Making Plans For Return

The streets were quiet as Victor, Jordan, and Maria made their way to the villa. It was an old estate, nothing flashy, but it was secure. Tucked away in the hills, it was the perfect place to lay low and regroup. Jordan led the way, cursing under his breath as he kicked open the heavy wooden door.

“I still don’t know why we’re bringing her here,” he muttered, shaking his head as he stepped inside. He made a beeline for the liquor cabinet, pouring himself a drink before turning back to Victor. “I mean, shit, we just pissed off the Contis, and now we’ve got one of their people in our damn safehouse?”

Maria smirked, tossing her bloodstained jacket onto the couch. “I’m not one of their people anymore.”

Jordan scoffed. “Yeah? And how the fuck do we know that for sure?”

Victor ignored them, rolling up his sleeves as he dropped onto the worn-out leather couch. His body still ached, but he wasn’t about to let that slow him down. “Did you set up the meeting?” he asked Jordan.

Jordan took a long sip of his drink before answering. “Yeah. Gerald’s on his way.” He leaned against the counter, studying Victor. “You know he’s gonna be pissed, right?”

Victor smirked. “When isn’t he?”

Jordan chuckled, shaking his head. “Fair point.”

They didn’t have to wait long. The front door creaked open a few minutes later, and Gerald stepped inside. He was in his late fifties, built like a man who had seen more than his fair share of shit. His sharp eyes flicked over the room, landing on Victor.

“Jesus Christ,” he muttered, rubbing his temples. “You haven’t even been here a full month, and you’re already making enemies?”

Victor grinned, pushing himself up. “Nice to see you too, old man.” Before Gerald could start his rant, Victor pulled him into a hug, clapping him on the back.

Gerald grumbled but returned the embrace. “Still as reckless as ever,” he muttered. “And still dragging me into your messes.”

Jordan snickered from the counter. “Told him the same damn thing.”

Gerald pulled away, eyes landing on Maria. His expression darkened immediately. “And who the hell is this?”

Jordan smirked. “Victor’s new pet project.”

Maria rolled her eyes. “Maria,” she said, stepping forward, hips swaying while Jordan watched appreciatively. “I worked at one of the Conti family’s clubs. Now, I don’t.”

Gerald stared at her for a long moment before scoffing. “And you trust her?” he asked Victor.

Victor shrugged. “She’s here, isn’t she?”

Gerald turned back to Maria, his voice dropping. “Listen, sweetheart. Victor risked his neck to save you. If you screw him over, I’ll make sure you don’t live to regret it.”

Maria met his stare without flinching. “I don’t betray people who save my life.”

Gerald studied her for another second before grunting. “We’ll see.” He turned back to Victor. “Alright. Let’s talk business. What do you want to know?”

Victor leaned against the table. “Xavier. What’s he been up to since I left?”

Gerald exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Still running things. He’s tightening his grip, cutting off every loose end he can find. He doesn't know you’re alive, Victor. He still thinks you are dead even though he couldn't find your body.”

Victor’s jaw tensed, but he nodded. “Good.”

Gerald crossed his arms. “So, what’s your plan? You didn’t come all the way here just to lay low.”

Victor’s eyes darkened. “I’m taking back my empire.”

Jordan sighed, shaking his head. “Of course you are.”

“But first,” Victor continued, “I need to build a foundation here. I need men. Allies. Power.” His gaze flickered to Maria. “That’s where she comes in.”

Maria raised an eyebrow. “Me?”

Victor nodded. “You know the gangs. The Contis. The Barese crew. The smaller players. You know how things work here.”

Maria tilted her head. “And you want me to help you navigate it?”

Victor smirked. “I want you to help me control it.”

Gerald let out a low whistle. “Jesus. You don’t do anything halfway, do you?”

Victor didn’t answer. He just met Gerald’s gaze, unflinching.

Gerald sighed, running a hand over his face. “Look, kid. I got out of this life for a reason. I gave you information back in the day, yeah, but I wasn’t in deep. I wasn’t like you.”

Victor stepped forward. “And how long do you think you can stay out before it drags you back in?”

Gerald didn’t answer.

Victor smirked. “You already agreed to meet me. That tells me you’re not as done with this life as you think.”

Gerald’s jaw tightened.

Jordan, who had been quiet for once, chuckled. “Shit, he’s got a point, old man.”

Gerald exhaled, shaking his head. “You’re a manipulative little shit, you know that?”

Victor grinned. “I do.”

Gerald stared at him for a long moment, then finally sighed. “Fine. I’ll help. But I’m not getting dragged into your drug business. Information, connections, maybe some logistics—but that’s it.”

Victor nodded. “That’s all I need.”

Gerald muttered something under his breath before grabbing a chair and sitting down. “Alright. Let’s get to work.”

As the night stretched on, they pored over every detail of the city’s criminal underworld. Maria watched Victor as he worked, her sharp eyes taking him in. He was relentless, completely focused. He wasn’t just a man trying to survive—he was a man planning a comeback.

And for the first time, she realized just how dangerous he really was.

But that didn’t scare her.

It fascinated her.

She didn’t trust him fully. Not yet. But she admired his strength.

And maybe—just maybe—she was willing to see where this led.

As the conversation continued, Victor leaned back in his chair, a small smirk playing on his lips.

This was just the beginning.

And when he returned to America, he wouldn’t just be coming back.

He’d be coming back stronger. He would come back as a ghost.