Bab 49: Chapter 49

It took some time for Luke to get the nerve to go talk to Roman. The next day he finally decided to take the leap and see what he could find out. Roman need to know the truth about what was going on, and maybe together they could figure it out.

Luke had gotten word that his professed rival was hanging out recently at the new night club working on getting it up and running. It was bitter-sweet news to hear Roman went and did the business venture without him. All through their college years, they had talked about buying and renovating the old club. But those days of friendship and plans for the future were long gone.

He knew he needed to have this chat alone, and a full nightclub was as good of a place as any to do it. It would maybe even deter the rival mafia boss from pulling a gun in the face. If Roman was going to start shooting, he wanted it to be him at the receiving end of that gun. He wasn't going to sacrifice anyone in his family or their people for his mistakes.

Grabbing his keys he took a slow breath, closing his eyes to prepare himself for the conversation he had dreaded for months, even years.

"Here goes nothing. Either he's going to finally shoot my ass, or he's going to listen. Either way, I need to find out who that girl is and what she has to do with Beau's death. I owe Roman at least that."

Slinging open his mansion door, he walked straight into the barrel of a gun. On the other end, Esteban Santiago. Completely unexpected, he wondered where the hell his security was. What was he paying them for anyway?

With a gasp, he took several steps back to gather his bearings.

"Esteban? What are you doing here? How did you get on the compound?"

The cartel drug lord didn't take time to answer. He just sauntered past him into Luke's home, and straight into the living room, his men fast behind him, and a couple pushing Luke in the same direction. To say Luke was nervous, was an understatement as he stepped back to allow them entry.

"I was just about to call you."

Looking around the home, the man nodded his head. "Nice place. Too bad you won't be living much longer to enjoy it."

"Esteban, I'm getting your money. There was an issue and—"

Holding up his hand, the man didn't even give Luke time to speak. "I heard. Your girl took the money and my drugs and left town. Lucky for me I had decided to take a trip to see that wedding reception, only to find out there were no newlyweds. That worries me, Luke."

"How so?" he asked as he side-eyed the man next to him who was holding a gun to his head.

"Either you woman was a crazy bitch, or you lied to me. Either way, someone crossed me. So, we have a problem, now don't we?"

"I swear. I had no idea Claudia was going to skip town with your cash and the kilo of coke I was holding for you… two kilos. It wasn't until yesterday that we figured it all out. She's got a twin. I'm working to find out who and where she is. It seems Claudia left town and used the woman as a scapegoat, or they are working together. At least that's what we think."

"You expect me to believe that that bullshit? I don't care about your woman drama. I just want my money."

"It's Don Ricci's daughters. My father told me all about it."

Esteban chuckled at that, as did his men. With his thick Colombian accent, he said with amusement, "You mean you believe the loony old man who has lost his marbles? You trust him?"

"I do. I also trust my mother. They confirmed it. I admit I've not been on my game with this wedding and all the stress. I'm working to fix everything now. Give me a few days and I'll find out where she is. Just give me some time and I can't get your money in spades. The money Dad sent was a down payment on what he owed. Just like I said, after the wedding, I was going to take care of it."

"I'm sure you were. No one is stupid enough to mess with my money." Walking over to him, he waved his hand for his men to drop their weapons, smacking Luke hard on the back as if they were old buddies. "Tell you what, Luke. You've never lied to me. I even think you're an honorable man. I'll give you… twenty-four hours."

"I can't take care of it all in that short of time. I need more time. At least a week."

The man, gripped the back of his neck, making Luke shutter as he shook him back and forth. "You will, boy. You see, if you don't, I'll be back. I'll kill every damn one of your family and every asshole on your team. If you check the security cameras you'll find a few of your security already had a little… mishap."

He knew without even looking. Esteban's men killed his security detail.

"Please. I'll do anything. Just don't hurt my family."

"I know you will. If not, let's Carlos and the boys give you a preview of what will happen. Carlos… Do it! Show this cabrón who he's dealing with."

Before he knew what happened, Luke was hit with the butt of a gun to the side of the head, knocking him to the floor. No security, no help at all, was there to protect him. As soon as he was on the floor Esteban's men were on him, beating and kicking him into submission.

Moments seemed like hours as each hit and kick came. The blow to his ribs made his abs feel a burning sensation, and he was sure she heard a snap, most likely a broken rib.

"Please! Stop!" he managed to get out as another blow came while he tried to protect his head.

Once the drug lord thought it was enough of a message, he waved his men off. Kneeling, he moved Luke so he could look him in the eyes; or eye - because one of them was starting to swell shut.

Taking his fingertip the man touched the cut over Luke's eye, sucking air between his teeth. "That must really hurt. Listen, Luke. I think you're a good guy, but I want my money. You have twenty-four hours. As a matter of fact. Let's use that down payment as a thank you for me not killing your ass right now. I want five million unmarked, the original amount in full."

"I only owed you another two and a half," Luke choked out.

"A little interest and extra for forcing my hand. Get the money, Luke. That pretty mother of yours I may spare. She can come live with me. Your father is too old to care for such a beauty and she needs a real man to take care of her."

"Leave her alone," he spat with blood trickling from his lip.

"I don't think you're in the position to make demands."

"If I get the money, will you leave my family alone from now on? No more drug deals like you promised."

Nodding, the man stood tall, straightening his pinstriped suit. "I'm a man of my word. Get the money, and your debt will be paid in full."

"Thank you."

The men in the room laughed as Esteban smiled in amusement. "You have to give it to him, gentlemen. He's polite, even when we beat his ass. You're a good boy, Luke. I see why your father put you in charge. A man needs to know when he's been bested by someone superior. Keep that up, and you'll do just fine."

Turning on his heels the Columbian man headed to the door, speaking back over his shoulder. "Sorry about your security. They were in my way. Twenty-four hours, Luke. Don't make me come looking for you."

As the group left, Luke's eyes closed, taking a breath to gain his composure. As he looked up at the door when it clicked shut, he'd had enough. Years of everyone thinking he wasn't good enough to lead the Gambino family. The whispers he heard from everyone who had lost faith in him and his father. Everything that had transpired since Beau came to him months ago for his help, then his father's mistakes weighing on him. It was all too much.

Esteban's words were still ringing in his ears, 'A man knows when he's been bested...'

For years Luke had been thought of as the pushover, just like his father had been among the five families. They never respected him. They never respected the Gambino family at all. He would show them. It was time for everyone to see who the real Luke was.

Slamming his fist on the floor, Luke was angry, and he was ready to meet Roman. This time, on his terms.

Pulling himself from the floor, Luke checked his gun, then pulled his phone to dial his cleaners to take care of the mess from the dead security guards. He had no time to grieve his loyal staff and would leave it to his people to take care of. After all, it was what he was paying them for.

Staggering for a moment, he grabbed at his chest. That old feeling of stress bubbling just under the surface gripped at him like a failing heart. Shaking it off, he knew what he needed to do now. He had work to do… Starting with Roman D'Amico.

Cocking his gun, Luke was fed up. No more Mr. Pushover. No more.