Mob Ties

Chapter 25

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The dim light of the basement cell cast long shadows on the cold concrete walls. East stood, his tall frame silhouetted against the single hanging bulb, as he looked down at John Gotti. The older man, once a fearsome figure in the underworld, now seemed small and broken, his eyes hollow as they stared at the wall.

"I left you some food and water," East said, his voice a blend of disdain and pity. John Gotti didn't turn to face him, continuing to stare ahead, his thoughts lost in the maze of past decisions and present regrets. "I'm trying to find you a place to hide out. I never wanted to hurt Lia in this way. That blood can't be on my hands."

As East stood up from his chair, ready to leave, John Gotti finally broke his silence. "Please take care of her, move away from New York if you can. I pray one day she can forgive me for all this." His voice cracked, and a solitary tear traced a path down his cheek.

East paused, the vulnerability of the man before him striking a chord deep within. "Did you know about Alex?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper. "Did you know about your wife's affair with my father?"

John sighed, the weight of years pressing down on him. "I knew about Alex. Never knew he was your dad's kid until I saw him at the charity event. But I knew my wife never loved me, not truly. She had love for me, sure, but there was always this twinkle in her eye whenever Frank came around. It is what it is. We're separated now." His words were resigned, a man accepting the wreckage of his life.

East nodded slowly, the pieces of a tragic puzzle falling into place. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving John Gotti to his solitude.

The front of the club was a stark contrast to the cell, bustling with life and noise. East moved through the crowd with purpose, his mind already on the next steps. He spotted Tory, his right-hand man, leaning casually against the bar, a knowing look in his eyes.

"Find a place in Mexico or something to hide him," East instructed, his voice firm. "And we'll have my father think he's gone for good."

Tory nodded, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Consider it done, boss."

East shook hands with Tory, the gesture sealing a bond forged in loyalty and blood. As Tory walked away to make the arrangements, East allowed himself a moment of reflection. The weight of his responsibilities pressed heavily on his shoulders, but the thought of Lia's and their unborn safety and future kept him grounded.

Three days later . . .

Lia finished plating the last of the scrambled eggs, the aroma of breakfast filling the kitchen. She glanced at her phone as it lit up with an incoming call from her mother, Maria. With a sigh, she answered, "Hello?"

"Hey, baby girl," Maria's voice sounded strained, a mix of worry and exhaustion. "I know you don't really want to talk to me right now, but your father, he hasn't been home. That's not like him. He usually changes clothes or switches out cars. Have you heard from him?"

Lia turned off the stove, her heart sinking. "No, I haven't heard from him. If I do, I'll let you know." She disconnected the call, her mind racing. The emotions from her pregnancy and the recent revelations about her mother and East's father were weighing heavily on her. Everything felt too raw, too new.

As if on cue, East entered the kitchen, his presence a mix of comfort and tension. "Good morning, babe," he said, wrapping his arms around her from behind and gently rubbing her small but growing baby bump. "It smells good in here."

"Good morning," Lia replied, trying to mask her unease as she prepared their plates. "Hey, babe, have you heard or seen my dad lately? My mom is looking for him, which is odd."

East took a sip of his coffee, his face betraying nothing. The truth was, he had kidnapped John Gotti a few days ago, sending him to a secret location. "No, babe, I haven't. I've been busy with the club," he stated calmly.

Lia nodded, trying to push away the nagging worry as she ate her food. East continued to rub her stomach, his touch intended to soothe her. "I'm pretty sure he's fine. Don't worry," he reassured her.

But Lia couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Her relationship with her parents had been strained ever since the arranged marriage to East. She had told her father she'd never forgive him for making that decision for her, for binding her to a life she hadn't chosen. And now, with her father missing and her mother's secrets coming to light, she felt more isolated than ever.

She stared at her plate, the food losing its appeal. "I'm not sure I can just brush it off, East," she said quietly. "It's not like him to just disappear."

East's grip on her tightened slightly. "I know it's hard, Lia. But we have to focus on us, on our future. Your dad can take care of himself."

Lia wanted to believe him, to find comfort in his words. But a part of her couldn't ignore the gnawing suspicion that there was more to her father's disappearance.

Frank Luke sat in his office, the soft glow of his desk lamp casting long shadows across the room. The spreadsheets in front of him blurred as he went over the numbers for the third time that morning. He sighed, rubbing his temples, trying to shake off the weariness that had settled into his bones.

The door burst open without warning, and Frank's brother, Tony, strolled in, a lit cigar between his fingers. "Looks like John is gone. Finally!," Tony announced, exhaling a cloud of smoke. He sauntered to the chair across from Frank and sank into it with a satisfied grin. "What are you gonna do about East now?"

Frank leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing. He wanted to be a part of the life he had built, but things were different now with his son in charge. "He's head of operations now," Frank said, his voice measured. "I gotta get used to that."

Tony's smile faded, replaced by a sharp, calculating look. "Don't be stupid, he's my son. I don't know what you're thinking, but let's just let it go for now."

Frank met his brother's gaze, sensing the undercurrent of ambition and resentment. Tony had always been more volatile, less patient. "We need to stabilize, Tony. East knows what he's doing."

"Whatever you say, brother," Tony replied, taking a long pull from his cigar, the ember glowing brightly. "Whatever you say."

Frank watched his brother, unease settling in his stomach. The family was at a crossroads, and power was shifting in ways that made him uncomfortable. East had taken control with a ruthless efficiency that both impressed and worried him. Frank had hoped to guide his son, to share his wisdom, but East had forged his own path, leaving little room for his father's influence.

Tony stood up, flicking ash onto the floor. "Just remember, Frank. Family first, always. But don't let your guard down." He gave Frank one last, piercing look before sauntering out of the office.

Frank stared at the closed door, a sense of foreboding creeping into his thoughts. Tony was unpredictable, and his words lingered like a dark cloud. Frank turned back to his computer, but the numbers no longer held his focus. His mind was on East, and the dangerous game of power they were all playing.

With John Gotti out of the picture, the balance of power within the families had shifted dramatically. Frank knew East's marriage to Lia was part of a broader strategy to consolidate power, to unite the families. But it was a fragile alliance, built on secrets and grudges.

Frank sighed, closing his laptop. He needed to speak with East, to understand his son's plans and ensure they were aligned. The future of their family depended on it, and Frank wasn't ready to fade into the background just yet.

As he stood up, he caught his reflection in the window—an older man, weary but still sharp. He straightened his tie and walked out of his office, the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. The mob life was in his blood, and he wasn't about to let it slip away.

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