operation and we’ll allow your people to live.”
I’d been involved in negotiating deals before. This time, I was honestly shocked at the man’s audacity. I couldn’t help but smile as I shook my head. “I’m sorry you made the trip. You see, we have nothing to talk about, Manuel, at least not in that regard. Now, for all your trouble in coming here, I will give you a single opportunity to tell me where Alviro is. It would seem I need to have this discussion with him.”
He took a deep whiff as he swirled his drink, finally offering a smile. “Unfortunately, Mr. Calleja only engages in discussions with those in charge. I’m afraid you aren’t that man; however, given you refuse to accept Mr. Calleja’s generous offer, you can certainly give your father a message.”
I remained quiet, refusing to engage with him. What no one knew was that my father longed to take a step back, allowing me to take the helm. However, the transition wouldn’t be widely accepted and even possibly considered a weakness in the Santiago family. There was enough turbulence, other organizations hoping for a larger piece of our pie, including the thug Manuel worked for.
“You have no idea who you’re dealing with, Rafael. I suggest you consider the opportunity you have in expanding your territory.”
“All for fifty percent.” I laughed again. “I hope the trip was enjoyable for you, Manuel, because you’re not leaving here with anything else but fond memories.” I turned away, taking several steps. The asshole was sending a message; that much was obvious.
“I’d be careful, Rafael. Things are changing, the Galicia mafia no longer a big fish in a little pond.”
His snicker pissed me off.
“Tell Don Santiago that we’re coming for him and trust me, there will nothing left of your empire or your family, including that precious niece and nephew you have. What are they now, three and four? Beautiful children. Too bad about their father’s... death. Horrible thing.” As he laughed, my rage surfaced, an ugly memory rushing to the forefront of my mind.
Blood everywhere.
The bodies of several soldiers gunned down in the middle of the street.
Families torn apart.
The need for revenge...
The bastard had been a part of my brother’s murder, shot down in cold blood in front of his own wife. I held back my fury, even as my hand tightened around the gun. I could still see my brother’s anguished face as he’d attempted to crawl to his wife, finally collapsing in my arms. No, I refused to let the past stay in the past any longer. It was time for revenge. I slowly turned to face him, a smile plastered on my face.
Now I would handle things my way. “Then so be it, Manuel. Enjoy your time in hell.”
The single shot penetrated his brain with little fanfare. I watched as his body slumped, finally pitching backwards until he slid into the pool rather gracefully. There was no sound, other than a slight splash. Die, you fucking pig. Die.
I closed my eyes briefly, fighting the anguish I’d locked away. The fucker had messed with the wrong man.
Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord.
Not this time.
The thought of sweet revenge allowed me to shut down the anger, at least for the time being. While I knew the ramifications of the decision I’d just made, no one threatened my family.
No one.
I stood where I was, struggling to finish the remainder of my drink as the water turned a warm blush in color. Turning slowly, I placed the empty glass on the table, moving silently back into the atrium.
Maria gave me a single nod before moving into the shadows for protection. I had no doubt there would be hell to pay, news of the bastard’s death likely streaming on video. As if I gave a fuck. I still had additional work to do. I wasted no time, keeping the wry smile as I walked closer to the man on my left. The moment I lifted my weapon, he finally reacted.
But not fast enough.
“A good day to die, yes?” The single shot had enough distance that the force pitched him several feet, his body crashing on top of one of the tables. I immediately jerked one hundred and eighty degrees, popping off two rounds at an impressive trajectory. The second soldier went down easily.
There were no outward signs of disturbance from the few men enjoying their libations. In fact, they didn’t bother even glancing in my direction. For them, the incident had never