The Hidden Trillionaire Mafia Lord

Chapter Eight

“Enlighten us, Hector Moreau, why sneak into Kritiano alone? No guard, no backup, nothing?”

“What? Were you expecting me to ring a siren or sound a gong everywhere to announce my presence?”

“As a mafialord and right hand man to Bonanno and Gambino, we didn't expect an errand boy to capture you so easily.”

“Well,” Hector Moreau swirled confidently on the chair he sat on. “I came alone because my love interest said she’d only believe my feelings for her if I came to her... alone. No guards, no drama. Just me and my bravery.”

General Griggs sneered. “Well asi it stands, it seems your bravery had been dragged through the mud and you've landed in our den.”

Hector smiled, like a criminal who knew he had a badass judge as a brother.

“So the infamous mafialord threw himself into the lions den just to prove himself to a woman?”

Hector turned his head lazily. “I see, you've never been in love. I understand.”

That question got a deep smirk from General Griggs who walked slowly around the table until he stood beside Hector.

“Love can make a man foolish. Take yourself as an example.”

He paused to survey Hector's face, then continued.

“Once upon a time, my own daughter threw herself into the arms of a man who wasn't worthy to be called a husband.”

His eyes flicked toward Levi, who stood silently at the far end of the room.

Levi’s jaw clenched, but he said nothing.

“You intercepted our men, Hector. And we know you and your bosses are deep into some shady dirty business.”

Hector leaned back. “Pablor Escobar did worst.”

“You have what belongs to us.”

“Which is?”

“Hogano's wife!”

Hector smiled, reached into his coat and everyone stood at alert until he pulled out a small silver cigar case.

“Do you mind?” he asked, glancing up at General Yugoslav and Griggs.

Yugoslav nodded his approval.

“Grazié.”

Hector lit the cigar and took one Heavenly drag.

Maurice walked over to him and stared dead into his eyes.

“What if I shoot you dead right now?”

Hector didn’t flinch. Instead, he blew another smoke and reclined slowly in his chair.

“Go on, shoot me. I welcome death, Signoré. But know this, if I do not return to my mafia camp within twenty-four hours…” he paused for the cinematic effect, “…my spies will announce me dead. And once that signal is received, Bonanno and Gambino will fish your families and drop them all, one family after another.”

The room froze. No one wanted to risk it, but there must be a doubting Thomas.

“He's bluffing!” General Griggs’ face twitched.

“Alright go ahead?” Hector's calmness was killing them.

Just then, Jennifer Griggs walked in, her dress swirling with perfection as she made straight to Maurice, sat beside him and began a long whisper into his ears.

After some minutes, Maurice stood up like a man who just received a revelation. “I have a suggestion,” he said, clearing his throat. “It’s risky, but effective.”

All eyes on him.

“We use diversion and distraction tactics.”

Levi looked at him.

“We will create confusion to extract Hogano's wife. Controlled explosives, decoy vehicles and false alarms.”

Levi’s stomach sank. That was the same strategy he had shared with Jennifer at the Kritiano party when he had mistook her for Emilia. And now, she had sold his idea to her loverboy.

“Secretary! Get me the airforce liaison now!” Yogoslav screamed, but there was no movement.

“Lucia Trunk!” He looked around. “Where is that woman?”

When no one answered, he turned to Maurice. “Contact the media channel and the air force, I want a coordinated false alarm raised at exactly 0600 hours.”

Then he turned to Levi. “You, contact the Seaport Consulate. I want our best sailors briefed and armed, this might be our only chance at saving Hogano's wife.”

Levi gave a firm nod and stepped aside; and within minutes, three Assault boats revved and docked by the sea.

Their engines sent tremors through the waters, kicking up waves as the men scrambled onto the boarding deck.

Two of the boats looked old and rusty, with fainted logos and squeaky joints.

Jennifer’s face contorted. “Is this a joke?”

What they didn't know was that Levi had used his wealth to order the wrinkled Assault boat for them. And he had done it on intention.

He watched as General Griggs and Maurice stood next to the boat with tense jaws, both trying to hide their embarrassment.

Maurice slapped the deck. “I can't board this bullshit, a man of my rank can never be seen inside this weavil-infested decapitated cargo”

General Griggs looked at General Yugoslav. “These boats are old and rusty, not fit for a General of my statue.”

“And they’re ugly, too” Jennifer cut in.

Maurice grumbled, eyeing the third Assualt boat which was shimmering, polished, spotless, aerodynamic and military perfection. Its body glistened in the water like a predator basking in warm sunlight.

Without saying a word, both Maurice and Griggs began walking toward it, ignoring their diseased boat like a plague.

Now that’s what we should be riding in. Maurice thought, smiling.

They reached the boat stairs, but before they could climb in, two armed officers stepped forward and blocked them.

“Access denied, Sirs.”

Griggs straightened. “Do you know who I am?”

The officer replied coldly. “This boat is reserved. You are not allowed to board this particular one.”

Maurice raised a brow. “Reserved for who?”

At that point, Levi walked across and stepped into the boat without restriction. His gait was calm, measured, but unshakably commanding.

“Where is that fool going to?” Griggs snarled.

One of the officers stepped aside and handed Levi the boat’s keys.

“Boss,” the officer said to Levi. “Your boat is ready.”

Something stuck in everyone’s throat.

General Griggs lips parted in stunned realization.

Maurice’s face fell like the stock market. “He’s… he’s riding this boat?”

Jennifer’s voice wavered. “When did you… get certified to drive that?”

Levi looked at her. “There is more to me than you all know of.”

He disappeared into the cockpit and the latch slammed shut behind him.