Chapter 15

Two hours earlier

Stavros

The Brotherhood.

As a condition of being a member, my brother had initially told me very little about the alliance. He’d only shared their basic mottos, which I’d initially found ridiculous but now understood more than ever.

Stay your blade from the flesh of the innocent.

Hide in plain sight.

Never compromise the Brotherhood.

That meant keeping activities of the members private, including the locations of the quarterly meetings. They were usually held in various host cities, moving from one to the other, but often in different locations.

The group represented the most powerful men in all of the United States from cities such as New York, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, New Orleans, and Baltimore.

Along with Philadelphia.

I’d never met any of them in person, although I’d seen a couple a few years before from afar. Now, as I was led into the penthouse suite of the finest hotel in Philly, the eight other men stared at me with what appeared to be disgruntled looks on their faces. That almost set me off, although Phoenix had warned me that they were initially skeptical of everything and everyone. In truth, that was one of the reasons we’d all remained alive.

Trust wasn’t a luxury in our worlds. Especially when forming this kind of alliance. If someone were to eliminate so many powerful mafia leaders at one time, it would be their golden ticket to taking over more than just various operations. It would be like they’d been given the key to several cities.

That’s why secrecy was vital.

“Stavros Diamondis,” one of the men stated as he approached. “Are you carrying any weapons?” He kept his tone gruff as fuck.

“He is my brother, Constantine. Of course he is.”

Constantine grinned. “As I’d expect. You’re Phoenix’s kid brother. The happy go lucky one.”

I glared up at Phoenix, lifting my eyebrows. Meanwhile, my brother shrugged. “Not a kid any longer and I certainly wouldn’t call myself happy go lucky but yes. And you are?”

“Constantine Thorn, the illustrious creator of the group.”

“You mean pain in the ass,” another man said as he approached. “Gabriel Giordano. I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet you in New York. I have to say, you created a very messy couple of scenes to clean up.” He was laughing as he shook my hand.

“Sorry about that. Just doing business,” I told him.

“I heard. You were saving a beautiful damsel’s life not once but twice?” His eyes were lit up like my brother’s had been.

I took the opportunity to glare at Phoenix for a second time. “I can see there are no secrets within this organization.”

“None,” two men said at the same time. My God. They looked exactly alike. Holy crap. I’d never met a set of twins before.

“Within the organization. Outside is another story,” Constantine added.

“You must be Dante and Diego Santos from LA,” I said to the two men who’d spoken at the same time.

They looked at each other. “I’m Dante and someone opened their mouth.”

Now Phoenix threw up his hands as if in defeat.

“Don’t worry,” I said. “No trade secrets even though I grilled him several times.”

“Better not happen.” The blond was huge, inked to the hilt, and had an angry face. He was also Russian.

“Don’t mind our resident guard dog, Maxim Nikitin. He really is a kitten now that he found the perfect lady,” Diego teased. “And he has Miami by the balls. New Orleans too.”

Maxim acted like he was going to punch the guy. “Yes, I do. Don’t come fucking around my city or I’ll eat you alive.”

“Brogan Callahan.” The quiet one of the group walked up, his Irish accent making me smile. “Chicago is my world. My baby. You should come visit. We know how to treat other members of the Brotherhood.”

“Ha!” another man laughed. “I might be newer to the group, but I know how you guys operate. I’m Sabatino DiMaggio. I’m your neighbor down below.”

“I’ve heard about your regime in Maryland and Virginia. Nice area.”

Constantine cleared his throat, looking thoroughly amused. “The last man standing is my brother, Daniel, a recent addition to the Brotherhood. One big happy family. However, we need to get down to business. The longer we’re in the same room together, especially now that we seem to all have targets on our backs, the more anxious I become.”

“What do you mean you all have targets?” I glanced from one to the other. It was obvious Phoenix had neglected to tell me something.

Constantine nodded to Maxim, who pulled out his phone, handing it to me.

Those who partake in sin shall face the wrath of the demon.

