Chapter 6 - The Gathering Storm
By 2:00 AM, the storm outside had intensified into a howling gale, shaking the massive oak trees surrounding the Reyes estate and turning the lake into a churning mass of black water. Inside the main house, the security detail had been doubled, though most of Marcus’s loyal guards were stationed in the west wing, playing cards and drinking coffee while waiting for orders.
Luca sat in his study, fully dressed in a dark charcoal suit, his heavy leg braces locked securely beneath his trousers. He didn't use the wheelchair. He stood near the window, leaning on his oak cane, watching the rain beat against the glass.
The heavy mahogany door opened silently, and Callahan stepped inside carrying a thick manila folder.
"We have it all," Callahan said, his voice grim. "Marcus isn't just staging an internal coup. He’s cutting a deal with the Marcone family out of New York. In exchange for handing over all of our eastern shipping lanes and drug distribution networks, Marcone is backing Marcus as the sole supreme boss of Chicago. The betrayal is complete."
Luca didn't flinch. He opened the folder, flipped through the printed transcripts of Marcus’s communications with the Marcone syndicate, and closed it with a soft thud.
"Call the captains," Luca commanded quietly.
"At two in the morning?" Callahan raised an eyebrow.
"Especially at two in the morning," Luca said. "Tell them there’s an emergency syndicate council meeting in the main dining hall at dawn. And tell them to come armed."
May you like
"And Marcus?"
"Let him sleep," Luca said with a cold, razor-thin smile. "He’s going to need his rest for the performance of his life."
