Hidden Witness 2: A Mafia Romance Read online

  “…You becoming my son-in-law was my insurance card if I ever needed one. I had no intention of ever telling Filippo you were alive.”

  “Fuck Filippo!” my father roared, slamming his fist against the table like a sledge hammer. His perfectly slicked back hair shook loose. “You should have called me the moment you knew my son was alive!”

  His eyes burned into Tommy’s as he moved closer to him. “I would have killed Filippo with my bare hands for trying to kill my son and killing my brother!” His hand slammed against his chest. “You motherfucking Bertozzi’s have some fucking nerve!”

  “Ed, finish,” I ordered.

  “The other day, you stopped by to thank me for watching the kids. I rushed you out of the house because I didn’t want Filippo to see you. I was trying to keep your secret. I never wanted any harm to come to you,” he said, accompanied by a sad smile.

  His eyes dropped on his fiddling fingers. “After you left, I returned to the patio where Filippo sat. He asked was there something I wanted to tell him. I shot him a confused glance. Filippo jumped out of his seat, wrapping his hands around my throat. He told me I better start talking, or he was going to kill my wife. I told him what I knew, which wasn’t much.” Ed ran his shaky fingers through his salt and pepper hair.

  “Filippo went looking for you.” His eyes met mine. “It was time to call Sergio.”

  I held Ed’s gaze a moment longer. I didn’t know how to feel learning the truth. My father wanted Ed here for the meeting to explain what took place behind his back. The information about Ed knowing I faked my death should have been discussed amongst the Magarelli family only.

  My father stepped close to Ed, wrapping his large hand around the back of his neck. “You, unlucky son of a bitch!” He jerked his neck back and forth.

  “I’m pissed. You kept my fucking…son...from…me!” he yelled. Releasing his neck, my father plopped down in his chair, whipping his fingers through his hair.

  The veins in my father’s forehead were about to burst. He popped his black suit lapels. “Dillon, get down to business.”

  I hadn’t seen that angry scowl since he killed Ernie. It will take a while for my father to get past Ed knowing I was alive and never revealing the truth until years later.

  I stalked toward Tommy, grabbing him by the collar of his navy T-shirt, tossing him onto the conference table. Retrieving my Glock from my holster, I held it to his temple.

  “There was a forty-five-year truce in place between my grandfather and his! Filippo broke that truce. Now we are at war! You have two choices stand with us or the Bertozzi’s!” I barked through gritted teeth. My dark eyes made contact with each of theirs.

  My eyes shot down at Tommy. “Your family is fucked.”

  “Fuck you, Dillon!” he spit.

  I laughed. “No, fuck you!” Squeezing the trigger, I released two bullets. The silencer muffled the noise. Tommy’s body went limp. The men around the table gasped, pushing back from the table. Even though there wasn’t any blood, Tommy was dead.

  I waved my gun around in the air. “Nice right!” I patted my Glock.

  “These guns are one of a kind. No blood. Can’t beat them! No one can get these, except the Magarelli’s.” I snarled, swatting Tommy off the table onto the floor.

  Tony walked in, then dragged Tommy out of the room.

  My hands brushed down each arm straightening my sleeves. Pulling my lapels tight against my broad chest, I walked over to my father, who stood, stepping aside. I took his seat, placing my gun on the table in front of me.

  “I was supposed to be the boss before I died. Now that I’m back, thanks to fucking Filippo, I am the new Don.” My stone-cold eyes made their way around the table, falling on Ed’s.

  He squeezed his eyes shut, turning away.

  “Who has a problem with what I just said?” I leaned forward, resting my palms on my Glock.

  “No one.” Vincent ran his hand across the back of his neck.

  “If anyone has a problem with how things are handled within the four families, you talk to me or Dominic. We recovered Cuban Cigars at the Bertozzi warehouse. Tomorrow, send your men to pick up your share to sale. We need to divide up the Bertozzi businesses. Each family will get a piece of the pie.”

  I glanced to my left. “Esposito’s you will take control of the Cigarettes, gasoline, and strip clubs.”

  My eyes darted back to my right. “Romano’s, you’ll receive the loan sharking books and half of the construction business.”

