Page 8 of The Rose's Thorns

"Three weeks of meetings, and we're no closer to resolution than when we started. He keeps changing his demands, adding new conditions. Yesterday, he wanted increased access to Roman construction sites in exchange for the shipping route concessions."

I lean back in my chair, fingers steepled as I process this information. Emilio Costa has controlled Roman territory for twenty years through a combination of strategic violence and political corruption. He understands that direct confrontation with my forces would be costly for both sides, but he also recognizes that conceding the southern ports would weaken his position significantly.

"What's his current offer?"

"Forty percent of port revenues in exchange for construction access and a guarantee that we won't expand north of the Garigliano River."

"Forty percent." The number tastes bitter. "He's treating me as a junior partner in my own territory."

"It gets worse. He wants oversight rights on all shipping manifests. Claims it's necessary to prevent conflicts with his existing contracts."

"Fantasy." The word comes out harsh enough to make Gianni shift in his chair. "The ports are mine. Earned through blood and strategy while he was playing politics with Roman senators. He wants oversight? He can observe from a distance while counting his percentage."

Gianni nods, but I can see the concern in his expression. "He's buying time,Signore. Every week of negotiations allows him to strengthen his position, call in favors from allies. If we're going to act, it should be soon."

"Act how?"

"Pressure. Economic first, then escalate if necessary. We control shipping into Naples, which means we control everything that moves through Southern Italy. A few disrupted deliveries, some delayed cargo containers, and Roman businesses start asking questions about Costa reliability."

The strategy has merit, but it also carries risks. Economic pressure invites retaliation, and Emilio has spent decades building relationships with legitimate businesses that provide him political cover. Disrupting those relationships might force him into the kind of violent response that draws unwanted attention from law enforcement.

"What about alternative approaches?"

"We could go around him entirely. Negotiate directly with the individual families who control specific Roman territories. Some of them are growing restless under Costa leadership."

"Names."

"The Bianchi family controls the eastern districts. Old money, but their territories have been losing value as development shifts westward. The Rossi clan handles waste management contracts, but they're being undercut by city government reforms. Both families have approached us through intermediaries."

Interesting possibilities, but they require careful cultivation. Betraying Emilio Costa is not a decision any Roman family would make lightly, regardless of their current grievances.

"Continue negotiations with Emilio for now, but begin preliminary discussions with the Bianchi and Rossi representatives. Nothing committed, just exploration of mutual interests."

"Understood."

A knock interrupts our conversation. Bruno enters without waiting for permission, his face carrying the tight expression that signals urgent business.

"Forgive the interruption,Signore. We have a situation."

"Speak."

"Costa vehicles outside the Castellammare warehouse. Three cars, unmarked but definitely theirs. Our people recognized two of the drivers from previous encounters."

The warehouse represents a significant portion of our southern operations—weapons storage, money laundering, a coordination point for activities that require isolation from civilian areas. Costa surveillance suggests either intelligence gathering or preparation for more aggressive action.

"How long have they been there?"

"First spotted two hours ago. They're maintaining distance, but the positioning suggests they're cataloging our security arrangements."

"Double the guard rotation. Full weapons authorization, but no engagement unless they initiate contact. I want reports every hour."

"Already done,Signore. But if they're planning something..."

"They're not." The certainty in my voice comes from years of reading enemy intentions. "This is theater. Emilio wants us to know he can reach our operations, but he's not ready for open conflict. If he were, those cars would be bombs, not surveillance."

Bruno nods, but his hand remains close to the holster beneath his jacket. "What about our response? The men are asking if we should return the favor."

"No. Let him waste resources on pointless displays. We have more important business tonight."

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