Page 48 of War Within
“Emil, don’t.”
Swiping my thumb across my bottom lip, I tossed the crowbar on the red, leather chair.
“He wasn't failed by us, but I can see how Abrielle failed him.” He leaned his shoulder on a pillar in the middle of the room, crossing his arms over his stomach. “She's the one we should be looking at. I don't think any of us fucked up with him. I mean, being a part of this family is not common, I know that much. But I don't think there is anything we could've done.”
“Fuck!” I picked the crowbar back up, swinging it as I paced the sitting area.
“Marco is just a sad case. It's common in our world that family betrays each other. We’re just lucky it didn't really happen until now.”
“Two words.” I spun around to face my brother, glowering. “Carmine Giamagi! He was like a brother to us. He turned on us.”
“Okay, but him fucking us over wasn’t even his fault.”
“Get the fuck out of my office.” I scoffed.
“Before I go, Nick is absent until further notice.”
Nodding, I spun the weapon. “I know. I got his text saying he left already. Hopefully that shit resolves soon too!”
Lifting his hand to his chin, he stared at me silently for a moment. “So where were you?”
“What do you mean?” I cocked my head, arching a brow.
“When you had to fly home from your mission.” He smirked. “Where were you?”
Shaking my head, I rolled my eyes before narrowing my gaze on my little brother.
“Were you withher?”
“Goodbye, Luca. I have to get some work done.”
“You’re going to marry her one day.”
“Like I said,” I nodded toward the crowbar, “goodbye Luca. I don't kiss and tell.”
“Right,” he chuckled, “you just take calls while fucking random women when your heart is clearly with someone else.”
“Cazzo.” I mumbled under my breath.
“Next time you see Rhea,” he started to back out of my office, “tell her I said hello.” He winked.
“Get out!”
Laughing, he ducked as I hurled the weapon across the room in his direction, enough to make him leave me alone.
We parked in front of the warehouse they were thought to be hiding at. David, one of my Serbian associates, had tracked their location using an encrypted program on his phone. Surrounding the premises, I made sure each of my men maintained a maximum range of vision in case anyone tried to evade the property or sneak up on them. No risks were taken in safety measures. It was crucial my men and I were protected.
The brothers, Vito and Vincent, took out the two guards at the front gate, taking time to strangle them quietly with wire. Then, they continued to search the exterior of the building on their side. Leo was on watch near an abandoned guard tower, though he was unsure about the stability of the structure, so he maintained a safe distance on the ground. Michele and Bobby were watching the get-away vehicles, assuring they were ready to depart the moment we had to retreat.
Emir took the lead in my group, whispering instructions in his earpiece for the others in a low tone. He swiveled to me, addressing me barely above a whisper. “Sir, I am going to see if I can look inside a window and get a head count.” Lifting his hand, he signaled for everybody in view to halt as he inspected the building exterior closely.
Moments later, he waved me across. We crept up to a side door and to our surprise it was left open. That is when we heard noises coming from inside. Multiple voices could be overheard laughing but we were unsure just how many people were in there. Going in blind was a risky move, but it had to be done.
I worried for Emir’s safety, especially knowing my daughter liked him. Unfortunately, my life had to be put before his. That was his job.
As he put his foot through the threshold, the popping sound of the loose gravel under galloping feet commanded our attention. We whirled around, Emir drawing his gun, instantly placing himself between the potential threat and me.
“It’s just me.” Leo lifted his hands. “Sorry.”
