was finished with her, she would regret the day she set foot into the café.
“And son, I am very happy you are taking the reins. I’ve waited for you to step up out of respect to your mother’s wishes; however, I was beginning to become concerned.”
“You had no need, Father. I suggest you get used to the concept of retirement.”
“That will make your mother happy.”
He was the one who ended the call, leaving me thinking about the game my father mentioned. I walked toward my computer, pressing the power button as I dialed Dartanian’s number. I’d always been the one to tell my soldiers that our organization was about cunning and intelligence. Fact finding, not just blind revenge.
It was time for me to take my own advice.
“You killed the bastard,” Dartanian stated as he answered the call.
“I did what I had to do, including cutting down an additional four of Calleja’s top soldiers, at least two of the drivers. Now, you have the job of finding out who the remaining Capos are. Hunt them. Target them.” I’d yet to receive any news on the damage the explosions had caused. While I wasn’t in the business of taking innocent lives, I feared there would be casualties.
Another thing to piss me off.
“Four? I heard three.”
As soon as the computer screen appeared, I moved directly to the internet. “Let’s just say the leader of the sex trafficking ring in A Coruna won’t be attending Calleja’s funeral.” I typed in Alviro’s name. Almost immediately several articles popped onto the screen from various news sources.
“Perhaps I underestimated you, brother. You’re under the impression an attack is imminent?”
“Without a doubt and this time, I know it’s going to be very personal,” I hissed under my breath. I’d paid far too little attention to the various activities of the Los Charlines during the last few months. They’d managed to find themselves in the middle of various turf wars reaching as far as the United States. That meant Calleja must have a group of soldiers prepared to attack our vessels before they reached America. Only I doubted their goal was total destruction. They would become modern day pirates.
As my mother had always told me, pictures were worth a thousand words. They’d already taken down several ships from the lesser known mafia organizations, leaving a reign of terror in their wake. The United States. The web of deceit that had been cast was far-reaching.
“Then I’ll find out everything I can,” Dartanian commented.
“And do it soon, brother.” What I realized is that there had to be someone on the inside providing information, at least to the degree of keeping watch on comings and goings. It had been good to play the same game as Calleja, although my red flags continued to be raised. The assassinations had been far too easy. “And one other thing. Make certain the body of Alviro Calleja is identified. I don’t care if you have to cut off his hand in order to check his fingerprints. Just make certain it happens immediately.”
“Wow. You are pissed,” Dartanian chuckled.
“Don’t fuck with me on this. I’m finished with being threatened by anyone for any reason.”
“Fine. Something has you even angrier than normal.”
“And that’s none of your concern,” I retorted.
“Fine. I’ll figure out a way.”
“Let me know as soon as you have the information I need.” I tossed the phone onto my desk and leaned over, flipping through a few of the articles. Not one of the damn pieces showed Calleja clearly. The man I’d shot had obviously been the leader of the group meeting at the restaurant. They’d been followed from the A Coruna headquarters of the Los Charlines organization, the very one where the poor girls were taken to be... indoctrinated.
I wanted nothing more than to shut down that operation, burning the building to the ground, but the area was far too hot at this point. However, ending the damning situation would come soon, the assholes who’d abducted the women would be crushed like bugs.
I shifted to the A Coruna news, searching for any information on the assassinations. As of yet, nothing. The soldiers had likely cleaned up the mess, paying off their own highly paid law enforcement officers.
Snarling, I grabbed my drink, walking away from the computer.
“She’s settled, boss. Do you want me to call for security on your house?” Jorge asked as he walked into the room.
I shook my head. “Assign two of your men. I doubt I will remain here for long. I also need