Page 28 of Controlled

I decided to ignore his jovial take on my love life, instead concentrating on my thoughts of who was behind the interesting way of doing business. “We have two distinct possibilities of who could behind this fun charade.” Although I doubted it had anything to do with Carlos. While Easton was still in the middle of his investigation on the man’s wealth and business activities, so far nothing askew had appeared.

“You’re thinking what I’m thinking. The Italian prick who lives in Chicago’s shadows?”

“That would make sense, at least according to what I’ve heard recently.” But why? From what I knew about Frederico Salvatore, he was a straight shooter, bullish in his methods of handling business.

“No offense again, but the man is old enough to be your father. From what I heard, he’s ready to retire.”

I’d purposely kept tabs on all the strongest syndicate leaders, although few had attempted to cross paths because my father’s reputation had preceded my ascension to the throne. “Yes, he is ready to retire, but he has a son eager to take over. And he’d sparred with my father on more than one occasion.”

“So why risk your wrath prior to settling on some tropical island?” Kane pressed, although I had a feeling he was doing exactly what I was doing. Going through mental exercises.

“My father was a monster but brilliant in business. He knew how to read his enemies well.” Including his own fucking sons. “Tell me. What is the best way to find the weakest point inside a business whether legitimate or something else?”

Kane thought about my question. I could see the light bulb going off inside his head. “By attempting to do business clandestinely.”

“Exactly. Frederico wouldn’t dare attempt to purchase weapons legally from our firm. However, if he could sneak a slight attack, managing to grab a couple million dollars of undocumented assault rifles then he’d call that an added benefit.”

“What’s his final goal? Any idea?”

That much I didn’t know. I also couldn’t jump to conclusions about who was responsible just yet. However, that didn’t mean I wouldn’t attempt to flush out the perpetrator. It was necessary.

“Where is this fake Abdul?”

“He has an apartment on the Westside. I checked his credentials. He’s been in a couple Hollywood movies, but mostly off-Broadway type plays here in Chicago. He pulled another couple of his acting buddies with him. Do you want me to pick him up so you can interrogate him?”

An actor. A fucking actor. “Did you check his financials?”

“Yeah. There’s nothing there. Not a blip in his limited bank account. Nothing. Either he was paid in cash or offered something else in exchange for his performance.”

That meant the guy wouldn’t have much to talk about. Torturing him would be pleasurable but it was doubtful I’d garner much information. “Have him tailed. Whoever hired him might decide to use him again.”

“And Frederico?”

“Check on his whereabouts as well as his son’s. As far as weapons sales. Put a temporary hold on any upcoming meetings other than with our legitimate clients until after the board meets tomorrow. We have some big government contracts that I do not want fucked with.” I was a businessman after all. I refused to allow my anger or impatience to get in the way of adding to our hefty bank accounts.

“Will do. Anything else?”

“Check with Easton later to see if he’s found everything on Carlos. I have other plans.”

“The girl?”

I returned behind my desk, tossing the financials into my briefcase. “Perhaps.” I thought about the lovely girl and pulled the file I’d amassed on her into my hand. “Her name is Bella Rothschild. I need to know who her father is.”

“Okay. I take it you’ve checked with the hospital where she was born.”

“Yes, Kane. I have. No dice. Just do your job and find the fucker.” I was losing more than just my patience with the man.

At least he knew when the hell to stop. “Yes, sir. Would you prefer I take care of it or guard you today?”

“Find out what I asked. That’s what I need.”

He took the file from my hand and headed toward the door.

My mood swings were getting worse. I needed Bella more now than ever.

“Soon. Very soon.” I wondered if she was thinking about me, hungering for me.

Her anticipation increasing as the clock ticked down the seconds. I couldn’t wait until she was mine.