Chapter 17 - The Offer
|
Gabriel stared at her, the realization slowly dawning on him. He had thought he was helping a wronged woman reclaim her stolen inheritance. He hadn't realized he was sitting in the car with a woman planning a hostile takeover of the American underworld.
“You want to move on the East Coast,” Gabriel stated, his voice a mixture of warning and deep, intoxicating intrigue.
“I have fifty million in liquid assets, legitimate shipping routes, and the loyalty of the Chicago bosses,” Evelyn said, turning fully toward him, the Moretti rubies flashing in the streetlights. “But I need capital to fund a war on two fronts. I need leverage. I need the Shadow Bank.”
Gabriel chuckled, a dark, rich sound that filled the cabin of the SUV. He reached out, picking up his glass of whiskey and swirling the amber liquid.
“You are asking me to fund a continental syndicate war, Evelyn. You are asking me to finance the resurrection of the Moretti empire. Do you have any idea how much blood that will cost?”
“I know exactly what it will cost,” Evelyn replied without hesitation. “And I know you’re bored, Gabriel. You’ve spent the last decade financing petty cartel squabbles and political blackmail. You want a real game. I’m offering you the board.”
Gabriel leaned closer, the scent of expensive cologne and danger washing over her. He looked deeply into her gray-green eyes, searching for any trace of the docile housewife Dominic Vale had mistakenly believed she was. He found absolutely nothing but cold, hardened steel.
“And what is my return on this massive, highly illegal investment?” Gabriel asked, his voice dropping to a whisper.
“A forty percent stake in all East Coast operations once the territory is secured,” Evelyn offered smoothly. “And a permanent seat at the head of the national commission. Equal partners.”
Gabriel remained silent for a long moment, letting the heavy, dangerous proposition hang in the air between them. The streetlights flashed rhythmically through the tinted windows, illuminating the sharp angles of his face.
May you like
“Equal partners,” Gabriel finally repeated, testing the weight of the words. “Dominic thought he was your partner. Look where he is now.”
“Dominic was an employee,” Evelyn corrected him coldly. “You and I are the same species, Gabriel. We don't break.”
