Page 55 of Loving the Enemy
“I’m sure you have plans to take the cartel down, but I am advising you not to proceed, Michael.”
“I can’t do that,” I reply. “And you will do well to remember who pays your real salary.”
“I know, I know,” he replies. “I’m not saying I’m gonna rat you out if you do. I’m just using my knowledge to ask you to think differently on it. It could end really bad, especially if you get him before he leaves the country.”
I need to talk privately with Ricco, so I cut the meeting short. “Thanks, Elliott, I will take your advice into consideration.”
Looking a bit disgruntled by my abrupt dismissive tone, he says, “Well, okay.” He stands and walks toward the door. “I’m on your side here, Michael. Remember what I said.”
“I will,” I say.
Elliott turns back around and leaves, closing the door behind him.
“Well, what the fuck do we do now?” Ricco asks.
“We proceed as planned,” I say.
“But, Mikey, you heard him. He’s working with the fucking feds.”
“I heard him, Ricco, but it doesn’t change anything. He fucking blew up my house. He had Zaira kidnapped and turned one of our own men against us. And I made a promise to Ice. He fucking dies.”
“Do you have a plan?” Ricco asks, knowing it’s futile to argue with me. My mind is made up. Perhaps it’s a mistake, but I know if we handle this right, they will never be able to tie anything we do to him back to the Vitalis. I’ll make damn sure about it.
“I’m gonna wait. I’m gonna let him get settled back into the safety of his own home. I’m gonna take Zaira on a honeymoon, and when I get back, we’ll make our move. Nobody fucks with the Vitalis and lives to tell the tale. Are you with me?” I know I don’t have to ask. Ricco will stand behind me no matter what. He always has, and I know he always will.
“You know I am,” he replies. “Honeymoon?”
I smile. “Zaira and I have reconciled. The divorce is off, and she is moving back into the manor as we speak.”
“Oh, man, I am so glad to hear that. I knew she’d come around.”
“I’m glad you did ’cause, hell, I wasn’t so sure.” I exhale in relief. “Come on, let’s get back to the house. I fucking hate the city.”
On our way out, just as we pass Laurel’s desk, I ask Ricco, “Once Eric gets back from Edinboro, tell him to file a flight plan to Florence in the next day or two. I’m taking Zaira to Italy.”
I know it’s another dick move, but in case she didn’t get the message earlier, I have now made myself perfectly clear.
Once we get into the elevator, I tell Ricco, “Oh and have some flowers sent to Laurel with an apology from her dick boss. Send Gio to deliver them, they’d make a cute couple.
Ricco laughs and nods.
