“You did good today,” I tell Lio.
“I didn’t do anything.” His voice is even. I shake my head.
“Baby, you helped my men torture a man and didn’t show any emotion while doing so. You remained so stone-cold, which is what I needed. So let me pay you compliment.” I smile as he beams. I lick my lips. “No. Don’t do that to me. I have work to do. Now that I have the computers and thumb drives from the warehouse, I need to find Bogdan.” Bogdan is public enemy number one in my mind. He nods. “I’ll be in my office.”
“Do you want me to leave and head to my apartment, or order some takeout?” He asks. I nibble my lip.
“Order takeout, then while we wait for it then you can go to our bedroom and unpack. I may have had some of my men pack up your place.” He laughs and pulls me into his arms, kissing me hard and bruising my lips.
“I’m so happy you made the decision I wanted to ask.” I slap him. “Go work and I’ll order pizza.” I nod. Sitting down at the computer, I begin my search for Bogdan. I call Battista, who is now my second.
“Mirabella,” he answers.
“I’m sorry for calling, but I need you to get some men on Bogdan. I have his location. I need them watching him for a few days to get his schedule so I can make a plan to take him out.”
“Yes, capo. Can I speak frankly with you?” His voice wavers.
“Always, as long as it’s respectful.”
“Don’t apologize for calling me. I’m your second in command, and live to make your life easier so you can make sure we stay alive.” I chuckle. Battista is a smart man.
“You’ve known me for thirteen years, and I’ll always apologize for interrupting family time. I know how important it is to all of us.” I can tell he’s shaking his head as he chuckles. He hangs up, but not before informing me he’ll be by tomorrow with a progress report. I’m still going through the emotions of the last few days. I sigh, finding more proof of Faro trying to overthrow my dad. I’m glad the bastard is dead.
* * *
Four days later…
“Are you all good with the plan?” I stand in the warehouse where my men train. We’re going over the plan now that we’ve got the schedule down for Bogdan. It’s Saturday night and he’s currently at his family’s restaurant. He goes there every night to greet his guests. He wants to make sure to keep up appearances. The men are itching to kill some Russians for some revenge. “Remember something.” I stare into their eyes. “I know this is about revenge, because you don’t fuck with us and get to breathe, but think smart. No emotions. We’re doing this to honor our fallen.” They nod in agreement.
“He’s here now.” Benvolio’s voice comes through my earpiece. He’s watching the restaurant with Samuel.
“Okay. Just got confirmation that he’s there now. Let’s load up.” We all walk out to the six SUVs waiting for us. I’m in the third one, with Will and Reggie.
“What about the customers?” Will asks as he drives downtown.
“If they get in the way, end them. We don’t know if they’re with Bogdan or not.” He nods, focusing on the road. Two cars behind us take the back of the restaurant. I get out of my car and walk into the restaurant. I smile at the hostess.
“Welcome. Party for?” She counts the dozens of the men standing behind me.
“I’m looking for Bogdan,” I say slowly. Her eyes go wide as she goes for her gun in the back. I raise mine, shooting her between the eyes. The screams from the diners pull my attention from the hostess’ dead body. “Check the kitchen. Check the office. Check the bathroom.” The teams of my men break off while the four men with me walk with me.
“What is this?” Another man with a gun stands there, blocking me entry. I slice his throat as I tighten my hold on it. He drops quickly. My men shoot a few more men. Walking to the back of the restaurant, I see Bogdan with two guns in his hands.
“What is the meaning of this intrusion?” he shouts. There are people running out, but the gunfire from behind does nothing to deter me from my mission.
“Well, hello there! I’m Mirabella Morelli. Today you’re dying for crimes againstla mia famigliaand the judge, which is me, has ordered you to die.” He chuckles.
“You’re just a child.” He scoffs at his men who stand beside him. I roll my eyes. “You don’t have the guts to shoot him.” I raise my gun. My hand shakes to show him I’m nervous, just to let his guard down. I step forward toward him, stumbling slightly. If the Academy Awards could see this performance, my Oscar would be waiting for me.
“Don’t move!” I snap. His two soldiers next to him relax their stance. I look to one of them. “Cosmo?” I tilt my head. Interesting. Not a soldier. “I never liked the drink the drink is a little weak for my tastes.” I smirk while he curses at me in Spanish. “But this surprises me.” What the fuck are the Popov Cartel and Coronado Cartel doing together? I make a mental note to check into this and let the girls know what I found.
“More cars are showing up.” Samuel’s voice comes through the earpieces. When we all got into the SUVs, I made sure to link them so everyone could connect with each other.
“Where?” Robert’s voice comes through first.
“Two in the back, three in the front.”
“You know what to do,” I hiss. Bogdan stares at me, carefully watching. He knows we’re going to be outnumbered in a matter of seconds. I sigh. My attention goes back to the men in front of me.