Page 31 of Retribution
Ciara
The men we had watching Johnny’s bar reported that a van had sped away from the facility two hours ago. We were preparing to go into battle on Santiago’s turf tonight, but I was anxious to hear what was happening at the bar.
A couple of members of the team followed the van and discovered they met with someone. Pretty Boy Mike. We were surprised that Santiago let him out so soon.
I was working out in the gym, practicing my kickboxing when the news came. Luca and a few other men joined in the workout, after which we discussed Pretty Boy’s possible motive for leaving his father’s domain.
“I don’t think he’s as close to his father as we originally thought,” Luca said.
“Unless Santiago sent him as bait,” I suggested.
“Nah, I think Pretty Boy is doing this on his own without the knowledge of his father, otherwise he wouldn’t have called for his own team.”
“What do you mean?”
“Those men he met are not a part of Santiago’s soldiers.”
“No, but if his father is looking for him, he’ll send back-up just in case.”
I rubbed the back of my neck with my towel as I thought about this for a second. What Luca was saying was that Pretty Boy was doing his own thing without his father and was probably thinking of coming to the factory. If so, his father’s men might accompany him.
“Okay, change of plans. We won’t strike the tunnel tonight. Let’s really send Santiago a message this time.”
“Agreed,” both Luca and Sandy chorused.
“I should have done that from the beginning. I thought I was being slick.”
Sandy said, “You did just fine.”
“Thanks Sandy,” I beamed as I turned t Luca. “Hey Luca, I’m hungry.”
“Why you telling me?”
“You’re the one who’s always feeding me. I want curried goat for lunch,” I ordered. “And make sure to get Jamaican June plum juice.”
Luca turned to Sandy. “You see how she orders me around? Is that how it’s gonna be all the time?”
Sandy held up his hand in defense. “Don’t bring me into your shit. You two lovebirds always bickering and making up,” he laughed. “It’s like you’re already married.”
“I’m not marrying that fool,” I protested.
“You see,” Luca said. “That’s what I have to deal with.”
Sandy started to walk away. “Just get it over with and send me my invite.”
“I’m not marrying him!” I continued my protest.
“Yeah, yeah,” Sandy laughed. “I know, you ain’t marrying the fool.”
He continued laughing while leaving the gym. Some of the other men were also cackling and looking on with amusement, while Luca completely ignored me.
“Aren’t you going to order lunch?” I asked. When he continued ignoring me, I called his name. “Luca!”
“Oh, you talking to me?” he looked sullen.
“Who else would I be talking to?”
“Your future husband, maybe. Since I am not him …”