Fallen Empire (Dirty Empire)

“I know.” It takes everything in me not to scream. But something has been pricking the back of my skull since that phone call from Ryley. Mike has been a pillar for Empire since day one. Any expansion plans we might have been toying with? We need Mike to succeed. It’s as if Navarro knew exactly how to cripple our dreams.

If Bane weren’t dead, I might wonder if our father was behind Mike’s murder, as well. Another lesson, to keep our attention where he wants it. But Dad would never have Ivan and JJ killed, not unless they betrayed him. He needs them too much.

“Dad’s going to hear about JJ and Ivan sooner rather than later and when he does, all hell will break loose.” His precious world of Harriet is a complicated weave of runners and mules, layers of dealers, and between Uncle Peter’s removal and now these two murdered, and the reluctancy of Puff’s crew, it just took a massive hit. Key players—the people who run shit and strike fear—are gone. Our territory, all of Easton’s customers, is now prime picking for Navarro and that will infuriate Vlad. “God only knows what he’ll do next, but it’ll be something big….” And then around and around we go on this savage merry-go-round.

It also means he’s likely to call Bane to do his dirty work. But no one’s answering that call. How long before he grows suspicious?

Caleb snorts. “Give him enough time and he might take Harriet out all on his own. It’s already standing on three wobbly legs.”

“We can’t give him that time.” Vlad Easton has nothing left to lose. I have everything left to lose. “It’s time we put the rest of the plan in motion.”

Caleb assesses our surroundings before confirming, “Now that Mercy’s safe, Cali has carte blanche. I told them the sooner, the better.”

So, Merrick and Vince have the go-ahead to tap whatever shoulders they can reach within Fulcort’s walls. Good. “And I told Puff and Donny there would be zero reprisal if something were to happen.” That’s three major factions with a lot of influence, with open hunting licenses. The challenge is getting through his tight ring of protection, something our father is paying amply for. There is one way to fix that. “I’ll pay George a little visit.” Explain to our magician accountant that all those hidden pockets of money he’s been managing for the Easton family will be better served in any way other than keeping Vlad alive. Then it’s just a matter of spreading that message through the appropriate channels. If people hear the Vlad Easton Protection Fund has dried up, they won’t be so eager to stick their necks on the line.

“Gladly. As soon as we can get out of here.”

I hesitate. “And we’re going to have a sit-down with Navarro.”

Caleb’s jaw drops, not expecting that minor revision. “Are you fucking insane?”

“Maybe.” The last thing I want to do is get in a room with people who castrate and behead their competition, especially after our father just burned down one of their warehouse operations. “We don’t have a choice. We need to get ahead of this before Dad retaliates and make a deal. I’m putting a call in to the Operator.” A guy who connects people who need connecting. His veins may as well be synced to the dark web because there doesn’t seem to be a single contact number he can’t find. Sure, we could track down Navarro’s minions and play pass-the-message until it reaches Navarro’s ears, probably around the same time word reaches our father’s ears that his sons are trying to meet with the cartel behind his back. The Operator is the fastest and most discrete way to do this.

“No,” Caleb says with grim resolution. “I don’t trust them. No fucking way, Gabe.”

“Then you don’t have to come with me.”

“Boy, all those news crews outside. Lots of PR for your club, gentlemen, though I’m guessing it’s not the kind you want,” that familiar, arrogant voice calls out, interrupting what would have turned into a heated conversation, one we have no business having here.

I turn to find Special Agent Lewis prowling toward us. Caleb gapes at me for another moment before snapping his attention to her and shifting gears. “Three times in three nights. Gosh, Kennedy, I haven’t felt this special in so long.”

“And you have three more bodies to add to your collection.”

I can hear Caleb’s molars grinding beside me. “One of them was a good friend.”

“It looks like being friends with you two requires hazard pay.”

I take a step forward to plant myself firmly between them before Caleb snaps and makes this night ten times worse. “What are you doing here? This seems like a Phoenix PD thing.”

She surveys the room. “When two of the deceased are known high-ranking members of organized crime and the cause is clearly homicide, it becomes more than a Phoenix PD thing.”