to prepare the contract, was necessary. And I wanted to meet Scarlett in her home for the first time. Not at some fancy party that had nothing to do with me.
Picking up the phone, I dial Alex’s number. Two rings later, I hear his voice. “Do you have news for me?” The eagerness in his tone is the only giveaway that he’s been waiting on me. It’s only been a few days since he called, but Kahn and the team moved quickly.
“They walked into the convent, found a basement of fifteen girls, all new to the church. My men are looking into a chain of convents they’d been moved through posing as real churches. The nuns have young women join, all the while training them for more sinister futures. I have a few names. One, in particular, stands out.”
“Lorenzo?” Alex asks, naming the person in question, no surprise in his tone. He knew we’d find it. He knew I would send Kahn to do this job, and that’s why he called me.
“You realize this is going to blow up before the month is at its end?” I lean back in my chair, ignoring the paperwork I need to get through before dinner tonight. I have a couple of hours, but I’m intrigued to know why Alex really allowed me to take the lead with this.
“That’s the idea. Once the Cartel knows we’re onto them, we’ll have started a blood war. Something I’m looking forward to because I want that man’s life in my hands, and when I finally get it, I’ll ensure to snuff it out.”
And there it is, the underlying promise. There’s nothing I’ve ever done for the mafia that didn’t come with another hidden agenda, and this time it’s no different. I should feel used, but I enjoy when justice is found.
“My man taking the lead on this won’t stop until he’s found Lorenzo,” I tell Alex. “If he does…”
“I know. It’s not Lorenzo I want. Tell your team they have permission to take what they need, a pound of flesh, or more, but I want the leader.”
Chuckling, I shake my head at his passion. Once, long ago, that was me. When they took my father’s life, and my brother sided with them instead of his blood. That’s why Darius and I no longer see eye to eye. He believed their lies about our father, and I, being the eldest son, took on the responsibility left to me. “You’ll get him. My men won’t step on any toes. I can assure you of that, Carnevali.”
“Good. I’m flying home tonight. I may have to visit Heaven for an evening of decadent play before I get back to LA.” I can hear the smile in his voice. The temptation of spending a few hours in my club’s exclusive back rooms has become a staple to most Made Men in this city.
“I’m not in New York for another few days, but when you’re at JFK, let me know. I’ll have one of my cars collect you and bring you straight to the club. You can have a quiet evening, or you can choose any one of the women who are regulars.”
“Only one?” He laughs, and I realize he’s always been one to partake in a ménage scene, or even three women, with him enjoying the spoils.
“Well, you know you’re welcome to anything in any one of my clubs.” Pushing to my feet, I grab my jacket, realizing the time. “I have to head out. Important meeting tonight, and I can’t be late.”
“Of course. See you soon,” Alex tells me before hanging up, leaving me to my thoughts of this evening’s festivities. Pocketing my cell phone, I grab my keys and wallet before leaving the office, locking the door behind me. When I reach the club floor, I find Sawyer, one of the men working with Kahn.
The tall, ex-marine has been with me for almost five years, learning the ins and outs of the underground export business the Shaw name runs. When I took over from my father, I knew I needed men I could trust.
“Mr. Shaw,” he greets when I near him as he settles himself on a stool at the bar. The club isn’t busy, a handful of clients have made themselves comfortable in the booths, and the sleek, silver bar, which curves like a horseshoe, is empty but for Sawyer.
“I’m heading back to Crimson Falls,” I tell him. “Can you stay to close up?”
He nods. “Of course.” There’s a