***
“We are scouting the usual spots in Prague, asking questions and calling in favors. So far, no one has turned up anything on him but we shall exhaust all avenues before moving forward. The surveillance from the airport is being processed. We shall have something for you soon, Sir.”
I nodded, knowing full well that results would be produced soon. That was how efficient my people were, most especially my investigation unit. They were meticulous, never once faltering in their missions that almost always produced results.
“Thank you, Diamond. You are as efficient as ever. Call me as soon as you have something, no matter what time it is.”
I responded.
“Yes Sir. I have also asked Bishop to look a little more into Mrs. Alexander’s past as your ordered. He should be arriving at her home town in Aspen any time now. I will have him send in his reports directly to you considering the time sensitive nature of the matter.”
The development brought a smile to my lips, the prospect of having a little more insight into my wife refreshing. It was not that I did not trust what was in the black folder before me.
It was efficient as could be, surface information about her that had helped me understand some facets of her life. I wanted to go deeper, though. To understand everything and more.
It’s probably easier to ask her. Heck, it might go a long way but she is stubborn as a mule. She won’t reveal what I need her to...
Only after I understand her Demons will this game between us well and truly begin...
“Understood. Job well done, Diamond.”
The covert operative simply grunted a n uncomfortable thank you before we both hung up. It was not an uncommon reaction. I was not one to give out compliments.
But this was different. This was the information I needed to enact my own strategies.
“We’re here, Sir.”
The driver reported once we stopped outside the massive mansion that belonged to the Don of the Irish Mafia: yet another visitor in my Kingdom.
“Have all the security checks been completed?”
I earned a nod from my guard, his earpiece coming to life with the latest report from all the snipers posted within the vicinity of the Manor.
They were all exceptional men, their sniping skills unmatched considering the distance between the nearest high-rise and the Manor. All precautions had been taken to ensure that no one took a shot at the Don.
And no one takes one on me either...
The situation between the Irish and the Polish was growing more hostile with every single moment it got dragged on.
Whereas the Irish were stronger with their Don's strategic mind to match, the Polish had amassed support from small gangs, each of which had allied themselves with the Vipers.
Those f*****g snakes slither their way into everything.
The combined effort was chipping away at the Irish defences and Rowan’s hesitation to go all out with them was costing their forces quite a lot.
It seems he has been enlightened, though...
I watched my men unload the large shipment of weapons, taking it as my own cue to alight my car. Rowan’s men stood tall at the Manor entrance, their eyes ever watchful of both myself and my men.
We may be allies but things in our world change at the drop of a hat.
Satisfied with the multiple security checks, we each proceeded into the mansion, one I had been in only once before during a particularly draining evening party.
Fuck, I hate those so much...
Nothing unsettled and unamused me more than the informal part of our world, the parties and meetings that usually involved a lot of hypocrisy and deceit.
I would rather kill one hundred men than make those appearances but alas, I have no choice...
The layout of the house was just as I remembered it, a mental note kept in the archives in case things change.
I know he would do the same if the roles were reversed...The man is a master planner, executor and manipulator.
The double doors leading into his office were opened, revealing the man in question who was perched on his executive chair, one he gracefully rose from once I made my way into the room.
Clad in a gray, three piece suit, Rowan Byrne was handsome with curly brown hair and the most vivid of green eyes. An ait of authority surrounded him as did Danger. He was a man who had killed other men and ruthlessly at that.
He deserved his position, more so with how hard he worked to restore their dominance after years of being among the least respected mafia families.
He is a true prodigy. A genius just like me.
“Rowan. I would say its nice to see you but all the security checks have taken it out of me, I’m afraid.”
I stated, earning a small chuckle from the man who shook my hand firmly, his gaze giving off nothing other than his amusement.
Going to war with him would be a challenge....
“Necessary precautions. I’m sure you understand what with the c*****e that the Vipers and Albanians have wrought upon you.”
I was not stunned that he knew of the struggle of power going on between us and the Vipers. Many of the crime families were watching close, waiting for a chance to gain leverage- power- from this war.
“Minute damage compared to our retaliation. The Albanians are no longer a major family. Their power has been stripped, their status destroyed and it will not be returned for a long time yet.”
I recalled the conversation between the former Albanian Don, Kenji and I. Although the man had begged for his life and the lives of his remaining men. It was a pathetic sight indeed but enough to move us not to engage.
A bigger picture always existed beyond the reservations that some provably had, silent protests due to our decision to let them live.
“You are as heartless and calculated as ever, Soren. I hope to deal with my own problem as swiftly and surely as you have. I’m guessing my weapons are ready?”
I nodded, gesturing at the three black cases that had been brought in with me.
“Yes, all of them have been availed as ordered. I am sure you will find them to be to your liking.”
Rowan’s gaze assessed the contents of the black case that one of his men brought forth. I watched closely, waiting for satisfaction, relief or the urge for battle but none of them settled on his blank features.
He was a blank canvas, the only emotion slipping through the cracks being confusion.
Rowan is unsure of himself...never thought I would see the day...
“I know you’re not one to reveal your emotions easily but I had expected more excitement than confusion.”
I spoke up, seeming to pull the man from his many thoughts. His eyes flittered over to mine as he dismissed his men.
“I was saddened to not have been able to attend your wedding in person. I did, however, send Callum as my representative.”
The shift in conversation would have seemed out of place for many but not for me.
Never for me as a smile twitched itself onto my lips.
“Yes, he represented you well. Though I believe my wife would have gotten along better with your own wife.”
The news had spread like wildfire, the revelation finally putting the Irish and Polish War into perspective.
The usual ruthless Don who massacred his enemies was being merciful.
Why, you ask?
Well, because he, once one of the most eligible bachelor’s in the criminal underground had gotten married.
The Polish Mafia’s Princess now warmed his bed.
What a cluster f**k ...
***