Chapter 8 - The Syndicate's Ultimatum
The capture of Isabella sent shockwaves through the criminal underworld. Within twenty-four hours, Don Carlo arrived in New York. He didn't come alone, despite Damiano's orders. He brought an army, heavily armed and ready to burn the city to the ground.
The other three neutral Dons arranged an emergency sit-down at a neutral location—a massive, abandoned warehouse by the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Damiano prepared to leave. He was strapping a Kevlar vest over his dress shirt, checking his weapons.
May you like
“You can't go,” I pleaded, standing in the doorway of our bedroom. “It's a trap. Carlo won't negotiate.” Damiano walked over to me, cupping my face in his rough hands. “I have to go, Sophia. The Syndicate is demanding a resolution. If I don't face Carlo tonight, there will be war in the streets. Innocent people will die.” “What if you die?” a small voice interrupted. We both looked down. Emma was standing there, holding her rag doll out to him. “Take Mr. Barnaby,” she said seriously. “He kept me safe from the monsters. He can keep you safe too.”
Damiano’s eyes softened. He knelt down, reverently taking the worn rag doll from my daughter’s hands and tucking it into the inside pocket of his tactical jacket. “Thank you, Emma. I promise I will bring him back to you.” He stood up, gave me one last, lingering kiss, and walked out the door. I watched his convoy drive away into the rainy night, praying to a God I hadn't spoken to in years to bring this mafia king back to us.