  I glanced down the table. “Pitucco’s you will handle waste management and online escorts. The Magarelli’s get gaming and the other half of the construction business. Any questions?”

  “No,” everyone answered respectively.

  “Last order of business, we need extra men to take down the Bertozzi family. We will flush them out then kill them. No harm comes to the women and children. Are we clear?”

  “Crystal,” Luca stated.

  “Tony will give your men orders. This concludes business for today.” I stood, holstering my gun. The new bosses, Luca, Marco, Vincenzo, Vincent, and Nickulas approached.

  “It’s been a long time, Dillon,” Marco stated shaking my hand.

  I smirked. “Yeah, it has.”

  Marco was my best friend growing up. We attended the same high school and fucked the same girls.

  “This has got to be weird, returning from the dead and shit?” Nickulas asked while lighting a cigar.

  “It’s weird in a good way. I get to be me again. I’m not happy about going to war, but it’s long overdue.”

  My father belted out a hearty laugh. Glancing over at him, I noticed he was surrounded by the old bosses.

  I returned my attention to the new bosses. “After the war is over, my mother is throwing a big party. Be sure to bring your beautiful wives to the party. We can catch up,” I smiled.

  Dominic stepped over, falling into the conversation. I realized this isn’t the life I longed for; a life of violence. But being around family and friends again felt good. Hell, being me again, felt good. No more hiding. I can take a family portrait and not care who views it.

  ∞

  Later that night, we met up with the team. Dressed in combat gear, toting my weapons, I was ready to fight.

  Sebastian opened the rear doors of the white van. The side of the van read Jerry’s Plumbing.

  “Hey, everyone,” Tony and I stated as we climbed inside.

  Dom climbed in, closing the doors behind him. He inched up toward the front seats. “Hunter, good to see you again.”

  He turned, smiling. “Good to see you again. Dominic, you remember my wife?”

  Dominic scratched his head. “I don’t recall meeting her the last time.”

  Hunter chuckled. “She was probably wearing a different prosthetic mask. She likes to change up her appearance. This is my wife, Samantha Latters, but call her Skyler in the field.”

  He nodded his head. “Nice to meet you, Skyler.”

  “Nice to meet you too, Dominic.”

  Tony and I hovered over Sebastian’s shoulder, gawking at his laptop screen.

  “Anyone leave the safehouse?” I asked.

  “Nope.”

  “Catching them off guard at their safehouses concerns me about our family.”

  Tony turned to me. “Hey, don’t worry. They are protected. I planted explosives around the perimeter of both safehouses. Sebastian has eyes inside and out. Anyone who doesn’t belong there will be blown to smithereens.”

  Sebastian firmly patted my shoulder. “We’re good. We will be ready to move in fifteen minutes. Guys, pull in. Take a look at the schematics of the house. Skyler and Hunter already know the layout.”

  After going over our plan, I considered calling Sierra, but I couldn’t. I needed to remain focused. I didn’t know how long I would be in the trenches keeping me and Sierra apart.

  “Skyler, it would mean a lot to me
if you could stay at the safehouse with Sierra and Zoey. Send Brandon out.”

  Sebastian glanced at Skyler. “Yeah, that would be a good idea. Besides, Sydney is arriving tomorrow.”

  Her face lit up, then her smile dropped. “You know I can hold my own out here?”

  Hunter grabbed her hand, kissing her cheek. “Baby, I think they are jealous. You are the only bad ass woman out here fighting with the guys. I’m not sure they can take you showing them up in the field. Oh, and I get to kiss my woman all the time.” He smiled, taking her lips.

  I interjected. “Yeah, you gotta go.”

  We all laughed.

  “Fine, I will leave tomorrow. Since I have to go play nice with the girls, I get the most kills tonight.” A devilish smile curled her lips.

  We threw our hands in the air.

  “Fine,” I breathed.

  Pulling out my burner, I decided to send Sierra a quick text.

  Hey, baby. I shouldn’t be thinking about you out here, but I miss you.

  I didn’t expect her to text right back. I figured she was still upset I had to leave.

  I miss you too, Dillon. If you could just send me a message every day telling me you are ok. Allowing me to read those words will keep me from going insane.

