Why did I have the distinct impression he already knew about the alliance?
"Yeah, and in truth, it's my decision and one you're going to accept. We have no other choice if we want to maintain our position and our wealth."
"Then by all means, tell me, son."
I hesitated, searching his eyes. "I've solicited the help of other mafia families in order to fight this. The Solntsevskaya family is dead set on taking over not only our turf, but others. We can win this but only if we work together." I made the statement simple with no room for the man to deny what I had to do.
He took a deep breath, his eyes darting back and forth. He gave me his usual formal nod when I didn't fuck things up, as he appreciated telling me. "As expected."
"Meaning?"
"I've known for years that another mafia organization would attempt to take over. The rumors have become heated over the last few months, an indication that a takeover attempt was imminent. What you are doing is an excellent decision and I'm proud of you for reaching out as necessary. That shows true leadership."
I'd rarely been shocked with anything my father said, but at this point, I was floored. "You need to stay here so I can protect you."
"That won't be necessary. As you know, I have somewhere I can go. I have plenty of soldiers who will protect our family. Do what you need to do, but at some point, you and I need to talk."
I knew there was no stopping the man from being released. I took a deep breath. "Fine. Do what you need to do and so will I." I walked toward the door, my nerves fucking rattled.
"And you do what is necessary to keep our business going. There is no one I know who can handle this any better than you can, son. After all, you're the head of the family now."
I half smiled to myself. If my father was goading me, I'd learn that soon enough. I walked out without saying anything else. There was no need at this point.
I trotted down the stairs, my mind now on rescuing Sierra. There would no stone unturned, no place for the fucker to hide. The asshole was mine.
I was in a fog the entire time I drove to my house. My family had all but been destroyed, the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with succumbing to the very danger I'd warned her about. My brother on death's door.
There was no update on her whereabouts, no hint of where she might have been taken. There was a quiet calm in the city and on the streets, those under our protection heeding the warning. Shops were closing early, children kept indoors. My soldiers were everywhere, combing every avenue and dark alley for any sign of the Bratvas. I suspected that others in the alliance had directed their people to do the same.
When I walked into the house, I could no longer think clearly. I heard voices from the family room. How the fuck was I supposed to do this? I swallowed several times before walking into the room.
"What's wrong?" Dominick asked.
"Nothing I can't handle," I answered, pulling out the drive. Whatever was on the damn thing had to be precious enough to kill for. It was time I found out what the shit was about.
"What the hell is that?" Miguel asked.
"Answers. I'm getting my laptop." I stormed into my office, grabbing the computer, almost dropping it twice given how hard my hands were shaking. This was insane. This was... I fell against the desk, trying to fucking regroup.
"You gonna be all right?" Dominick asked.
I almost lashed out but pulled back, struggling to find an adequate answer. "In time. Let's find out what we're dealing with. Then we kill the fuckers."
"I think we're all with you."
I could see the hunger for vengeance in his eyes, felt a sense of camaraderie, more so than ever before. We were an odd lot, men born into what we called a profession. Organized crime. Extortion. Drug running. And all five of us had spent years attempting to legalize certain business operations. In the end, it all came down to exactly what had occurred through the centuries.
The hunger for power.
He trailed behind me, his swagger much like my own. We were ready to end this blasphemous war.
And we would win.
I slipped the drive into my computer, navigating to the series of files.
"What are we dealing with?" Aleksei asked, his usual vodka drink in his hand.
"Lists of names, supporters of our various organizations," I answered. Someone had gone to a hell of a lot of trouble, let alone time, to acquire such an extensive and damning list.
"Blackmail," Miguel said quietly.
Blackmail yes, but not the kind Armando had alluded to.
"A weapon of sorts," Michael suggested.
I darted a look in his direction. "You're right. Target those who work for us, putting all of them in impossible positions. They either fold or flee, eliminating needed support from the police, city councils, attorneys, even doctors. They wanted to make certain we had zero opportunity to seek assistance."
"Fuckers," Dominick hissed.
"Intelligent. Similar tactics have been used by Bratva for years, but on a much smaller scale." Aleksei held up his glass. "A toast to a formidable enemy."
I flipped through a few additional files. While the information was alarming and would have certainly garnered Sierra national recognition, there was nothing worth dying for.
At least in my opinion.
I was ready to yank the drive when I noticed one last file. Without hesitation, I clicked. As I read the attached document, I wasn't certain whether to be livid or empowered. "Gentlemen. I believed I found the very reason for why Sierra Fox is considered so important to Konstantin." I turned the laptop to face them, stepping away from the computer. It was vital that I find her. My guess was that she had absolutely no idea that she'd been this close to dynamite.
If the senator had become aware of the contents, he would absolutely enjoy blackmailing my father. What tangled webs everyone had weaved.