THIRTY-FIVE
Mila
“You can’t fucking doany of that, Mila. There are things…things that govern how the businesses are run. You can’t dissolve over a hundred years’ worth of revenue streams, blood feuds, and a family dynasty without…I don’t know…talking to the lawyers and shit.”
I listen as Crypto paces up and down the street.
“Crypto, I wanted to smoke you out.”
He freezes and takes a step toward me; his expression is furious. “You what?”
“I wanted to see you face to face and tell you personally that I don’t regret killing your father. And give you the chance to kill me or leave me alone forever.”
Crypto’s brows knit together, his eyes wild. He’s a torturer and a killer who is much more experienced than Emil “Bulletproof” Whitman. But he has zero real guts, and he’s proving that right now.
He points one index finger, too close to my face for Ozzie’s comfort. Ozzie tenses next to me, making me melt. “If I kill you, I’ll have a mutiny. Nobody faults you for what you did to Emil. Nobody but me. But you are gonna set things right. You disappeared, and I know you don’t want to take the lead. So as Emil’s only remaining heir? Rightfully, it all goes to me. But there’s so much revolt in the family that I can’t take control without receiving your blessing.”
I nod. “Yeah. I’m sorry about that. But I’m not going to do any of that. I’ll take the high road instead.”
Crypto blinks at me. “What does that mean?”
I finger the hem of my sweater. Remember when I said I was joking with Spade to smoke you out?”
He blinks again. “Yeah.”
“Well, it wasn’t a joke. In fact, it’s already done. A close personal friend of mine already helped me shut it all down. Whitman Holdings, Inc. has been dissolved, and the company’s assets have been signed, sealed, and delivered.”
Crypto seethes and points one threatening finger again in my face. “You fuckin’ squealed to the feds? You just signed your death warrant.”
“I have no interest in handing anything to the feds,” I laugh. “They can keep sniffing around forever for all I care. No. The properties are being sold as we speak, and all the cash is currently being transferred to a new foundation for kids. Maybe a summer camp. Not sure yet. I’ll keep you posted on the details.”
It looks like Crypto’s brain is shorting out; he seems to twitch a few times, then he steps backward off the curb, scrambling for his phone.
“You’re lying.”
“Call the accountants and see for yourself.”
Crypto walks away, muttering to himself about having to make several phone calls.
Spade juts out his chin at me. “You want to play it that way? Fine. I’m done. I’m tired. And I’m really tired of chasing you down. The private security firm made a bunch of the guys and me got a nice offer, and I guess this is my sign that we should take ‘em up on it. But know this…if you show your face in Jersey again, it’s not going to go well for you, princess.” Spade turns away before I can pounce on him for calling me that.
I hated when Emil called me that, and I still hate it.