  I’ll try my best, baby. Send me a picture.

  No, Dillon. I look a hot mess.

  You are beautiful to me.

  There was a long silence. I guess she decided not to send the picture.

  My phone lit up. The picture came through, followed by a video. I slipped my earbuds in my ears.

  Sierra’s video:

  Dillon, I will put our differences aside for now. I love you.

  Her gray eyes danced upward, then fell back on the screen. I don’t like us being apart. I need you now more than ever before. Tears began streaming down her face. She lay down on the bed, staring at the screen. Talk to you later.

  There was no time to get in my feelings. Sierra has a way of making me feel special. Her words, ‘I need you now more than ever before,’ made me angry. All the shit Filippo did made my woman fragile and scared. Once, I walk in and kill all his men, my woman’s mental anguish and sadness will be on my mind as I go on a killing spree.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  DILLON

  WE ARE AT WAR

  Shoving my wireless earbuds in my pockets, I placed the tactical earbuds back inside my ears.

  “Dillon, we are ready to move,” Sebastian stated.

  Dressed in camouflage, our team blended in with the woods surrounding the Bertozzi compound. We slid our gas masks over our spy glasses. My Glocks rested in my shoulder holsters. Gripping my tan Steyr Aug M3 A1-A with the scope, I dipped into the dark woods, following closely behind Hunter and Skyler. Peeking up into the sky, I noticed it was a starless night. The full moon appeared brighter. It reminded me of stories of men turning into wolves. We were the wolves, and the men in the house were our prey. Dominic and Tony trailed close behind us. There were several men guarding the house.

  “Let’s set up,” Hunter whispered.

  Skyler and Hunter lay down in the grass, propping up their sniper rifles. Dominic, Tony, and I followed suit.

  “Look through your scopes and on my count take the shot. Skyler and I will take out the two men in the middle. Tony, take the man out on your right. Dominic, take out the man directly in your view. Dillon, you do the same and take out the target in your path. Remember the element of surprise. Killing them simultaneously will allow us to move closer, taking out the remaining men around the perimeter,” Hunter stated.

  “1-2-3,” Hunter whispered.

  Our silent bullets flew through the air striking each man in the head. Their limp bodies collapsed on the ground. Immediately, we rushed the perimeter of the home, taking down each target surrounding the house, flawlessly. Skyler stood back against the house, sniper rifle pointing upward. Her brown eyes fell on Hunter, then each of us. She raised her black gloved hand in the air, forming a fist. Hunter stepped in front of her, sticking the C4 on the door. We took a step back. Hunter squeezed the button, blowing the lock. Skyler pushed the door open. She held her sniper rifle close, storming into the bright custom kitchen. Quickly, she hid on the side of a custom built-in cabinet. Her eyes fell on mine and she smiled, followed by a wink. She disappeared around the corner. Hunter followed. Stepping closely behind Hunter, I witnessed Skyler in her element. Creeping behind the man standing at the stove, her sniper rifle rested against the back of his head. ‘Bink’ was all that was heard before he began falling to the floor. Hunter caught him before he made contact. Skyler continued into the family room off the kitchen.

  “There are thirty men throughout the house, most are upstairs in the library,” Sebastian stated, through the ear buds.

  There were four men sitting on the sofa, two of which were playing a video game. Two other men carrying assault rifles stood against the wall leading into the hall. Skyler pointed her rifle in the direction of the men guarding the room. She squeezed the trigger twice, one bullet to the head, taking them down. A bullet flew through the air, targeting Hunter. He ducked, aimed his rifle toward both of his targets hopping to their feet. Hunter fired two shots, dropping them to the floor.

  Dominic and Tony crept out of the room heading toward the stairs. The two remaining guys turned, pointing their guns in my direction. My finger squeezed the trigger twice, one shot to the head. Their bodies slumped over. No more laughter was heard from downstairs, only the gunfire from the video game. My eyes scanned the room, darting back into the kitchen. Stalking forward, I followed the team up the stairs. Tony pointed his weapon, shooting the men at the top of the stairs. Hunter tossed two tear gas grenades into the office.

