Chapter 7 - The Gathering Storm
Within forty-eight hours, Catherine’s visit had done its damage. The underworld gossip mill was spinning out of control. In every social club, barbershop, and backroom poker game from Brooklyn to the Bronx, the word was out: Alessandro Moretti had a weakness, and his name was Lucas.
In a dimly lit warehouse near the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Vincent Verretti slammed his fist onto a steel drum that served as a table.
"She confirmed it," Verretti snarled at the three capos standing before him. "The boy is his flesh and blood. Which means Moretti isn't just protecting an employee's kid — he's grooming an heir. If that boy grows up, our families will be squeezed out of the port contracts for the next forty years."
"So what's the play, boss?" asked Tony 'The Knife' Marcone, a scarred enforcer with a reputation for extreme violence. "We hit the estate?"
"Are you insane?" Verretti snapped. "The estate is a fortress. You won't get past the outer wall before Marco's snipers turn you into Swiss cheese. No... we don't hit the estate."
"Then how?"
"We draw him out," Verretti smiled coldly. "Moretti is a man of honor — or at least, he pretends to be. Tomorrow is the city’s annual charity gala at the Metropolitan Museum. Every prominent figure in New York will be there, including Moretti, who sponsors half their historical wing. And tradition dictates he brings his family."
Tony grinned, revealing a gold-capped tooth. "You think he'll bring the kid?"
"He hasn't left the boy's side for three months," Verretti said. "Of course he'll bring him. And that's where we make our move."
Back at the estate, Alessandro was studying security manifests in his study when Marco knocked twice and walked in without waiting for permission.
"Boss. We picked up chatter on the Verretti frequency. They're planning something for tomorrow night at the Met Gala."
Alessandro didn't look up from his papers. "Naturally. They think an heir makes me weak."
"Are we canceling?" Marco asked. "We can stay in. Lock down the grounds."
Alessandro finally raised his head, his dark eyes burning with cold resolve. "No. If we hide now, they win before the game even starts. Besides, it's time New York learned a very clear lesson about what happens when anyone touches my family."
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"You're going to use the gala as bait?" Marco asked, a grim smile touching his lips.
"I'm going to finish this once and for all," Alessandro said, standing up and buttoning his jacket. "Inform the security detail. Every man we have on payroll will be inside that museum. And get Lucas his little tuxedo fitted. Tonight, my son goes to a party."
