Page 14 of Bound By A Promise
“We need to up our manpower on the street. Depending on who’s pulling the Russians’ strings or financing their operation, they could bring it here to Kansas City. I’m sure as hell not putting my wife in their crosshairs.”
“Or her mother and sister,” I added.
“They’ll all stay put for the time being. I know you’ve already been awake a fucking day. So have I. Right now, I need you to hit the streets and get word out to the capos. I want everyone in the famiglia to be on the lookout for something coming from the Russians. Out west it was probably either Kozlov’s or Volkov’s organization. If it was either one of them, then they could easily be in contact with Myshkin in St. Louis or Ivanov in Detroit.”
“You think Myshkin would seek help from the Detroit bratva?”
Myshkin.
The name made the small hairs on my arms stand to attention.
“We have to be on the lookout for anything.”
I agreed. “We need to take that bratva scum down once and for all.”
“Get yourself cleaned up. This information needs to come from the top, and you’re the top next to me. Make everyone understand that we’re talking code-red importance.”
I looked down at my clothing. “I’m clean enough for the streets.” I didn’t wait for Dario’s response. He was the boss in the suit. I was the man who got shit done while blending in andstanding above. “Do you want me to tell them what happened in San Diego?”
Dario inhaled. “Yes. Tell them what they need to hear, not where anyone is staying. Only tell them that the second-in-command and a top lieutenant of the Roríguez cartel both had their homes invaded. If our people get the truth from us, they won’t believe the lies Myshkin’s men spread on the streets.”
“Will do.” I tilted my head. “What is your next move?”
“Welcome my in-laws for an indeterminate-length-of-time visit. Oh, and let them know that for the time being, they’re grounded.”
I scoffed. “I’d rather be on the streets.”
“Me too.”
Chapter
Five
Camila
A little earlier
Itried not to notice Dante hurrying past us without a word. My concentration was on my sister. Even though we’d recently seen her at the wedding, I couldn’t get over how she absolutely glowed, dressed like a stereotypical Mafia wife in a flowing white pantsuit, large chunky gold jewelry, and low heels. Her long dark hair spilled over her shoulders in waves. Leaving our luggage behind, Mama and I rushed toward Catalina. The opulent surroundings were a blur. This wasn’t my first visit to Dario and Catalina’s home, and in my opinion, the opulent surroundings weren’t as stunning as my sister. We both stepped back, peering down at Cat’s growing midsection.
“How are you feeling?” Mama asked.
“Tired,” Cat said with a smile. “We only returned from California yesterday.” She reached for each of our hands and squeezed as tears teetered on her eyelids. “How are you both?”
“Glad we’re here,” I said.
“I couldn’t believe it when Dario told me.” My sister laid her hand over her round belly as her gaze went to Miguel. After tilting her head, she went to him and wrapped her arms around his torso.
“Mrs. Luciano.”
Stepping back, she shook her head. “I’m still Catalina.” Her smile grew. “Thank you for keeping them safe.”
Miguel nodded.
Contessa, Cat’s housekeeper, appeared. “Welcome.” After our greetings she directed the two men to take our luggage to our assigned bedrooms.
As the three of us made our way into Cat’s living room, my sister pressed against her stomach as her expression contorted. “Our little one has been very active.”
Biting my lip, I watched as Mama laid her hand over Cat’s stomach. It didn’t take long for Mama’s sad expression from earlier to disappear as she felt her first grandchild move and kick.