55: Snipper

Chapter Fifty-five: A Slice Of Your Secret

Marco's POV 

‘Can we meet by noon? I have something that might interest you. - Ramson.’

Reading through Ramson's text, I typed a response right away and sent it, demanding his address. It's almost been ages since we last met. 

In less than a minute, my phone chimed with the details bold on my screen. 

Noted. 

Locking my phone and setting it down, I picked up my cutlery and resumed chopping through the pan-seared chicken breast with sprinkles of mayonnaise and honey as sauce. 

Kaid was beside me, standing off my personal space, hands crossed per usual, and face as straight as my ass. 

It was almost thirty minutes past breakfast and Elara was yet to show up at the table. 

After Madre's passing, it's been barely two weeks since we revived the tradition of eating as a family at the table. 

“Lady Elara is coming right away, Don.” 

Francesca gave a curt bow and moved to dish out a sizeable portion of everything on the table for her. 

Lazy footsteps approached like a pregnant goose being pushed to the fair market. 

Elara showed up, looking exhausted. 

Her legs were clasped together and I need not ask why. She carefully pulled out the sit and gently leveled on it, still keeping her attitude. 

“Excuse us.” 

Her command sent Francesca out, while Kaid looked at me for permission. Then he nodded and walked out of the dining room. 

“Marco,” she began, not sparing her food a moment. “Can we talk about this?” 

In silence, I ate the chop from my fork and chewed.

“Marco.” 

She called again, her tone was softer. 

The table was long and large, fit for a whole clan, and it made her far apart from my reach. Somehow, I liked it so much. 

“This sudden attitude like I'm not human, acting like I don't matter anymore… it's breaking me.”

“Table manners.” 

She scoffed and bit her bottom lip. “Wow.”

Angry, she picked up her fork and knife, deliberately switching hands, and she dragged on her grilled meat, making a fuss with the clinking sound of metals. 

It was clear that she needed attention. 

So I don't indulge her with a response. 

“Look, I'm sorry. Okay?” She pouted and blew out air, unable to keep up with her act. “Can you stop making a big deal out of it?” 

“A big deal?” I sighed and resumed slicing through my meal. “A big deal is when you let your little brat in my way and I yell for the entire day.” 

Once I started ranting, I was done. 

“A big deal is when you refuse to do your duties and I punish you severely for it… A big deal is certainly not going on a date with a freak.”

“How was I supposed to know he was a psycho?”

I hissed. “Perhaps, if he was your Romeo, you would have eloped, yeah?” 

Done, I pushed my plate forward, sipped from my wine glass, and dabbed my lips with the disposable flannel. 

“And let this be clear, I do not want to see you with that bitch of a friend. Ever.”

“Evelyn? She is like a sister…”

“Good thing she isn't.” I dismissed it. “I wouldn't say another word on this matter.” 

Abandoning my meal, I stepped out of the dining area. Kaid followed behind immediately, keeping his professional profile. 

“I want to be alone.” 

I dismissed him and walked out. 

It was not up to 10, but I was already impatient to see Ramson. Whatever the hell he had to say by noon, should be ready now. 

Getting into a random SUV wasn't my favorite, but it was built for my safety; I zoomed out to the address, using the IP on the Android screen to guide me. 

It was a mall, and in the heart of New Jersey, where no one would suspect he was doing something that delicate. 

My eyes narrowed as I scanned through the small outlets in search of his number. It was on the last floor of the five-storey. 

Thankfully, it was a modern building, and there was an elevator. 

“I'm outside your door.” 

I spoke on the phone once he picked up my call. 

In no time, the heavy iron door opened and Ramson appeared. He didn't seem to have aged for a moment. Average height, fine black hair, cool brown eyes… just the same guy. 

“Mr. Conti.”

“I urgently need every information.” I took his hand in a brief shake and walked behind him. 

The place was neatly arranged and well illuminated and ventilated. It had stacks of modern computers on a long desk nailed to the wall. His community was four younger men who were neck deep into work. They greeted me warmly and continued their job. 

“Coffee or liquor?” 

“Hit the nail.” I dismissed Ramson's offer. 

He walked to a drawer, retrieved a small drive, and plugged it into his phone. 

“It's a recorded call from Kaid. 3 AM in the morning.” He tapped play and sat on the next couch. 

Impressive. 

‘You don't want to mess with me, now. Do you?’ 

A voice I recognized to be Cent's spoke out from his phone's speaker. 

‘I… I will get it across to you, soon. Mr. Cent.’ Kaid replied, his tone was a bit wavy. 

He didn't sound as bold as the Kaid I was used to. This was a shadow… a shadow hiding something darker. 

‘When am I getting the fifty crates you promised?’ 

There was a short pause. 

‘You know it's a whole lot of coke to send without being noticed.’

‘And that's your fucking business.’ Cent shut him up.

‘I meant, I'd dispatch it amongst the five thousand supplies we have. How about that?’

‘Whatever you do, I need them complete.’ His old rusty tone warned. ‘And you have just a week. I'm not that kind.’ 

The call ended. 

What business were they up to? What does Cent have on him?

I reclined back in my seat, thinking it through but not getting anything. It appeared I had a bunch of fuckers than I imagined. 

“Oh.” Ramson's mumbling broke the silence. “I think we have a new call coming in.” He walked over to his desk. 

Rolling my seat, I was now behind him, watching, listening. 

“And it's from the same number.” He informed me. 

The ringing stopped when Kaid answered his call. 

‘I need an address.’ He hastily spoke up. ‘I can do ten right away. Just so you know, I don't have much time.’ 

‘Good boy.’ Cent cackled. ‘I'll text you immediately.’ 

The call dropped. 

How long has this their shitty business been on? How much money have I lost? 

There was Lorenzo, one who'd stick his nose in everyone's business but his. If he was doing his due diligence, we wouldn't be here. 

“We've got it.” 

Ramson announced, clicking on a smaller font as it popped up. It was the address Cent sent to Kaid. 

Tons of options ran in my head. 

First, I could burst their plans and ruin the rest of it. 

Second, the first would enable me to have fun killing both of the morons. 

Third, I had a bigger picture to paint, doing the first two may interrupt the process…

“Sir.” One of the staff called out to his boss and snapped me out of my thoughts. “I think you should see this.” 

Ramson pushed out of his working position and walked over to the end of the room, standing behind the worker's chair, his hands spread around the arms. 

Needing every drop of the juice, I stood up and walked over. 

On his screen were photos of Kaid and Sofia in a fancy restaurant.  She had a scarf thrown over her head and was well-dressed like a lady on a proper date. 

They were both lovey-dovey. 

One had them in a compromised position, kissing and fondling. 

Fuck… 

Another popped up, a text from Sofia to him; ‘Thank goodness I found you.’

Her nudes accompanied the text. 

Oh, my fucking god. 

“Shut it down.” I was a few seconds from plucking their eyes out. 

What the heck was wrong with Sofia?!!!

Jeez!!! 

How the fuck could she stoop so low? Or is it her way of getting back at me? 

Whatever the hell it was, Kaid took advantage of her, and I wasn't about to let it slide.