Page 73 of Crimson Fate
“It’s nothing for you to worry about,” I state firmly, and she nods, her fingers gripping her wineglass.
I turn toward the room and announce, “Enjoy the meal, gentlemen.” Before picking up my fork. “We’ve got much to discuss tonight.”
And as I take my first bite, I know it’s time to unleash hell. Phase two is about to begin.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
A vibration in my pocket pulls my attention away from the clinking of glasses and the conversations among the captains. I glance down, the screen of my phone lighting up with Amelia’s name. My finger hovers over the device, itching to swipe to hear her voice. But I can’t—not here, not now. With a subtle push, I slide the phone back into my pocket, silenced.
“Vincent.” I look up to find Anthony’s dark eyes fixed on me, an edge of impatience in his tone. “What other surprises do you have for us tonight?”
The table falls silent, and the weight of his gaze is like a challenge, every pair of eyes at the table now on me. With his thinning hair and tailored suit, Anthony looks at me with a shroud of arrogance around him. The tension in his shoulders, though, betrays his hidden anxiety. I sip the robust red wine before me, letting the silence stretch slightly longer than comfortable.
“Anything else I have to say can hold off until after we’ve enjoyed our meal.” My words are measured, but I can see the ripple of unease they send around the table.
“Can it, though?” Anthony presses, leaning forward, his elbows on the polished wood. “You have us all on the edge of our seats.”
The captains shift uneasily, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. They are watching me and analyzing how I handle myself as the newly crowned boss of this family.
“Patience, Anthony,” I reply with a half-smile. “All in good time.”
I can tell Gia senses something is happening at this table tonight, something she was unaware of before she arrived.
“Come now, we’re all family. I see no reason to keep any of us in suspense any longer. Why don’t you share the good news?” Anthony presses, his eyes darting around the table before settling on his daughter’s face.
“I said not now,” I growl, my fist tightening around the fork in my hand.
“Do you really think it’s fair to my Gia to keep her waiting like this?” Anthony huffs. “Just make the announcement already.” He laughs as if it somehow interjects a bit of lightheartedness into the tension. It does not.
“Announcement?” Bruno asks with a puzzled expression.
Gia stands up so swiftly her chair scrapes back with a sharp shriek. “Father,” she snaps, her voice carrying a surprising force, “Vincent will speak about what he wants when he’s damn well ready.” Her eyes are fiery, challenging anyone to contradict her. “And I will thank you not to include me in any pressure you attempt to put on him.”
There’s a collective intake of breath around the table. Gia’s outburst is unexpected but not unwelcome.
“Thank you,” I say, nodding to her in acknowledgment. Her lips press into a thin line, and she settles back into her seat, her point made. Her loyalty causes the guilt to tug at my insides once more.
Anthony sits in shocked silence, clearly unnerved by his daughter’s outburst directed at him. The captains are all watching me, and the truth isn’t going to wait any longer.
“Before we indulge further in this excellent meal,” I state, voice steady but laced with an authority that silences the room, “there actually is a matter pressing enough to warrant immediate attention, I suppose.” My eyes sweep across the faces before me—some curious, others wary. “Marco, can you ask the kitchen staff to give us a few?”
Marco nods. “Of course.” He makes quick work of my request before rejoining me.
“It has come to my attention that the King family enterprises are being utilized as a cover to move drugs into the city,” I announce.
A ripple of shock passes over the table, and a few captains exchange glances that mix disbelief with concern. The revelation lands heavy, like a body hitting the water, and I watch as they struggle to keep their composure. There is no way any of these men are this good at acting. They are completely shocked by the revelation, which means Anthony also lied to me when he stated that he spoke to the other captains and they were interested in the deal Lorenzo was offering even after he urged them that it was not a good idea.
Anthony stands abruptly, the sound cutting through the murmurs that have started to bubble up. “Vincent,” he says, his tone a blend of reproach and caution, “we’ve discussed this privately. This isn’t the place to air such... delicate matters.”
“Actually, Anthony,” I counter calmly, though my grip on the knife tightens, “if not here, among the trusted leaders of this family, then where? At this table, we confront our demons, not in shadowed corners.” My words hang in the air, a challenge laid bare for all to see.
“Sit down,” Marco instructs firmly. Anthony obeys nervously.
“Christopher Benito was caught,” I continue, the words sharp and clear, “moving drugs through the very convenience stores he was tasked with protecting. He not only put the people who rely on us in danger, he put all of us at risk. We all know where my father stood on drugs and the family business. With our numerous enterprises, the last thing we need is to bring unwanted federal attention to us. It never has been and never will be worth the risk.”
A collective intake of breath fills the room, and I see the ripple of surprise pass through the gathered men like a wave. I hold Anthony’s gaze, which flares with fear and defiance.
“Impossible,” Anthony spits out, slamming his hand on the table. “I would never authorize—”