He tapped the screen of the receiver, and a static hiss filled the room.

Then, a voice came through the speaker.

It was Marcus’s voice.

“Is she secured?” Marcus’s voice asked through the static.

“We have the files linked,” another voice replied—it was Silvio’s voice.

“Damiano is defending her, just like you said.”

“Good,” Marcus said. “Keep the pressure on him.”

“I will handle the federal side.”

The audio cut out, replaced by static.

My heart hammered against my ribs.

“They are talking in real time,” I said.

“Yes,” Damiano said.

He set the receiver down on the desk.

“Silvio thinks he has the majority of the captains,” Damiano said.

“He thinks he can force me to step down.”

“What are you going to do?” I asked, looking at the diamond on my finger.

“I am going to let him think he is winning,” Damiano said.

He walked over to the safe in the corner of the room.

He spun the dial and pulled the heavy steel door open.

Inside were stacks of cash, passports, and several handguns.

He took out a sleek, silver pistol and checked the magazine.