Page 19 of Mafia Obsession

“Soon,” I whisper to myself.

Soon, there will be enough money to leave.

And when that day comes, I won’t look back.

Chapter 7

Ares

Nathan Craig’s office is an insult to offices. I can’t imagine how he’s survived this long in New York City. A boss should project power and strength. All I see are half-tilted, dusty blinds.

“Never thought to decorate this place?” I ask, glancing around.

“Customers see fancy furniture and think you’re overcharging them,” he says, looking nervous.

Daria made me aware of Nico Scava’s shakedown a few days ago. It’s just a happy coincidence that I’m making Craig this offer in the shadow of the Italian Mafia’s threats.

“Customers want to work with businessmen who care enough about aesthetics tostayin business.” I reach into my briefcase. “Hence the reason I’m here. I have a proposal for you.”

I hand him the proverbialoffer he can’t refuse.

Nathan takes the bound presentation I prepared for him, looking skeptical, like he thinks I can’t possibly offer anything that will make his business or life better.

“Do you have a lawyer?” I ask, resisting an eyeroll as he reads.

“I put in a few years toward my JD. I know enough.” He shifts in his ill-fitting navy suit that has seen years of harsh dry-cleaning chemicals.

I grind my molars when he continues to read and doesn’t get past Page 1.

Clearing my throat, I say, “Why don’t you jump to Page 10. I’m offering to buy your business for much more than the book value and keep you on as a managing partner, earning a substantial salary.”

From my suit jacket, I remove an envelope and place it on his desk.

He opens it, and his eyes widen.Finally, a reaction.

The check resting between his fingers could buy him a retirement home on the Amalfi Coast.

He returns to the contract as if there’s a clause to hand over organs. As if I’d want any of his.

“I know who you are, Zervas. You bought the old missions church. You’re spending a fortune to renovate it.” His voice is calm, and there’s even some steel beneath it. Nice. “Does this have anything to do with the Borgias?”

“No. But if Nico Scava has targeted you, I say it’s wise to make a fresh start.”

“Just like that?” Craig asks, lifting his gaze to mine.

“That’s how good business deals work,” I reply, folding my hands loosely behind my back. “When both parties understand the value of the deal.”

Craig leans back slightly in his chair, the rusty metal frame creaking. “And you’re not asking for a review of our books?”

“You know who I am. I’ve seen your books.”

My team reviewed every ledger, every manifest, every discrepancy worth noticing.

Including the money Lourdes is stealing. But I don’t tell Nathan that. He looks ill enough.

Nathan taps the check lightly against the desk. “Why do you wantmybusiness?”

“The docks here are no longer secure to my satisfaction,” I say, my tone even and conversational. “I would prefer to use your resources to make new connections out of Port Elizabeth.”