The Secrets Behind Cries *Book 6 of the Köhler Series*

𝕾𝖎𝖝𝖙𝖞-𝕹𝖎𝖓𝖊 | 69

Christian was trying to figure out who did this and what just happened. He was planning on ambushing the Gordons and Köhler's on their little vacation, but someone beat him to it. He needed Joshua, but his fucking brother walked out on him. Now he needed a new Underboss plus a Capo.

"Don, you asked for me?" Paulo asked. Christian nodded, pointing to the seat in front of his desk, telling the man to have a seat. He seemed nervous, but Chris paid it no mind.

"I need a new Underboss and Capo, and you fit the bill. Are you willing?"

"With all due respect, sir. I would love to but...."

"But what!?" Christian yelled. Paulo stared past him for a moment, then looked back at him with a smile.

"You seem to do a great job all by yourself. What is the need for an Underboss or a Capo if you don't listen to them?" Christian wanted to smack the smug look he had off his fucking face. Then again, the man was telling the truth. It was the reason Josh left. Chris didn't listen to him, and it was the cause of him losing an ass of men. It also ended with him shooting his own fucking brother.

"How bout we do a trial run? If you don't like what I do or how I do it, you can walk away."'

"No. Christian, I grew up with you. Trust me, I know how you work. That is still a no for me. Plus, I'm with Josh. I'm walking away. You can kill me now or let me leave freely. It's up to you. The funny thing is you have this big ass mafia with all of these allies, but not once did you state your claim on your men. You should have listened to your brother. Now your men can walk away freely. As I am doing today." He said. Christian thought back on the many times Joshua told him to mark his men. Without a brand, they could walk away free, and that is what Paulo was doing now. He had to stop the rest before they got the bright idea to do so.

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"U-uncle J-Johan a-are you okay?" Nicole asked. The man had been sitting in the same spot for the past two days after returning from the island. They also had to keep Nova sedated, and Leah and Zion weren't doing too well themselves.

"M-my big brother is gone. I... I saw half his fucking face get blown the fuck off. His wife, kids, and grandchildren are... I'm going to miss him," Nicki didn't say a word. She just hugged the man. Kellan was a fun-loving person and to her. He and Nova belong with one another. She was crazy and loved fucking with the other man, but she was crazy about her husband.

"I'm sorry. Maybe if I hacked...."

"Sweetheart, none of this was your fault. The people responsible for this will have their day, but we all have to stay strong as a family until then. It just hurt, that's all. I know we all signed up for this, but it's always hit hard when it's someone this fucking close to home." Johan said. Nicki nodded, hugging the man once more before he pulled away, leaving.

"He wouldn't even talk to me, and I'm the psychiatrist," Luca said, sitting beside Nicole rubbing her back.

"Uncle Victor?"

"Will live, but Liebe and the rest don't think he will be able to walk again. Still, he's in bad shape. Lucky to be alive...."

"How about you? You were up moving about and was shot twice... all of you were hurt," Nicole said, wiping her eyes. Luca nodded, grabbing her hands forcing her to look up at him.

"It could have been worse if it wasn't for you and Raine's quick thinking. Trust me. I know my little sister. If you didn't hack that system, she would have come running out guns blazing. I'm not worried about myself. I'm worried about Nova. Kellan was that woman's life. She lost him, and now I know the crazy is about to come out."