The Billionaire’s Pawn

STRIKER

I stared at Moses for a whole long minute. I let my brain process, but I felt it malfunctioned.

The only thing clear to me was that Linus wanted to be a part of the Hover unless my father had this some kind of secret organization.

“To get to you? Yeah, that, I understood.”

“No.” He gestured for me to sit. “It’s time for you to know everything.”

“Okay. You get my attention. What exactly is everything?” I sat back. I was still hesitant, but maybe this would answer what had been bothering me.

“Three years ago, Linus crossed paths with one of the largest mafia organizations in Italy.” This new information shocked me, and there was no way Moses would joke something about the mafia of all organizations.

“Excuse me?” I might have held my breath. My hangover was gone, but I had a more terrible headache that I felt my brain was about to explode.

“Yes. They exist.”

Goosebumps erupted all over my skin. I swallowed hard. “What did he do?”

“He had a relationship with an Italian woman for two years before things fell apart. A daughter of a mafia don, but he chose a clean reputation for the Vanderford Group.”

“You mean, he chose to save his own ass. Then how do we fit into all of this?”

“Whether you like it or not, a man like me also needs connections in the underworld. I paid for my safety, and it doesn’t come alone from the military or government. It has a larger scope. Whenever I go, I know someone is watching my back. We don’t know. Someone might pay someone to assassinate me or harm you or my family.” I had a feeling this newfound information he gave me had more to it than he was telling me.

“You have a mafia in your payroll. Is that what you mean?”

“No. Our relationship is something more than that.” Of course, but he was not going to tell me.

“Great.” I snorted as I leaned back.

“Soon, you will understand, Striker.”

“I got it, Moses. So, what Linus wants from you?”

“My protection.”

“Unbelievable. He has billions, for God’s sake. Did he go through this length for your protection? Can’t he pay an army to protect his ass? Does he still have a price on his head?”

“He paid the price. But it’s the underboss who wants his head.”

“What do you mean he paid for it? Isn’t it supposed to be the boss who runs the organization?”

“Yes, but his son wants life for a life. And twenty million.”

“Wait a minute.” I held my hand up. “The twenty million?”

“It was not a kidnap for ransom like how he fed the media. His daughter was kidnapped so that he would pay that amount. The underboss, Giosue, hired a local gang, then killed them all as soon as he got the payment. The one that escaped was his message that he could touch Linus. I was relieved they didn’t touch London.”

I rubbed my face as I got up. I went to the window as I tried to wrap my head around the information Moses threw at me. “I can’t. I’m confused. How does Ivan come into the picture.”

“That guy will be dead when he shows his face on the internet. Even he changed his identity.”

I turned around, shocked. “You know about it too?”

“Why do you think Linden can’t connect the dots? The money is gone. It’s in the Conti. I have a feeling Giosue is asking for more. Maybe he has a blackmail file or threatens London. I’m not sure. That’s why Linus pushed this marriage with you because he knows I won’t just stand there and watch your wife get hurt. Now he has my attention.”

“Jesus. So Ivy is a dead end. Our effort has gone to waste.”

“There’s a bigger fish to fry, Striker. I told Linden not to pursue.”

“You already talked to Linden. Great.” I breathed deeply as I scratched my beard. I didn’t know what to say. I just realized that I knew nothing about my life and the people around me.

“When you and your team arrived, that was what was left. They make it look like someone ran away with the money. The truth, that was a drop-off.”

“You knew all this, and you didn’t tell me? Why tell me now?”

“Welcome to the family, son.”

I glared at him. “You’re unbelievable. How do I know you didn’t help Linus set me up with London?”

“I won’t control you if that’s what you’re trying to point out. Ever. My father was an asshole, and he had me on his short leash. Look at me, son. I won’t make that same mistake again. That’s why I didn’t push it when you refused to see me. I let you live life with peace and normalcy and watched you from a distance even if it hurt.”

“Well, that’s a relief. I guess.”

“You can do anything with your life as long as you don’t commit murder or hurt yourself. I love you, son. I hope you know that. All I want from you is to be happy. Talk to your wife. If you want to tell her about this, go ahead. As long as you fix your marriage before deciding a separation.”

“She doesn’t want me anymore.”

“For God’s sake, Striker. Marriage is not a game. You give up when you lose. You made your vows. Stand by it. Hold on to it. Don’t let your pride ruin the only thing that matters to you. Or you can pretend all you want that you don’t want to save it. It’s up to you. You’d be miserable for the rest of your life as me.” He was talking about his experience. I could feel it.

“I need that drink now.” I went to open his cabinets before he could refuse. “I feel like I only come to you if I need something.”

My father shook to laugh. “Well, I will help you if I can.”

“Just not a lawyer,” I said harshly as I grabbed a bottle of old bourbon. I took two glasses with me and put them on the table.

“Pull your head out of your ass, young man.” He gestured no.

I poured it into a glass for myself. “That’s a terrible way to say to your son. Are you sure I don’t have brothers or sisters out there?”

“You have Linden and all those boys with you. Why else do you want brothers or sisters?”

“Are they under your payroll too? Linden. He’s been annoying me lately, always in my ass.” I sniffed it. I smelled smoky and oak. I took a sip of it. It was sweet and spicy. Perfect.

“No. But I want to help him expand his firm and resources and hire more people. He will get more contracts with my connections.”NôvelDrama.Org (C) content.

“That’s the best thing you’ve ever said since I walked in. I’ll tell him about your offer.”

“You should start your own family.”

“Yeah. I suppose it’s possible when I’m alone like a seahorse.” I clenched my jaw. I didn’t want to talk about something impossible.

“You’re attending a board meeting?”

My jaw dropped. Jesus, this man is unstoppable. He just kept on throwing and throwing data at me as if I was a supercomputer.

Good thing he waved it off when he saw the unimpressed look on my face. What did he expect? I would jump out for joy because I was finally wealthy.

“If you want in the Research. That’s fine.”

“Papa, please? If you add more, my head is gonna explode.”