Mas regarded me, a solemn expression on his face. “I wish it was different, Nicolai, I do. It’s the future I want for us as well, and I think together, we can build it for us all. Chicago is under attack, and we need to protect our city from the poison. No one is safe until we do.”
“I know, Atticus, and it’s why I agreed with your plan. It doesn’t mean I don’t have moments when I wish it wasn’t different. I’ll pack my things and head into town. I’m guessing I need to take Beau with me now?”
“Yes, and take our new friend as well.”
Sighing, I didn’t miss the grin that spread across Mas’ face. Wells had been training out here a few days a week, preparing for our new venture in fighting. Mas had shared some of his plans and how he wanted to legitimize our more significant endeavors in an effort to not only give us more clout as a family but added protection. While we’d still host the fighting rings, it would be our amateur auditions for the big show.
The fighting arena and training facility were still being built, but would be ready in about a month for our soft opening, the grand opening being over the summer. By taking betting away from Delgado, Mas hoped to draw him into our trap and cut one of his profit windows out. Uncle Seth hadn’t spilled too many secrets, but so far, it seemed Darren was making plays for other families’ sources of income to claim as their own. Taking out Crash had been his first attack, hindering us and allowing his guy to face a weaker opponent, ensuring a win and a big payday.
I’d been reaching out to contacts worldwide to find some top-billed fighters for the grand opening showcase. It would be a weekend-long event, ending with the Grand Prix show. If Delgado hadn’t made a play by then, it was our attempt to change the board in our favor.
The players involved might be secret right now, Darren keeping his pieces close to his chest, but we were taking back control. If they didn’t know which game they were playing, they couldn’t cheat. Now, we just had to hope our mole problem was exterminated, or we would all pay for it with our lives.
Standing, I made my way out of his office, excitement coursing through me at the chance to make things right with Beautiful. Mas’s final words stopped me at the door briefly.
“Good Luck.”
Smiling to myself, I continued on my way to my room, ready to set the course in motion. It was time to get my girl back, no matter the cost.