“Shit. That’s the same warning I received,” I said under my breath.

“It would seem we all did,” Daniel said as he shoved his hands into his pockets. “Which as you might imagine is very disconcerting since our numbers aren’t listed anywhere.”

“Although you know anyone can find anything they want these days,” Phoenix tossed in.

“Three in the morning?” I asked, looking at Diego then Dante, curious since they were three hours behind.

“Yes, and our time, which meant it was personally done, not by a computer,” Diego answered.

“That’s what I thought. Why was I included?”

“That’s part of the reason you’re here, brother,” Phoenix said.

I noticed Sabatino was headed for a fully stocked bar. I couldn’t deny at this point I needed a drink as well. It was after noon, which meant it was five o’clock somewhere. Not that the time of day had stopped me before.

“We think it’s because of what happened while you were in New York.” Gabriel studied me. “And what was found on your Russian assassin inside the veterinary clinic.”

“What does that mean? You buy my theory of this having something to do with the Death Squad?”

Constantine sighed. “Perhaps, although none of us has received confirmation other than our various informants act as if a storm is brewing in each one of our cities.”

Gabriel pulled out his phone but instead of showing the same text, he allowed me to see a photograph taken. It appeared to be on the chest of the man I’d killed protecting Jenna.

“Theta Nigrum or the black theta,” Brogan offered. “It means death in Latin and Greek mythology.”

A circle with a line through it. I’d seen it more than once in the years I’d been doing this.

The men were looking at me as if I knew what they were getting at. “The Russian also had a brand.”

“Yes, we’ve seen that as well,” Constantine said. He followed Sabatino to the bar, pouring himself a scotch.

Meanwhile, I studied my brother, trying to determine what kind of mood he was in.

“There are many assassins who wear a violent mark carved into their bodies, usually required by Mexican or South American Cartels, including some we’ve come into contact with recently. However, we put the pieces together just a couple months ago that the Death Squad hires the same kind of men to do their dirty work.” Maxim didn’t have the same level of anger in his tone, his more thoughtful.

“I’ve heard about the Mexican Cartels,” I said, remembering reading about some of the smaller ones who made the brutality we’d used look like kid’s play. “But the use of Russians?”

Dante nodded. “Russian mercenaries would eat their young if ordered, especially those who spent time in the frozen prisons. From what we can tell, a few select cartels have become more organized as enforcers for the main core of the Death Squad. But that’s not who we think is creating the recent difficulties. Although it could be nothing more than a warning of things to come in the not-so-distant future.”

“Not the Albanians,” Phoenix stated, as if he already knew.

“Let me guess. The Bratva? Irish pigs out of New York? No offense, Brogan,” I said as an afterthought.

“None taken. You aren’t too far off the mark and the Irish in New York are truly pigs,” he said by way of answer. “They don’t follow the rules.”

“What are you getting at?” It was my turn to head to the bar.

“Have you ever heard of a true Irishman by the name of Madden Byrne?” Constantine asked, waiting for me as I poured myself a bourbon.

“Yeah, I have. From where?” I glanced at Phoenix.

“You heard of the family given the former leader’s attempt at crushing our family while still in Greece.” While Phoenix had no emotion in his voice, what little I’d been told about the time in history when I’d lost another uncle and two cousins to a bombing incident brought back the same instant anger.

The connection wasn’t a fucking coincidence. “Like father, like son.”

Constantine grinned. “Very much so. The dude is a real piece of work. However, while he and his family have run Ireland, England, and several other European countries for decades, until recently he’s shied away from coming to this side of the world.”

“So why now? The New York Clan?” I studied him intently. “Or just a way to get to our family.”

“Most likely an invitation into the country but we aren’t one hundred percent certain it came from the New York leader, Sean Donnelly. What we do know is that Madden did a short stint in prison for some shit that went down a couple years ago. Some American oil riggers there to help out a friend on his offshore rig realized Madden had a sudden interest in oil rigs not only off the coast of Ireland and Wales but Canada, Alaska, and even the Gulf of Mexico.”

