A few seconds ticked by.
“That may very well be the case. There was also an attack on two of Don Caruso’s men, one of them also in critical condition. As you might imagine, word of Peron’s death leaked immediately. Without a doubt, the Los Charlines leader will take the assassination as a direct threat, likely what they hoped would happen. There is already fear of the additional revenge tactics being used.” My father hissed after issuing the words.
“Then I would take the threats seriously,” I said after sighing.
“Those bastards got exactly what they deserved,” Dartanian growled as he walked closer, holding out a scotch.
My father shot him a pointed look. “That may be true, but there is significant risk if we allow this to continue.”
“We knew we were taking a chance at pushing us into a war and that’s exactly what we’re going to be prepared for.” I continued to fume.
“At this point, we cannot underestimate Calleja,” my father suggested.
“Agreed. Javier’s wife and children should be placed under protection.” My father had always had a soft spot for the Georgian blonde with the dazzling smile.
“See that it comes to pass,” my father instructed Dartanian, my brother’s short nod the only acknowledgment.
When he didn’t suggest they be required to return to Spain, I knew his concerns were significant.
“Any information on Calleja’s location? We should end this right now. This is just the beginning and you know it,” Dartanian snarled as he offered me a drink.
As my father turned his head, his dark eyes penetrated into mine. “Don Piero has certain connections. According to his sources, it would appear that Alviro has already gone into hiding.”
“Hiding?” I was taken aback by the answer.
“Then he knows exactly what is going to happen to him given the attacks,” Dartanian stated.
“Even so, that isn’t like the asshole. He’s predictable as fuck, refusing to back down to anyone.” I shook my head, my grip around the glass already white-knuckled.
“Which makes him all the more dangerous, Rafael. You of all people know what occurs when a beast is let out of his cage.” My father’s gaze shifted to the hideous scar on my face and neck. I inadvertently brushed two fingers across the unsmooth edges. My father would never let me live down the single moment of weakness. All for nothing.
“We will find him. I’ll send several of our soldiers immediately. There’s nowhere that fucker can hide,” Dartanian stated in a commanding voice, still studying me carefully. He was well aware the damage caused had pushed me further into what my brother called a dark abyss. The black hole had been suffocating for a time, especially after the murder of our brother, something none of us had gotten over.
My father took his time, savoring his drink before turning toward me. “With him underground, we need to alter our methods of attack.”
“What does that mean?” Dartanian asked.
A full minute passed then my father simply walked out onto the patio.
“There are certain indications that Calleja’s operation is much larger than originally thought and that he has been preparing this war for some time. If that is the case, Peron’s murder simply added fuel to their fire, providing reason to the thousands of soldiers to follow their leader.” The implications from my father’s statement were disturbing.
“Peron was a scapegoat. Jesus Christ. He died for the cause,” I managed, shaking my head. Who did that kind of thing without being forced? I knew Peron had a family. Perhaps Calleja had promised to allow them to live for his great sacrifice.
“So it would seem. I believe that there is a significant risk to not only our family, but to that of our esteemed colleagues. They are understandably concerned about Calleja’s wrath, especially given his reputation. Steps are being made to protect their resources and their families and we will do the same. In the meantime, faith has been placed into our hands as to what to do next.”
“Calleja must be hunted and eliminated. There is no other choice,” I stated flatly.
Exhaling, my father turned in my direction. “Absolutely, but we must be smart about this. His elimination will cause strife within his ranks.”
“How do you suggest we find him?” Dartanian walked closer to the edge of the pool, staring down at the water. I could tell my brother had much more to say than he was offering and was only holding back out of respect for our father.
For the first time, my father smiled. “It would seem that Calleja has several locations throughout the world where he can hide without fear of being detected. Or so he believes. He also has business in several Spanish cities, although with some, he has men who run the operations. As you both know, Alviro is a chameleon of sorts, enjoying the game of disguise. While he is a true savage, cutting down anyone who crosses him, his greatest weapon is in the fact no one knows exactly what he looks like.”
Dartanian threw back the rest of his drink, walking closer. “The pig had been photographed several times.”
“That may be true, but has he ever appeared the same?” I asked, tilting my head in my brother’s direction.
My brother exhaled, snarling under his breath.
“We will find him. Don Piero is an excellent source of information. Besides, he owes me a significant favor, so the man will not cross me. For whatever reason the Los Charlines are biding their time; I assure you that Calleja will enjoy his sick game of hide and go hunt.” As my father shifted, walking closer to me, I could see the amusement in his eyes.
“Let me guess. You already have an idea of where he’ll hole up,” I said as I grinned. My father was a cunning man with an assortment of friends and acquaintances from all over the world in every industry.
He lifted his glass. “I believe I do. I think it’s time we alter our tactics. However, you will need to learn patience, Rafael. From what I know, Alviro is worried about you becoming the next leader of the Galicia mafia. If my instincts are correct, this game is all about seeing what you will do, even pushing your limits, but I assure you that we will find him. Or I should say, you will find him. It is past time the worthless gangs finally understand who will always be in charge.”
I noticed the disdain on Dartanian’s face, the resentment more than usual.
“And when the weasel surfaces from his hole?” Dartanian inched closer, his expression smug.
I tilted my glass in their direction. “Then I’ll be there to chop off his head.”
Chapter Four
Savannah
One week later
“I’m going to kill you, sweet pumpkin, and there’s nothing you can do about it.” His laugh filtered into my mind as it had done dozens, hundreds of times, his eyes full of hatred. As he lumbered forward, I stood my ground for the first time in years, my grip on the handle of the knife firm.
“Get the fuck away from me. You can’t hurt me any longer.”
“Little girl, I can do anything I damn well please. You belong to me.”
I clenched my eyes shut, refusing to fall into the same trap I had all week, memories rushing to the surface blindingly. Ever since the near attack six nights before, I’d slept maybe three hours a night, the images of the past mixing with the shadowy form of the asshole on the darkened street.