Free REMEDY: A Mafia Romance (Return to Us Trilogy Book 3) by M.K. Gilher

lesson here, gentlemen, is we need to keep our shit tight." His gaze stops on Boothby. "Gerry, you should've ordered the hit on Viktor when he made a scene at Mogul. Your delay caused Amber and Ivy to get hurt. Viktor violated the code of honor by involving the women. This is absolutely unacceptable and could've been prevented. I know you're busy on the campaign trail, Gerry, but put a man you trust in charge when you're not here to manage liabilities like Viktor."
    Like I said. This is on Boothby. Not me. Conroy turns to me and steeples his fingers on the table.
    "Trip, we're glad you survived. Happy to have you back. We almost lost a veteran enforcer and cornerstone of the outfit."
    Yeah, right. Thanks so much for coming to get me, asshole.
    "Trip has been unwaveringly faithful to the CSA for almost twenty years, and his death would've impacted us all. He's one of the few among us with the strength and potential to lead the council into prosperity in the future."
    Mahoney rolls his eyes to the ceiling at Conroy's obvious endorsement of me.
    "Trip." Conroy nods at me because it's my turn to speak.
    I don't stand up. Let them think I'm casual about this. "An Agent Hunter Drake from the FBI contacted me at the hospital. He had been undercover, but didn't penetrate our operation. Said he was investigating Viktor. It would be unwise of us to assume there are not more spooks on the periphery or in the ranks."
    The men shift in their seats and scowls appear on their faces as the grave tendrils of this octopus finally reach them in their pockets.
    "Meet with your legal advisors, run detailed sweeps for moles, tell your accountant to prepare for audits. Code for all correspondence. Diligence with phones. Plug any leaks. We'll do the same at headquarters."
    Conroy stands again and stares at Bernard. "I'd like to reiterate the battle between Trip and Viktor is over. No retaliation from either side. Hear me, Bernard?"
    "Of course, Judge Conroy."
    Conroy twists toward Gerry. "Boothby, Viktor shot his own man and the girl. Trip took out Viktor and his soldier. It's even. Let it go."
    Yeah, let it go, Elsa.
    "I understand," Gerry answers, looking contrite.
    Bernard stands and coughs before he speaks. "I've spoken with Raymond. His health is failing. He's requested each of us to visit and say our goodbyes. We should plan for his funeral and replacement." He lowers his head in respect for our boss.
    I clap slowly in my head. Stellar performance, old man.
    "As usual, eyes open, mouths shut. Meeting adjourned," Conroy calls out.
    I stand and walk out of the room without a word. I'm holding my cards until I know exactly what the situation is with Raymond, Bernard, and the vote.

Chapter 8
     
    Jacade
     
    Wednesday evening, I slide my new Sig into my hip holster as I walk the length of the window scanning the street and the monitors for a tail on Helen.
    She knocks and I open the door for her. Helen carries her shoulders high and her head down as she walks past me wearing jeans and a bulky sweater. Her hair falls around her face instead of pulled back. Jesus, Helen. The boss's daughter doesn't know how to keep up appearances under stress? If they spot weakness, you're dead.
    "Helen."
    "Jacade."
    She sits on the couch, her gaze darting around the room looking for Ivy. "Let me speak with her alone."
    "No." I don't trust her any more than Bernard. She hid Ivy's identity from me too. For all I know, she's conspiring with him to use her to take over.
    Ivy walks in from the hallway. She's stunning in simple yoga pants and a fitted, V-neck Mogul tee showing her tempting cleavage. She's brushed her hair and put on makeup. The bruise on her face and the bandage at her neck look so wrong on her vibrant, gorgeous body—marred perfection. My fault.
    "Hi, Aunt Helen."
    "Hello, dear." Helen embraces her, and they sit on the couch holding hands.
    I continue my stroll of the windows and survey of the environment outside. The monitors are all clear. Joe is at