Page 65 of War Within
“The entire time I was working for Marco, all I could do was roll my eyes at his spoiled nature and think how you would feel. I know I should have come to you, but I had to keep an eye on him to make sure he didn’t hurt you. Would you really have believed me, anyway? Your son against your former best friend turned forced enemy. Marco also had our phones bugged, but I was able to disable some of them. He started killing off some of his guys thinking they were fucking with the mission.”
Rolling my eyes, I shook my head, smirking mildly.
“Things started to get worse when he got your girl involved. Some of us never knew she was kidnapped until it was too late. I kept thinking I knew her when I met her at your office that day. She has a familiar face I guess.” He pushed his hair out of his face “I know you hate me. I don't blame you. I know I'm guilty by association. But, I'm ready to fix things. The right way.”
My gaze narrowed. “First of all, you may have hurt me but you're still my family. I never truly hated you. I was told I had to hate you. I just accepted it. My mother still asks about you all the time.” I chuckled. “She never understood, regardless. You know how she is.”
He nodded, laughing. “I miss Mamma Silvia.”
“I never once thought about hurting you over the years. I wanted to just avoid you after the one incident. I knew something was up with you. That's part of why I am so upset with you, but also why I’ve left you alive.”
“And I understand that one hundred percent.”
Reaching into my desk, I grabbed a pack of cigarettes, lighting one. “Like I said, I still don't trust you.” I inhaled a deep drag. “I want to trust you. You’re still a brother to me.” A cloud of grey smoke lingered in the air around my lips. “But your trust will have to be earned back.”
“I'll do whatever I have to, Gio.”
“I think we can work something out.” Sauntering to the safe, I pinned my cigarette between my lips. I grabbed my gun, securing it in my waistband then slid my jacket on.
“You name it.”
Emir stuck his head through the doorway, knocking on the doorframe. “Boss, sorry to interrupt.”
“Yes?”
“Marco was tracked in Bora Bora.”
I arched a brow.
Carmine nodded, darting his eyes back and forth between us. “That’s where he told me he was going before I met Emir with Jane. I believe it’s legit.”
“We'll have a day and half to discuss the other shit on the way. You need to change clothes.” Adjusting my collar in the mirror, I looked up and down at my reflection. “You work for me now.” I spun around. “Am I clear?”
He bowed his head. “Of course.”
“Emir, prepare for departure.”
“Yes, sir.”
Undisclosed Resort: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
After a quick shower, I waltzed into the living room of the overwater bungalow I had gotten at a local resort. While I would have preferred their luxurious Presidential overwater villa, the key was blending in. Marco knew my specific preferences and if he felt he was being followed, that is the first place he would have looked.
I leaned in the archway, crossing my arms over my chest, towel drying my hair a bit more. “Alright, you guys listen to Emir.” I summoned the attention of Carmine, Leo, and two of my associates who had accompanied us.
“We need to blend in, so I packed a few island-friendly outfits. We can't walk around in all black or,” he turned to Leo, “whatever brown that is.” Picking up his earpiece, he pinned it between his fingers, holding it up. “This includes earpieces. We can’t wear them.”
“Which means, direct, private communication outside these walls is cut until we locate Marco’s exact location.”
“That is unfortunately correct, yes sir.” Emir nodded, confirming.
“What about cell phones?” Leo lifted a finger to his chin.
“The signal here is shit.” Emir rolled his eyes. “Right now, we need a secure line and with everything going on, we can’t chance another situation.”
“What do we do until Marco’s exact bungalow is found?” Carmine arched a brow.
“Emir and I will go out and blend in, get to know our surroundings.” I gestured to the living room. “You guys stay in the and get surveillance set up. Once you guys are finished, Leo, you notify home we're bringing him back.” I scowled, though as a father, my heart was breaking. “I want eyes on him twenty-four seven.”
