Secret Baby for the Merciless Don

5

Roman

There are five mafia families in New York: the De Lucas, the D’Angelos, the Gallos, the Russos and the Mincettis. The Gallos are new. They recently rose to power after the Desantos were crushed into dust by the D’Angelos.

The three most powerful families are inarguably mine, the D’Angelos, and the Mincettis. From what we can tell, the Mincettis are mostly Italians but they have a couple of Russians sprinkled into their mix. They’re practically ghosts. Not a lot is known about them. My family is pretty low-key, but the Mincettis are on a whole other level. No one knows the identity of the Don or any members of his family. They conduct their businesses under aliases. What makes them powerful is their invincibility. We have no idea how rich they are, how much power they hold. No one crosses the Mincettis. If you do, you usually don’t live to tell the story.

The Russos and Gallos are nothing but snakes. They’re the worst of the worst, petty thieves, disorganized. Especially the f*****g Russos. My family has hated theirs for years. We’re their prime target for crimes. I can’t count the number of raids the Russos have orchestrated against our businesses over the years, making away with the majority of our supply of drugs.

The D’Angelo family in the Upper East Side is probably the most popular mafia family in New York. They’re high-profile, infamous. The family gets a lot of media attention. They attend galas, society events, and roll with most of the high-class people. We’re pretty much the opposite.

Owing to the Russos and their constant interference, our businesses are more international. We have strongholds in Greece, Mexico, China, some parts of Germany, and most of Eastern Europe. Since the D’Angelos businesses are primarily in New York. It’s why we’re able to keep from stepping on each other’s toes.

Our families usually stay out of each other’s business. But of the five families, they’re the most easily accessible and the only ones I can turn to for help. I hate that I have to ask for help in the first place, but in this case, I have no choice. Sometimes you just have to choke down your pride.

Thankfully, I was able to arrange a meeting with their Don. I know his older brother. Carlo and I met a few years ago when he was in some trouble and I helped him out. I called yesterday asking him to return the favor. He was happy to oblige. Unfortunately, he has retired from the underworld and is currently taking a backseat, but he assured me he would put in a good word to his brother.

Christian D’Angelo is a f*****g legend. There aren’t a lot of people I would feel inclined to respect, but Christian’s definitely one. We might have never spoken but I’ve heard about his accomplishments. I know who he is and I know what he can do. Our situations are pretty comparable. When his father died, he was also pushed into the position of a Don earlier than expected.

The D’Angelo headquarters is a large building in Bayside. It’s prime real estate and would have been f*****g expensive to acquire. I’m not surprised they were able to get it, though. Carlo’s in-laws own the building. I walk into Christian’s office after being searched and discarded of any weapons. Tony and Michael are right behind me. They’re the only men I could bring.

Mostly because I don’t have any more. Our resources are stretched thin. Some men are doing damage control. Salvador Legan, Tony’s dad and my father’s advisor, has been busy meeting our suppliers and associates since yesterday. He’s our family’s consigliere and is great at taking care of delicate situations. We need to know who’s on our side and who we’re going to have to kill. Salvador’s trying to convince whoever he can to come back to the right side.

Christian doesn’t stand as we enter. I didn’t expect him to.

“Hello, De Luca,” he greets. “Have a seat.”

I do as he asks. Silence stretches across the room, each of us waiting for the other to speak first. Seeing as I’m the one in need of something, I decide to break it.

“Thank you for meeting with me. We both know why I’m here,” I say, deciding to get right down to the crux of the matter.

He nods. “First off, I’m sorry for your loss. Your father was a great man. I admired him and his efforts.”

My throat bobs. “Thank you. Can we move on to business now?” I don’t need sympathy.

“Of course.” Christian smirks. “You’re in a lot of trouble. The worst wars are the ones we fight within ourselves. How does it feel to be betrayed by someone you once trusted?”

My fists clench. I’m pissed he would be so forward with the question, but I can see in his eyes that he’s genuinely curious.

“It’s feels pretty shitty, D’Angelo. A man my father once trusted killed him without a second thought. I learned a pretty big lesson, though. And you should, too. Even the people closest to you could stab you in the back. Be careful who you trust.”

