Page 88 of War Within
Immediately, I clenched my fists, my posture growing rigid.
“Jane doesn't even know that.” She sighed.
“Please don't say any—”
“It isn’t my place.” I lifted my palm, stopping her from finishing.
He was going to fucking die. Now, I could not wait to torture him, making him suffer for hours. My blood boiled the more I thought about it. I wanted to find him and end him. I hoped Giovanni would let me handle it, but he probably would not.
“I just want to get some sleep.”
Her sweet voice ripped me from the darkness of my thoughts. “Okay.” I nodded, holding my arms out.
She hugged me once again. For several moments, we gazed into one another’s eyes silently. I had to leave the room. I was so angry, and I knew if I stayed, I would kiss her. Now was not the time.
“Goodnight.” I muttered barely above a whisper.
“Goodnight.” She matched my tone.
After dropping Valentina off at the hospital to see Emir, I sped to the gym to meet with the leaders and greet the new associates. I never wanted to see them in person before they were finished with their training and gained the trust of the guys. I liked my capos getting a feel for them first because I hated wasting my time getting to know them if they were useless.
I stepped through the front door, removing my sunglasses. Scrutinizing the gym, I made certain there were no customers. Thankfully, Luca made sure any outsiders were gone by the time I arrived.
Luca was the first to make eye contact. He lifted his chin acknowledging me then gathered the men. I reached behind me, locking the door. The guys gathered in the middle of the room near the sparring mat. Carmine took his place next to me on the left, Luca to my right.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I glanced around, locating the four new faces among the ten others. “Thanks for coming. Rocco, Giuseppe, Mario, and Paolo, thanks for joining us.” Unsure who was who, I maintained a general visual until later when they were sworn in by me. “Carmine will be observing your training today. The capos will be monitoring your every move from here on out. In case you haven't had a chance to learn more about the others, Leo is currently my head of security. He also runs the gambling ring.”
Leo nodded once, folding his arms over his chest.
“Vito,” I pointed at him, “oversees money laundering and all incoming money will go through him. Vincent,” I somewhat bowed my head toward him, “is his brother. He’s in charge of our underground fighting ring which we host a lot for some friends in Boston. They’ve been having venue trouble lately, so that’s currently on hold for now.”
“Fucking warehouses.” Luca mumbled under his breath before I nudged him in the side.
“You may not place bets at any events.” I verbally ignored Luca’s comment per usual.
“Massimo is our informant.”
Massimo offered a small wave.
“He works directly with the police department, FBI, CIA and the labor union. Basically, you name it, he works with it. You have a legal issue? Go to him first.”
“And him?” One of the new guys lifted his chin toward Carmine.”
“Carmine is highly trained in many areas. He’s always been a Jack of all trades. He’s a computer specialist, assassin, and weapons expert. He's also trained in five different martial arts and speaks eight languages.” I patted him on the shoulder blade once. “My advice is don't piss him off. I’ve known this guy for many many years.” Tilting my head toward Luca, I smirked. “Emilio and Luca are in charge of imports which includes drugs, alcohol, and all tobacco. They're also my younger brothers.” I slid my hands into my pockets. “Emilio is currently away on business. You'll be given earpieces for communication and know that eyes are always on you. You'll meet more of our guys soon. Any questions?” I scanned the group of men.
They all glanced around, waiting for anyone to speak up. No one said a word.
“Good. You guys can go start training.”
As the men split up into small groups, I overhead Vincent giving them instructions. Carmine, Luca, and I huddled in a small group near reception. Luca glanced back over his shoulder.
“What do you want me to do?”
“I'll talk to you in a while. Stay here and just monitor the newbies. If they fuck up, kick them, literally, then strip them of their dignity and throw them back to their families.”
He nodded.
“I have to handle something.”
