“So you’re saying I wouldn't do what’s necessary for our family?”
“I’m saying, you wouldn't know the weight of having no other option.”
“You’re joking, right?”
“I’m taking her in. We don’t have time for this.” He takes a step forward, and I stick my hands out, shoving him back before he can get any closer.
“She will be pardoned because she is not our enemy. She’s an asset. End of discussion.” I growl, and he tenses his face for a moment, perplexed by my actions, no doubt. “Thisis what is necessary,” I add to his silence. After another moment of tension so thick, even Jack Beys has nothing to say, he looks into my eyes with a nod.
“I trust you. Therefore, I’ll pardon her. But if she so much as steps one foot in the wrong direction–”
“She won’t, Vince!”
“But if she does–”
“Then I’ll bring her in myself.” I cross my arms over my chest, and he lowers the handcuffs for the first time since stepping up to us. He toggles his eyes between mine for a moment, and I won't let this end without the guarantee of immunity.
“Vince, promise me that everyone will know how Scout helped us. I won’t risk her life by making her a perceived enemy. Our whole family should know that.” He clicks his tongue before sighing.
“Alright,” He presses his lips together affirmatively. “I promise.” His jaw twitches reluctantly before taking a step back, and Jack pats his arm gently. Vince pulls his shoulder back with a side-eye, and Jack quickly pulls away. Having the FBI on our side is almost as ridiculous as Jack and Vince’s relationship, but they are entertaining to watch.
“Wait,” I pause. “How did you even know to come?” I look between them both.
“Well, you can thank the elders for that one. They called calling us the second everything went awry.” Vince glances over at him implicitly. “But, I mean, Vince had us on standby just past the coast.” in the first place.” I raise my brows at him, more shocked that the elders know of our untraditional relationship with the FBI than anything else. And more so, that they’re okay with it.
“Jack!” Elder Lorenzo comes outside, the other elders trailing behind him slowly. He’s beaming at Jack like they are best friends, and I am beginning to wonder if they are. He grabs Jack's face and kisses him on both cheeks, jade eyes wide with admiration.
“Lorenzo!” Jack smiles a wide grin that seems larger than life. I shake my head at his smugness as he wraps his arm around Lorenzo’s shoulder.
“You two have met?”
“Well, Pops introduced me to Lorenzo. At first, it was a little rocky….”
“He was so annoying.”
“I sometimes get that.”
“But, we made it work, and I think we can all agree he’s a better ally than enemy.Un Amico.” I shift my eyes between them, shock and intrigue making me take my time to process.
“Well, I’m glad you feel this way, Elder Lorenzo.” I slightly bow my head, and he chuckles.
“I’m glad Giuseppe has raised such a fine young man.” He places his hand on my shoulder, and I look up. “We’ve all agreed,” he motions to the group of elders gathered around us. “That your tech is impressive—”
“I haven’t gotten to properly present it….”
“Oh,” he raises a finger. “But you have. You gave the best demonstration of what your incredible tech can do in a high-stakes situation. Their performance is astounding, and it will greatly aid our family.”
“Wow, I don’t know what to say.” I look at Scout, who’s grinning widely, pride written across her beautiful face. Everything else falls away for a moment, and I know this is because of her. I look back to the elders as I grab Scout's hand and pull her to my side.
“All of this tech was created by myself and my team. Scout and I came up with the ideas and saw them through to the end. Without her, this could not have been possible.” They look to her, and I can’t read what they’re thinking. Lorenzo looks over to his wife, Giulia, and she steps forward.
“We’d like to extend a deal to you. All the elders agree that this tech will be of great use to us. And so, we’d like to begin distributing to our top gangs and as loyalty builds with alliances, to them as well. Does this sound like something you both would be interested in heading up?”
I think my jaw drops as I look over to Scout, who has an equally astounded expression. All eyes are on us as we pause, and then she slowly nods.
“Yes,” I say this for the both of us. “We’d love nothing more.”
“Wonderful!” Lorenzo claps.