I’m not giving out the advice lightly. With his brother out of commission, Christian probably doesn’t have any one else he can rely on. He has another brother, but Topher D’Angelo has always been more interested in partying than murder. Although last I checked, he was happily married with kids.

It might be a bit harsh saying those words with Michael and Tony right behind me—after what happened with my father, I’m less inclined to trust even them completely. But they’re my brothers. If I can’t trust them, I won’t have anyone.

“Thanks for the advice,” Christian says, his jaw clenched slightly. “Now, as to why you’re here. You need my help.”

He says it matter-of-factly but my chest still clenches. I nod once.

“We don’t have enough manpower. I want to take down the people responsible for my father’s death before the end of the week, but the bastard has gone into hiding and I don’t have enough eyes and ears in the city. I know you’re well connected. You can find him in no time.”

Christian leans against his chair as he ponders my words for a few moments. “My brother put in a good word for you. He said you saved his life once.”

“I did.”

“And despite how grateful I am for that, you can understand why I don’t feel like jumping into the fire and getting involved in a gang war. The Russos are involved and we both know things can quickly escalate. Why should I put my family in danger for yours? What can you offer me?”

He’s making solid points. Thankfully, I came prepared. I gesture for Michael to bring the files. He hands it to me and I place it on the table.

“You’re well aware we control the underground heroin fields in Mexico. From what I’ve heard, you’ve been itching to dip your toes into production instead of just supply and demand. If you help us, I’ll relinquish one of our fields to you. And I’ll open trade routes for the D’Angelo family into Mexico.”

Christian arches an eyebrow. “We both know that’s not enough.”

My jaw clenches. I suspected it wouldn’t be.

“I heard you’ve been pushing for James Malone to become the next congressman,” I start.

“Yes, and you’ve been pushing for Coleman,” Christian says, smiling sardonically.

“We’ll back down,” I say through gritted teeth.

The D’Angelos aren’t usually involved in politics, but I’m sure their sudden interest has to do with the fact that James Malone is a member of their family. The former director of the FBI is looking to dip his toes into politics, and he’s going to use his in-laws to get there.

Christian finally offers me a genuine smile. “Then we have a deal.”

We both get to our feet and Christian offers me his hand for a shake.

“For what it’s worth, I am sympathetic to your plight. I know exactly how it feels to be thrust into a position you weren’t prepared for. The next few months are going to be rough.”

“I’m aware. I’ll take care of my rough transition as soon as I take care of Vincent,” I state. “How long will it take before you find him?”

“Already did. He’s hiding out in a warehouse outside of town. I already ordered some men to come along with you. It should be fairly easy to take him down. I got some information before you arrived that the Russos are backing down.”

My eyes widen. “What?”

I turn to face Michael. He’s already grabbing his phone, trying to see if Christian’s words hold any weight. I turn back to the man’s steady brown eyes.

“I’m guessing they found out you were meeting me and realized it wasn’t a battle they could win. They’re pulling out.”

“That’s not normal Russo behavior,” I murmur.

Christian shrugs. “Fight the battles you can fight today.”

I blow out a breath and my eyes narrow. “If you knew the Russos were pulling out, why the hell did you let me offer you so much?”

“Why the hell not?” Christian says, smiling.

It’s a little odd. From the rumors, he used to be a cold, brutal man. But after meeting his wife and having kids, he’s much warmer. I find it odd that a person could change so drastically, and judging by our meeting, he hasn’t.

“Plus, like I said, I’m sure they’re pulling out owing to our involvement. You should be grateful, De Luca,” he tells me.

I fight the urge to roll my eyes. This is still beneficial regardless of his manipulation. “Fine. I hope our partnership holds.”

He rounds his desk to stand in front of me. “I hope so, too. Like you said, I need people I can trust. You seem like a good guy, Roman. Friends?”

I consider it for a moment. My eyes drift to my brothers, who both nod encouragingly. It won’t hurt to have one of the most powerful mafia families in our corner.

“Sure. If you need anything, you can call me.”

He nods. “Good luck.”

Leaving the D’Angelo office, I’m feeling much lighter than I came in. The past seventy-two hours have been the worst days of my life, but it’s all about to come to an end. I can feel it. As soon as I step outside the D’Angelo building, I’m face to face with about a dozen men. One of them approaches, introduces himself as Slade, and informs me that they’re all at my service.