  Smoke quickly filled the room, pouring through the air in our direction. Gas masks securely in place allowed us to move freely throughout the remaining rooms. Our team broke off at the top of the stairs. Sniper rifle pointing forward as I eased into the large office. My eyes focused through the clear glass.

  “Where is Filippo Jr.?” I roared.

  Squinting their eyes, coughing up their guts, their Glocks remained flecked in my direction. Dominic fell in line beside me. His gun swayed around the room.

  “The Don, asked you sons of bitches a fucking question! Where the fuck is Filippo Jr.!” he growled.

  “We ain’t telling you motherfuckers shit!” the guy the size of a linebacker, spit out.

  I stepped closer. The man constantly wiped his eyes. “We will find that son of a bitch. Ain’t no way out of the state of New Jersey!” I grimaced.

  A hearty laugh filled the room from the giant standing before me.

  “He’s gone, and ain’t no finding him.”

  “Noted,” I smiled.

  “Pop, pop!” my rifle sounded off as I shot him twice, once in the head and another in the heart.

  My ominous eyes circled the room. “Ain’t nobody walking out of here today!” I snarled.

  “Nessuna pieta! That’s the Magarelli way,” I roared.

  One by one, Dominic and I picked off each man surrounding us in the room. The rounds from our rifles flew into our targets, dropping them like sacks of potatoes. Slinging our rifles over our shoulders, we retrieved our Glocks from our holsters. Facing back, to back we left the room, aiming our guns down the hall. Stepping off in either direction, my eyes darted quick into the first bedroom on my right. Three men were sprawled across the floor, riddled with bullets. I continued down the bright hallway toward another wing of the house. Violent screams filled the house. “Please, no more!”

  Peeking into the gray room before I entered, I aimed my gun toward the bleeding man sitting in the chair, Skyler hovered over the man with a blowtorch, burning his arm.

  “Please, I don’t know where my nephew is!” he cried.

  Skyler expeled a devilsh chuckle. “Oh, I think you do. Let’s liven up the party.”

  Hunter watched as she retrieved a
machete from the black duffel bag strapped to her body.

  My eyes grew in size. What the fuck? Who is this woman?

  “Skyler, I’ll handle it from here.” I stepped closer.

  “He’s Filippos little brother. He would never rat out his nephew.”

  Pointing my Glock at his forehead, I placed my black Gor-Tex boot on the chair between his legs.

  My laugh was malicious. “I don’t need you to find that piece of shit nephew of yours. Your brother was a piece of shit too! It felt good stabbing that fucker to death,” I snarled.

  His chest rose and fell. Falieks demeanor changed, and rage fell over his face. His binded arms held him back.

  “What? You want a piece of me, you fat psycho motherfucker?” My large hand wrapped around his meaty neck while the other held the Glock snug against his skull.

  “Fuck you Dillon! Fuck the Magarelli’s!” Spit flew from his mouth, flying against my gas mask.

  “Nessuna pieta, bitch!”

  Stepping back, I squeezed the trigger. Six shots, slammed into his chest and head. Kicking over the chair, his dead body dropped to the floor. I lifted my gas mask, spitting in his deceased face.

  Hunter and Skyler’s widened eyes remained on me. I lowered my mask. “Sebastian, are we clear to move?”

  “Yes. Tony and Dominic are waiting at the back door. Don’t worry about the woman and the two kids. Skyler locked them in a room down the hall. I’ll use my computer to unlock the door in the am.”

  “Good.”

  Our message has been delivered. I will find Filippo Jr. His wife will slip up and call him, then I will swoop in and kill that bitch.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  SIERRA

  I was hesitant about sending Dillon a video. Before Dillon texted me, I was lying on the shower floor, crying for what seemed like forever. That savage Filippo violated me, in turn he violated my relationship with Dillon. Will Dillon ever touch me the same? I know I told Dillon I couldn’t be with him, and I seriously tossed around the idea of leaving Dillon. Then I realized, no man has ever made me feel as special as Dillon does. I doubt if another man can. Lying on the comfortable king sized bed staring up at the wooden ceiling beams, my naughty thoughts carry me to a special place.