Dirty Passions An Interracial Russian Mafia Romance (The Lion and The Mouse #5) - Kenya Wright Page 0,114

the Italians a lot of trouble these days. Especially in the southern Italian region of Calabria—one of the global juggernauts that controls the import of tens of billions of Latin American cocaine into Europe every year.”

I grabbed the picture, picked it up, and studied the image. “This is Fela Oni?”

Rolan nodded. “It is.”

More pain hit my temple.

Emily turned to me. “You know him?”

“I’ve met with him, and also his son, over disputes with the Italians. I’ve always served as a mediator between them, but Uncle Igor and Rolan knew more about the gang than me. Due to their friendship with Fela.”

Emily went back to Rolan. “What’s the history of Black Axe?”

“In the 70s, Black Axe was something different than it is today. Mainly college students. Many who had gotten degrees in Russia. When they returned to their countries, they formed the Neo-Black Movement of Africa. It grew in Nigeria. But now the gang is more of a splinter group. Fela is a genius in many ways. He wrote several books. Many discussing the need for redirection of all minds towards Black Realism.”

Shocked, Emily leaned back in her chair.

“Other books were to teach people the discipline of the body and mind and how to prevent negative images of Black people.” Rolan shrugged. “Many of these I have on my bookshelf at my apartment in Vienna. All of them are signed by him.”

“You both are still in touch?”

“We haven’t talked in years, not since the huge meeting we had with him.” Rolan pointed my way. “You were there.”

“What meeting?” Emily looked at me.

“This is a long story.” I set the picture back on the desk and rose from my chair. “Black Axe and the brotherhood have an interesting relationship.”

“And you can’t forget the Italians mix-up within it.” Rolan nodded. “The brotherhood and Sicilians have a history together too, but it was also helpful to be friends with Fela’s groups.”

“So,” Emily checked both of our strained expressions. “We’re talking about Black Axe and Sicilians.”

“And another group,” I corrected.

Rolan jumped in, “In this area in Italy, it is the home of another mafia group—the ‘Ndrangheta. They’re bigger than Cosa Nostra. They’re bloody, ruthless.”

“Why are the ‘Ndrangheta important?” Emily asked.

I walked over to the demon painting, needing something to anchor me. “Ndrangheta is important because at the moment, one can’t tell who will take over the cocaine trade just yet. As I said, Black Axe has been bitch slapping the Italians around for a few years.”

“I’m sorry.” Emily sighed. “I’m a little lost.”

“Calabria is Italy’s European Cocaine Capital.” I wished I had a map to show her. “In Calabria, the Gioia Tauro port is considered a major hub for international drug trafficking.”

Rolan added, “The ‘Ndrangheta controls it. They’re currently seen as the most powerful of Italy's three traditional mafia organizations.”

I explained, “Due to the ‘Ndrangheta controlling this port in Calabria, they set the prices and transport of all drugs going into Europe. And this way of life is deep within their blood. When the men are arrested, the women take over the business. Therefore, ‘Ndrangheta marriages aren’t about love or honor. Everything is about business to the point where. . .”

“Siblings and cousins marry the other to maintain the deals.” Rolan shook his head. “They’re blood is crazy.”

“Okay. And this man.” Emily pointed to the picture. “Fela Oni is giving the Ndrangheta mafia trouble? How did a Nigerian gang get involved with an Italian mob?”

“Blame Igor and Kazimir’s connection of the Italians and Nigerians. This is why the lion is always called in to deal with any of their disputes.”

I turned away from the painting and walked over to the desk. “Years ago, direct drug shipments from South America raised red flags with authorities—”

“So, your lion and his Uncle Igor introduced the West African Hub.” Rolan uncrossed his legs. “They gave the Italians and all the others the idea to make countries of West Africa waypoints in the cocaine trade to Europe. Genius, but problems came.”

“The Ivory Coast and Nigeria became one of the major drug hubs. Many of us began to run numerous routes at once, switching and adapting in response to law enforcement action. Which brought African migrants over—mainly Nigerian.” I sat back down in my chair and placed my hands on the desk, tracing a route on the desk. “Little by little, these migrants organized and encroached on the illegal trades. Eventually, Black Axe took over all operations. Not only do the ‘Ndrangheta battle them. But in Palermo, there’s an uneasy alliance