Page 38 of Flawed

I feign anger and scowl. "Like I said, I thought it was odd they were there. So I hid in the shadows and heard their conversation. There's no doubt they're traitors."

Jacopo finishes his drink, taking longer than normal. I don't speak, waiting for him to give me the orders I'm anticipating. He finally sets his drink down and snarls, "You discovered it. You take care of it."

I nod. "Yes, boss."

"And I want our authority re-established. You take care—"

There's a loud knock on the door.

Jacopo barks, "What is it?"

The door opens. Eddie O'Leary, son of Joseph O'Leary, the head of the Irish Mafia, comes into the meeting. The O'Learys have a long-standing alliance with the Abruzzos.

"Eddie, I didn't expect to see you today," Jacopo states.

Eddie glances at me. "We need to talk. Alone."

Jacopo gets up, pours a glass of whiskey, then hands it to Eddie. "What's this about?"

"That cocksucker Brody." Eddie holds up his glass and downs it.

My ears perk up. There's only one Brody who Eddie would be referring to. He's an O'Connor and the son of Tully. Brody's the oldest of four sons and next in line to take over the O'Connor family. They also have a strong alliance with the Marinos.

I rise to leave, not wanting to piss Jacopo off, but he stops me.

"Luca can stay," Jacopo states.

Surprised, I sit back down.

Eddie assesses me then locks eyes with Jacopo again.

He assures him, "Luca just discovered three of my top men are traitors. He's safe."

Eddie arches his eyebrows. "Which ones?"

"Head of my gambling division," Jacopo sneers.

"Shit," Eddie mumbles.

Jacopo points to the seat across from me. "Sit. Then tell me what you know."

Eddie obeys then reveals, "My guy Danny infiltrated the O'Connors. Brody's the one who had your whorehouse seized by the Feds."

The hairs on my arms rise. This isn't good. And damn Brody for not being discreet if this is true.

Jacopo's anger intensifies. "Pig-loving rat," he growls.

I grunt to show support, but I'm also surprised the O'Connors brought the Feds into their feud. It's a rare move. There's an unspoken rule you handle things outside of the law between families.

"Anyway, thought you should know," Eddie states and lights up a cigarette.

Jacopo goes to the window and stares out into the yard. Fall's around the corner, and hints of oranges, reds, and yellows pop out in the forest of trees that borders his property. Eddie and I exchange glances until Jacopo orders, "Have Danny bring Brody to the docks. Luca, you'll meet them, along with Benny, Sid, and Jimmy." He lights up a cigar and takes several puffs. Then he continues, "Tell them you're bringing them to kill Brody, but not until you're already at the docks. They'll be distracted and you can take them out. Eddie, fill Danny in on the plan. The only people who leave alive are Luca and Danny. When it's over, dispose of the bodies at the meat plant in Jersey."

I swallow down the bile in my throat. I predicted Jacopo would have me off his three guys. I've never said two words to Brody. He has no clue I'm a Marino and not an Abruzzo. I have no desire to kill him, but this will be tricky to get out of without blowing my cover.

"Is there a problem?" Jacopo challenges.

I rise. "No, boss." I nod to Eddie and add, "I'll be in touch when I have things set up on my end." I move toward the door.

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