.

It’s not like you held up the gun and told him to shoot, and it’s definitely not your fault that ten more of my men are dead, and one critically injured on account of him right now, either.

I was angry—so I agreed to them goin’ to his house to take care of him.

It wasn’t my planning or idea, but something went terribly wrong.

Seems Kage has a few loose screws, and we’ve bitten off a little more than we could chew.

I guess, in a strange sort of way, he’s a little impressive…

that grandson of yours.” He chuckled, but the sound was tinged with sorrow.

“Yeah, Kage is a slippery one. No worries though, I have a way to get him in line. In fact, it’s already in motion.”

“Actually, that’s why I want to talk with you.

I was brainstorming on how to handle this situation.

I don’t want to let thirty years of friendship go down the drain because of your piece of shit grandson.

I mean, in the grand scheme of things, he was defendin’ himself, ya know?

” The man sighed. “I can’t blame him for that, but the way he did the shit is where I take issue, and that has to be handled.

Maybe he can owe me… the way we owed you?

Maybe we can work together? Join forces? ”

“Well, I appreciate the offer, Francesco, but I think I’ve got him over a barrel. I can go it alone.”

“Oh, I see… Well, what can I get out of the deal as compensation for my pain and suffering?” He followed the request with a husky laugh, and then a blow of air, as if he were smoking a cigarette.

“Just about anything you want, except for his physical harm or death. I need him workin’ for me, and in tip, top shape, and he needs to be alive to do it,” he chuckled.

“I tell you what though, friend, once he’s under my command, I can have him do many jobs for you, and he will continue to moonlight for you, until we agree that he’s even, his debt paid in full. We can work out the details.”

“I like the sound of that! A true negotiator you are, Cyrus. If you have some time today, please stop by because I actually do have some work I wouldn’t mind him joining in on, as well as a lucrative opportunity for you .

Kage will pay off the debt of killing my nephew, and you can benefit with a finder’s fee, so to speak.

But I know we have some kinks in the deal to work out first. More importantly, I know of a shipment coming into town, with our names written on it.

Liquor. High quality liquor. The security is lukewarm.

Our guys together can seize it and split it fifty-fifty.

You bring the muscle and lay of the land. I bring the strategy. What do ya say?”

“Sounds promising. I’d like to hear more.”

“Sure thing, swing on by. Let’s bury the hatchet and hatch a new plan!” The man laughed gregariously.

“I can do that.” Well, well, well… the tide has turned. “Are you at home? Still on Cluny Court?”

“Yes, I am. You’ll be let in as soon as you pull up to the gate.”

“Fantastic. See you soon.”

He placed his phone back in his pocket, made his way outside the office building, then lit his own cigar.

Today is turnin’ out better after all! He shook his head as his thoughts drifted, just like the smoke from his cigar.

Before he took off, he looked back at the office building.

A wave of dread washed over him, and Tina came back to the forefront, dampening his chipper mood.

I was interviewed by The Youth Ministry of St. Claire Chapel, in Augusta, Georgia recently.

One young man, ’bout sixteen years of age, looked at me and said, “Mr. Wilde, you’re a successful businessman with many companies.

What’s your biggest advice for young fellas comin’ up?

” I thought to myself, ‘Never fuckin’ fall in love, son.

’ I wanted to say it… but I didn’t. It would’ve been the truth. Then I could have avoided this misery.

He began walking to his car, one of many in his fleet. Today, he’d chosen his cranberry red Infiniti QX55 Luke. He opened the door, slipped inside, and started the engine. Still clutching his cigar, he cracked the window and let the bluesy tunes of Albert King’s, ‘Crosscut Saw’ lead the way…

Electric Light Orchestra’s, ‘Evil Woman’ played on low volume while Poet looked over the paperwork in her office. Her half eaten peanut butter and apple jam sandwich sat in its wrapping paper, forgotten, turning stiff, for she was too focused on the matter at hand. Picking up the phone, she dialed.

“Good afternoon, this is Dave of the BC Preservation of Houston Wildlife. How can I help you?”

“Hi, Mr. Lanore. This is Poet Constantine returning your call.”

“Ahhh, yes. Did you get the email which included a copy of the contract?”

“I most certainty did. I also looked over the attached files you provided me.” She smiled as she grasped the printed copy in her hand. “After this is signed in front of a notary, when is this agreement effective?”

“The certification? Oh, that’s effective as soon as it’s entered into our records, and let’s see, if you turn it in soon, it’ll be about two days max from now.”

“That’s great timing, but would it be possible to get that expedited to within a twenty-four hour window?”

“Hmmm, that’s a pretty tall order, but not impossible. The next step would be scheduling the surveyors to come by to confirm your report, but if everything looks on the up and up, we can proceed. Let’s see here… well, we do have a slot for tomorrow mornin’ ’round nine, but—”

“We’ll take it. I promise to have this taken care of today and sent back to you before five.”

“Okay, great. Now, everything has to be paid in full and all duties up to date before it can be confirmed. The only thing that concerns me is that I did see an overdue tax bill. You stated that it was an error, but that needs to be substantiated. I just need the verification correspondence from both parties.”

“Yes, that was a mistake on the city’s part, not the owners.

A misunderstanding, I suppose you could say.

The proof is available, and I will forward that over to you right away.

His accountant is fully aware of the situation, and it has been handled.

In any case, thank you for advancing this on such short notice. I greatly appreciate it.”

“Oh, we are thankful, and appreciate you, too. Please tell Melba we also appreciate her part in this, and let her know I said hello.”

“I certainly will. You have a great day.” Grinning wide, she ended the call and sat back in her seat, twirling her pen around as she propped her feet on her desk and crossed her ankles. Satisfied as fuck.

With his permission, I’ll be forging his signature and getting this taken care of ASAP. The last thing we are is a sitting duck. This reminds me of a poem my mama wrote in one of her journals that I got to read:

Where there is a will, there is a place to kneel and pray.

Satan tried to disturb the peace, but then the river flowed,

and washed the evil away.

The ripples in that water said, ‘Satan, you can’t have your way.

Not last week, not tomorrow, and damn sure not today…’

Francesco’s home was located in an affluent part of town.

He prided himself on having the best of everything: cars, furnishings, mistresses.

But still, family remained the most important thing.

Toto Cotugno’s, ‘ L’italiano ’ was playing as he motioned for Javier to open his office door and let Cyrus ‘The Wilde Bull’ inside.

They immediately shook hands and hugged lightly. Cyrus sat down before him, humbly grasping his beautiful cowboy hat. Cyrus liked flashy jewelry and clothing—something they had in common, though at times, Cyrus leaned a bit more towards the flamboyant side of the aisle.

“Cyrus,” he lit a long cigar, then offered the old timer one, “are you sure we’re not related?” Francesco joked. “I swear I have some of the same clothes you do, fine sir.”

Cyrus chuckled and leaned forward, allowing Francesco to light his cigar for him.