Choosing Jada [Book 2]

Secondo Tentativo

I sat in the mock office space created out of the room as a set of files were tossed on the table. I looked up, seeing Ettore and another man around my age standing. It was silent, but I pulled the folder close to me.

"I shouldn't be surprised you don't recognize me. It's what I'm good at," the unknown man said, directing his attention to me. 

I looked at the man confused. Why would I recognize him?

"My nephew here doesn't do introductions well. Alessio, this is our informant, Justin."

It was like everything connected as I looked the man up and down. Scrawny frame, long black hair, and clean-shaven. He looked older yet unique, but the smile that played across his face at my recognition only solidified who he was. My childhood friend, Justin Ricci. I stood up, and we both embraced for a brief moment.

"Holy shit!" I exclaimed.

"I don't even remember the last time we talked; it's been that long," Justin said. 

I chuckled in agreement. We had gotten ourselves in way too much trouble as children.

"So this is what you've been up to all these years?"

"I've made connections, and I'm good at my job."

I nodded before sitting back down at the table; the other two followed my lead.

That is when I opened the folder and looked at the pictures.

"The most important part you need to know is Lorenzo was not working alone. It looks like Alto Conti has been getting sick and has been forced to take a step back. His son, Alto Jr., now going by just Junior, has been running the show. It has been a sharp change in leadership. Lorenzo and Junior have been in contact. While you were MIA, they have been getting rid of upper levels through bribes or cutoffs. Junior has taken over completely. There is no one to lay a claim, and anyone who used to back you all has been paid off or cut off. There is talk of Junior coming out here after Lorenzo's failed attempt. That set off red flags everywhere, so we have no idea if anyone is entertaining this. But at this time, we have yet to find Lorenzo. We think he fled France, but he is laying low."

"He is known for his ability to stay in the wind. Finding him will be basically impossible, but he will start hunting for us again. Fucking Prick teamed up with Alto's son. I don't even understand this man's end game."

"We got no clear motive, but it hasn't been that long since we started digging. With Junior leaving America soon, this will be an uphill battle," Ettore added.

With Lorenzo having a partner, his means for doing all this adds more questions than answers. Why? The man who I thought was my brother betrayed me like this. I trusted him with my life, and he lied to my face so many times. When I get my hands on him, I will kill him.

"For now, things are quiet. Any mafia could decide to step in or no one." Justin added.

"All my connections have been told to stay out; that's at least half of the top players," Ettore said. 

"We are in my territory, so that should help insulate us. Anyone who steps to my turf invites a battle against me."

"For now, just find Lorenzo. I want him. I want anything you can find on him. I'll find the fucker myself."

"I'll keep you posted. Any movements on either men will be reciprocated," Justin said.

"Is your family comfortable?" Ettore asked.

"Yeah, we are all doing great. Thank you for accommodating us."

"Family?" Justin asked.

"Yeah, we are all being targeted. So it's of the utmost importance that this is solved sooner rather than later. My wife and child are in the most danger."