Page 1 of The Mobster’s Prize

CHAPTER 1

Dag

“Yo, Dag. Boss wants to see you.”

Fuck.

What now?

Dario’s had a revolving door this morning, calling all his soldiers in one at a time, giving them their marching orders. I’m supposed to be off the clock for the next few weeks and he knows it. The city has worn down my nerves lately, and I’m gonna lose my shit if I don’t get out of this place. Plus, there’s supposed to be a big storm coming in this weekend, and I need to make sure everything’s secure at my cabin so none of my pipes burst.

“You wanted to see me, boss?”

He’s sitting behind his desk, deep in the trenches of his ledgers. Which means he’s collecting on debts. I’m guessing that’s why he’s called me into his office.

“Come on in.” He tips his head, signaling for me to take a seat in the leather chair. So much for escaping to the quiet. He probably needs me to go give someone a shakedown.

“I’ve got a job for you, Dagastino. I just bought myself another prized horse.”

Another?

The man already owns a herd of thoroughbred racehorses. What does he need with another one?

“He’s a rare beauty. Won the Kentucky Derby this year.” He turns his phone around, showing me a picture of a white horse. I wonder how this has anything to do with me. “Look at how strong he is.” Looks like every other horse to me. “I want you to go with Lopez to pick him up for me.”

Why? I’m not a horse wrangler. Let his ranch hand go and get the thing. I’ll just be in the way.

“I’m supposed to be heading to Tahoe, boss.” He knows I’m going off grid for a while. Same time every year. My patience grows thin and my mood turns black. It’s like all the jobs stack up and the darkness finally catches up to me, shadowing my mood until I can’t even handle being in my own presence. But a few weeks away with the fresh air and no one beating down my door, and I’m all good. And if I don’t head out now, I won’t beat the storm.

“I know.” He nods curtly. “But I need you to do this job first. There’s a shipment arriving on that horse trailer that needs to be handled carefully. I want you to collect it and ensure it’s in good condition. Bring separate transportation so you can head out afterward.”

I’m assuming it’s a case of firearms. They’ve been hard to come by lately and going for ten times their value. With the laws changing, he’ll be able to double that. But I’m not sure why he’s not just being forthright about it. Then again, Dario Moretti has been known to be vague on the details.

“Got it, boss.”

“Now, call me when you get there. I want to make sure my horse is in perfect condition before I wire the rest of the money to Masters.”

“Will do.”

I rise from the chair, considering myself thankful for getting off easy. As soon as I get that shipment, I can be on my way. Heading up to my mountain.

No noise.

No demands.

None of my sisters nagging me for anything.

I’ll be out of reach for a few weeks. Thank fuck.

“And another thing, Dag. Don’t let a single soul know what you have in your possession. I don’t want this shit getting out.”

He doesn’t need to give the warning. I’ve never struggled with discretion. He can rest assured my lips are sealed.

“This will stay between us, boss. I’ll call you when we get there.”

CHAPTER 2

Dag