“We can’t rule out that Madden figured we’d be excellent pawns because of our rivalry,” Phoenix added.

I thought about what Constantine had just said. “So let me guess. Now, crime syndicates are getting into oil rigs and refineries in an attempt to control more territories. Which likely drew the interest of the Death Squad.”

“Excellent guess, brother,” Phoenix finally entered the conversation. “But there’s more to it that just surrounding our country’s shoreline with his soldiers, so he can slide into the US. Or with the hatred between our families.”

He was waiting for me to fill in the pieces. “Either Madden was already working with the Death Squad or at minimum came into their sights. We likely stepped into a mess of shit after the Albanians’ insistence on taking a piece of our pie. Add to it my interference in New York, along with realizing two parties were heavy arms dealers and the Death Squad saw two distinct ways to increase their power. Let me guess. He was suddenly freed from prison a free man.”

“He is good,” Sabatino said as he grinned.

“I told you,” Phoenix growled in his deep voice. “He has a knack for figuring out puzzles with ease. Pops and I think he can bend spoons and read minds as well.”

I lifted my middle finger in jest. “Let me also guess that if this Death Squad controlled a significant percentage of the oil in the world, they would control every drop of consumption, which would bring more than just oil companies to their knees. But to do so, they need to keep a fresh supply of weapons, especially since various international law enforcement agencies are cracking down hard on the weapons trade.”

“Bingo,” Constantine half whispered.

“You’re dead on,” Dante said, almost in reverence.

“So this new assassination squad is really something you’re considering?” I asked, turning back to face them. We were on the thirtieth floor, the entire city of Philadelphia for our viewing pleasure. I felt more reflective than before, uncertain how I should take the news.

Constantine shook his head. “We are, since whatever is occurring is not the main course. For some reason, you were targeted by the Death Squad or by Madden. Phoenix is right in that it wasn’t the Albanian you went after. He might have interfered with your casinos and your ports, but it would appear Madden is using the Irish mob out of New York to lay down some efforts of subterfuge. However, your past with the man could prove helpful.”

“This Irish bloke may have been promised he’d control the oil if he did what he could to keep members of the Brotherhood too busy to continue trying to identify members of the Death Squad.”

The grins on several of the men’s faces indicated I was right. I looked out the window, shaking my head.

“It was our father who dealt with Madden’s. But we could lure him from his comfortable hiding place,” Phoenix suggested.

“Possibly. That’s why we think it’s in our best interest to expand our organization in two ways. One, the traditional method we’ve used with anointing worthy candidates into the main group. And two is to develop our own Death Squad, for the lack of a better name at this point,” Gabriel stated as he flanked my side by the window.

I glanced over at him. “And you seriously want me to consider developing and leading this group of assassins.”

“You’re more than qualified. You do seem to have a sixth sense about things. You don’t ruffle feathers easily and you’re well spoken. In addition, you have as many if not more valuable connections than your brother has,” Maxim retorted. He certainly wasn’t the friendliest one of the bunch.

“The makeup of this notorious group?” I asked, more uncertain than ever I wanted to do this. And it wasn’t about the level of danger or that it would take me away from my usual day-to-day operations. My reservations were more about Jenna. I could feel it in my bones.

It had been so long since I’d enjoyed spending time with a lady as more than a companion for some gala or for a couple of pleasurable hours under the sheets that it had caught me more than off guard. The longing for her had left me winded.

“We haven’t sat down and talked about it other than they need to be extremely qualified at counterintelligence and various forms of weaponry, excellent marksmen and intuitive about foreign intelligence. They should know security systems cold and at least one member should be a qualified hacker, capable of getting into the most secure computer systems in the world. While they can have families, it will be vital for them to understand the risks they are putting themselves in by joining, which could mean men or women who are used to being undercover for long stretches at a time. Quite frankly, their identities will likely need to be destroyed to maintain a sense of order as well as to protect them.”

