Chapter 6
The telephone conversation between Chicago and New York crackled with intense, high-stakes authority.
"Bancroft is dead," Dominic reported cold-bloodedly over the satellite link. "I eliminated his squad at Bellagio. But before he died, he admitted that Sabato gave the order from Chicago. Sabato is launching a full internal strike tonight."
Moretti glanced at his silver watch. It was ten-forty-five PM. "Sabato is currently attending the annual syndicate Halloween gala at the Grand Imperial Hotel downtown. He believes I am secluded in my mansion, paralyzed by grief."
"He's using the gala to rally the captains," Dominic warned. "If he secures the backing of the local commanders before you move, he'll declare your leadership compromised and launch an all-out war."
"Sabato won't reach midnight," Moretti said, his voice dropping into a chilling, absolute promise that sent a shiver through the room. "I am coming for him myself."
"My private jet is on standby," Dominic offered. "I can have thirty heavily armed men in Chicago within two hours."
"No," Moretti refused coldly. "This is my house. This is for Luca. Lock down New York and keep Mara and your son safe. I will handle Sabato."
Moretti ended the call and set the phone onto the desk. He turned his gaze toward Frank.
"Frank, mobilize the elite guard," Moretti commanded, his deep voice ringing with absolute, terrifying power. "Ten men. Heavy tactical gear. Submachine guns and suppressed sidearms. Prepare three black armored SUVs at the side entrance."
"Right away, Mr. Moretti!" Frank acknowledged, turning and sprinting out of the study to execute the order.
Maria stood near the desk, clutching her hands in fear. "Mr. Moretti... what is going to happen?"
Moretti walked over to the cook, dropping a hand onto her shoulder. His touch was unexpectedly gentle. "Maria, you and Sophie saved this family tonight. You gave me my brother's truth. You are safe here. No one will ever threaten you again."
Sophie stepped forward, waving her wooden magic wand. "Are you going to go fight the bad men, Mister?"
Moretti dropped to one knee in front of the five-year-old girl. He looked into her bright blue eyes, touching one of the pale-yellow ribbons in her golden curls.
"Yes, little fairy," Moretti murmured softly. "I am going to finish a fight that started ten years ago."
Sophie lifted her wand and tapped it gently against his shoulder, right over his black chest tattoos. "Then you need my second wish!"
Moretti smiled—a rare, handsome smile that transformed his intimidating face. "What is your second wish, Sophie?"
"My second wish is that my fairy puppy guards you, and you come back home safely for pumpkin pie!" Sophie announced brightly.
Caesar let out a soft, low bark of agreement, stepping up beside Moretti and resting his broad black head against his master's muscular arm.
Moretti stood up, his dark eyes burning with an unshakeable, fierce resolve. "Caesar stays here to guard you and your mother. Frank and Joey will keep the perimeter sealed."
May you like
He walked over to his glass of red wine on the side table. He picked it up and walked to the stone hearth, pouring the dark liquid into the glowing embers of the fireplace. The flames hissed violently, burning bright orange before settling into steady, hot coals.
"Ten years, Luca," Moretti whispered into the quiet room. "Tonight, it ends."
