Page 79 of Mafia Kingdom

He's right, of course. The timing is too convenient, the information too easily acquired. But the potential advantage of catching the O'Reilly leadership in one place might be worth the risk—if approached carefully.

"We need to confirm the location before planning anything," I decide. "Put our best surveillance on The Sanctuary, but keep a safe distance. I want visual confirmation of O'Reilly's arrival before we commit to any action."

Tony nods, accepting these instructions with his usual efficiency before leaving.

Sasha enters shortly after, her expression worried. "What's going on?"

"The O'Reillys are meeting tomorrow," I explain briefly. "It could be a critical opportunity."

"Or another trap?" she questions softly as she closes the door behind her.

"Possibly," I admit. "But worth the risk if we're careful."

She studies me, clearly weighing the danger. "You're planning something specific, aren't you?"

She studies my face, searching for something—reassurance, perhaps, or confirmation.

“Yes,” I answer simply.

"Then let me help with whatever comes next," she says firmly.

The request surprises me, though perhaps it shouldn't. Sasha has never been content with passivity, has consistently pushed for greater involvement rather than retreating from danger. It's one of the qualities I admire most about her, even as it terrifies me.

"Alright," I agree, against my better judgment. "But there are limits, Sasha. Lines I won't let you cross, no matter how much you want to help. Your safety isn't negotiable."

She accepts this condition with a nod, though the determined set of her jaw suggests we may revisit this boundary in the future. For now, though, we have more immediate concerns.

If Gerald is indeed the traitor, if the O'Reillys are gathering their forces tomorrow night, if my father is potentially complicit in these machinations—we're facing a perfect storm of threats from all sides. The next twenty-four hours could determine not just the future of the Walsh family business but our very survival.

And Sasha, whether I like it or not, is now irrevocably part of that fight. The thought simultaneously strengthens my resolve and fills me with dread.

"We need to move quickly," I tell her, already shifting into tactical planning mode. "If the meeting is tomorrow night, we have less than twenty-four hours to confirm the intelligence and develop a viable strategy."

She nods, accepting the urgency without question. "What can I do to help?"

"For now, maintain your routine," I instruct. "If Gerald is working with the O'Reillys, if my father is potentially involved, we can't let anyone suspect that we know. You spend time with Lily, keep Karen distracted. Everything must appear normal until we're ready to act."

"And Michael?" she asks, lowering her voice despite the privacy of my office. "He's watching everything."

"Michael reports to my father, not Gerald," I remind her. "For now, that distinction might work in our favor. Continue treating him with the same cautious respect you have been."

Sasha accepts this with a nod.

"There's something else we need to consider," she says after a moment. "If Gerald is betraying you...we should have a contingency plan for Lily and Karen. Somewhere safe, away from all this."

The suggestion is practical, forward-thinking—and another reminder of how quickly Sasha has adapted to thinkingin terms of threats and vulnerabilities. I'm not sure whether to be impressed or concerned by this evolution.

"You're right," I acknowledge. "I'll have Tony arrange a safe house, completely off the books. Known only to him and us."

Relief flashes across her face, confirming that despite her willingness to engage with danger, her primary concern remains her family's safety.

"Thank you," she says simply.

A knock at the door interrupts our planning. Michael enters without waiting for permission, his scarred face impassive as always.

"Your father's on the line," he informs me, nodding toward the secure phone on my desk. "Says it's urgent."

I nod to Michael in acknowledgment, waiting until he withdraws before picking up the phone. Sasha moves to leave, giving me privacy.

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