Page 95 of Morally Corrupt

"There's gonna be a war soon. How's that for new?"

"What?"

"Did they tell you why the partnership with the Irish? It's not really their style."

"Not in detail. Why?"

"Because Enzo is trying to eliminate the other families. He wants to be Capo Dei Capi. But he needs support. Influence. Soldiers. You really think they didn't come to me first?"

"Of course they would. Why didn't you agree?"

"You know I find human trafficking distasteful." Vlad makes a disgusted face. "But more than that, their main enemy is the Lastra family."

"Lastra…" I repeat, trying to remember where I'd heard the name.

"They own Upper Manhattan."

"Wait!" I put my hand up, realizing where I know the name from. "Why are they, enemies? Didn't one of Agosti's daughters marry into the Lastra family?" I knew this because, after the unsettling lunch at my father's, I'd done some research on the Agostis.

"You are correct. But she's dead. And coincidentally or not, they blame her husband, the Lastra Capo, for it."

"Are they right? Did he do it?"

"No. I don't think so. I'd even go as far as to say that Enzo could have had her killed just to have a reason for conflict."

"Damn, I thought Italians drew the line at family."

"They do when they're male." Vlad curls his lip at the notion. "If they're female, they're either marriageable or unmarriageable, whereby they live out their lives in a convent."

"You're joking."

"No. They are strictly used as currency. That's why I think Romina might have outlived her purpose."

"I didn't realize Enzo was so ruthless. Smart? Yeah. But not heartless."

"The thing with Enzo is that you can never get a good read on him. He's just that smart."

"Is that why you didn't agree to help them? Because you don't trust him?"

"That is part of the reason. Also, I'm honor-bound to the Lastra Capo."

"So, you'll take their side in the war?"

"I haven't decided yet. I can pay my dues by simply not aiding the other side."

"Yeah, well… both me and Theo are currently stuck on their side. The old man kept some evidence on me that's currently keeping me out of jail."

"Bianca, Bianca…" Vlad tsks at me in disapproval. He's always criticized me for being careless. "Do you think your husband will keep playing along now?"

"Honestly? I don't know. I wouldn't even hold it against him if he didn't," I add uncertainly.

"Good thing you have me," Vlad smirks. "I have a plan that might just solvemostof your problems."

"Really?"

"Let's see…"

He starts and outlines what could, in fact, solveallmy problems.