Constantine made the statement as if they had sat down and laid out a plan. “But no pressure on finding the perfect members. The perfect assassins and spies.” It was my usual method to tease but what they had described were the most elite assassins, often used by the very law enforcement agencies who refused to admit these types of operatives existed. I knew better. I’d interacted with several such operatives over the years. They were little more than ghosts.

“They can be nurtured,” Diego said.

“When do you see the Death Squad making a more significant move in their attempt to take over the world?”

The men glanced from one to the other. It was obvious that was the hot topic they’d discussed more than once.

“They’re laying down their final pieces. It could be weeks. Months. We won’t know until it’s potentially too late.” Brogan appeared exhausted.

“Total financial, political, and infrastructure collapse,” I mused.

“Potentially,” Dante said as he powered back a drink of his own. This was nerve-racking for everyone. I hadn’t really put but so much thought into what could happen if the Death Squad was allowed to continue indefinitely.

I closed my eyes. “I can’t give you an answer today. My main focus is to ensure the Diamondis Empire isn’t catastrophically destroyed, and that none of the threats made against our clients are carried out. All of you are obviously aware I also have a guest staying in my home, although she would tell you she’s a prisoner. She is another concern that I take very seriously. Do you have any idea if the Brotherhood or families have been directly linked to these threats? Do you have evidence to that effect? Do you know anything about their leaders or significant members involved?”

“Your concerns are well thought out and completely understandable,” Constantine said from behind me. “We are all concerned about our respective operations. The threats made have not been direct. We do have enough information gathered to believe the upper echelon of the Death Squad is comprised of current as well as former leaders of various countries, major political players, officials from Fortune 500 corporations, and high-ranking military operations. The secondary tier is made up of accountants, other military, and even some reps from various crime syndicates. Plus, don’t forget there are likely doctors, attorneys, judges, and law enforcement officers involved.”

I took a deep breath. “Wide reaching and worldwide crushing just like a science fiction novel.”

“Yes, and they’ve had years if not decades to plan out their activities and their final resolution,” Phoenix answered.

I locked eyes with my brother. It was rare to see him troubled in any way. Maybe it was because he had a family to worry about. “I’ll put some thought into your request. I am honored that you would think of me for this position.”

“Your reservations are noted. Starting a family is daunting in and of itself,” Diego said. “I should know. It just recently happened for me.”

“And me as well,” Sabatino added.

“Why in God’s name is everyone certain this chick, who I barely know, is the one? I don’t need matchmakers.”

Every man in the room laughed except for me. Gabriel patted me on the back.

“You’ll see. It hits you like a ton of bricks.”

I grumbled under my breath hearing his words.

Constantine was studying me far too carefully. “At minimum, the Brotherhood would like you to accept the nomination to become a part of our group. You have already proven yourself worthy.”

Worthy.

Someone was going to need to explain the word to me in greater detail. “Let me think about that as well.”

“Agreed, but don’t take too long,” Dante said.

“This Madden dude. Is he in the United States?” I asked, getting back to the business that needed more immediate handling.

“There hasn’t been an actual sighting yet but there has been chatter on the streets from Miami to New York. I found as much about him as possible. Brogan filled in what he knew about the Irish mob. Now, from what Phoenix told us, it’s conceivable the Albanians also have some skin in the game, but other than what we know from your experience, we don’t have anything else. I’ve made you a jump drive with all we know so you’re kept up to date. If you’ve been made a target for some reason, I assure you that Madden will come for you. He’s a dangerous man by any account. But I suspect he’ll stay holed up in Ireland all nice and cozy until all hell breaks loose.”

He handed me the drive and I sighed, giving him a quick nod. “So in other words, I have the target on my back.”

“It’s possible, brother,” Phoenix said. “Keep you and your lady safe. Be careful.”

I thought about Jenna’s concerns, her words of hatred because of being forced to live a sequestered life. I’d been right to bring her with me. She was nothing more than collateral damage, but it was something I refused to allow to happen.

No one fucked with what belonged to me.