The war started two days later.
It wasn't loud—not at first. No shootouts, no explosions. Just whispers. A cousin of the Bianchi family picked up by the feds. A shipment seized at the docks. A bagman disappearing without a trace.
Matt stood in his penthouse, staring out at the city skyline. He had seen this before—pressure. The FBI was squeezing them, making them paranoid, making them desperate.
Miriam walked in, her leather jacket slung over her shoulders. "Word on the street is Dominic's already moving."
Matt turned. "Moving how?"
She tossed a file onto the table. "He's cleaning house. Anyone connected to Russo is being wiped out. Five bodies in the last 48 hours."
Matt clenched his jaw. Dominic wasn't just tying up loose ends—he was sending a message.
Miriam sat on the couch, crossing her legs. "We should talk to Luca."
Luca DeLuca. One of Dominic's top guys. Smart, ambitious. And, more importantly, loyal—to whoever gave him the better deal.
Matt considered it. "Set it up."
Miriam pulled out her phone. "Already did. He's waiting at La Notte."
Matt grabbed his gun and tucked it under his jacket. "Then let's go."
La Notte – Midnight:
The club was nearly empty, the usual crowd replaced by men in dark suits watching the doors. Matt and Miriam walked in without hesitation, heading straight for the VIP lounge.
Luca sat in the corner, drink in hand, his sharp blue eyes flicking between them. "I was wondering when you'd come."
Matt slid into the seat across from him. "You already know why I'm here."
Luca smirked. "Dominic's not happy with you."
"Yeah, well, I'm not too happy with him either."
Luca took a sip of his whiskey. "So what's your play, Matt? You looking for allies?"
Matt leaned forward. "I'm looking for survivors."
Luca studied him, then chuckled. "You're really going for it, aren't you? Making a move on Dominic?"
Matt didn't blink. "That depends. Are you with him?"
A tense silence.
Then Luca exhaled, shaking his head. "Dominic's old school. He thinks fear is enough. But people like me? We know better."
Matt nodded slowly. "So what's it gonna take?"
Luca smirked. "Power. Money. And the right people in the right places."
Matt leaned back. "Then let's start making that happen."
Luca clinked his glass against Matt's. "To new beginnings."
Miriam watched them both, her expression unreadable. She knew what this meant.
Dominic wasn't just a problem anymore.
He was a target.