Mad Max - Sapphire Knight Page 0,1

meet-up isn’t only a cash drop; we’re discussing the future of our little export business. It’s not so small anymore, and his uncle has become an issue. He’s a powerful man, sitting in the syndicate spot originally meant for my mate. The time has come, however, for things to change. T married Grace, and his uncle became a prime concern in regard to the curvy beauty’s safety. I have a feeling I’m going to be the lucky chap to put Thaddaeus on his rightful throne.

There are five rich and powerful families that rule the Chicago Crime Syndicate. My mate’s uncle is the head of one of those families. Imagine the discord it will create when I stab him to death. Not that I care, I thrive on a bit of chaos.

I’ve always been this way, different from my parents and other relatives. I’m from an extremely wealthy British family—elitists, the lot of them. I may’ve blown through their money while I was a young chap, but that changed when they threatened reform school. The streets of London called for my type of debauchery, and I was much obliged to offer it. I was branded a thug by my father and cast out. It was fine; they’d always held me back anyway.

I was quickly moving up through the ranks of a prominent London gang. I’d gotten my first real taste of power and knew I was never meant for the life my parents had planned for me. It’s what led me to meet Thaddaeus Morelli, the Joker of Chicago. The notorious gangster became my best mate, the only American I had any respect for, and my loyalty led me west. I’d come to America hungry for more power, ready to be his henchman.

Hell is empty.

All the devils are here.

– William Shakespeare

“Max,” Thaddaeus greets as we all unclasp our suit jacket buttons and have a seat around the fireplace in the parlor. The house staff enters shortly after with our afternoon tea. The men around me opt for coffee and espresso, which is their loss. Thaddaeus, Cage, and Dillion are from the states, but Tyson, he’s an Aussie. I figured he’d at least have enough sense to ditch the coffee.

Americans don’t appreciate a good tea nearly as much as they should. Mine has a splash of brandy, which is customary for my tastes. I silently nod my greeting to everyone around the table. Reaching forward, I take my cup and stir the brandy and tea mixture. “Tell me we have some good news. Is it finally time?”

My mate’s brow rises, and he sends a contemplative glance my direction before sharing. “Actually, it is. I’m ready for the takeover. My uncles pushed me too far. He expects us to give him everything we’ve got, everything we’ve accomplished on our own over the years. Well, no more. I won’t have him threatening my famiglia. Having Grace, along with our own children, means everything to me. I don’t want to have to worry about Uncle clapping back again in the future if we give in to him now.”

“It’s your rightful spot,” Dillion needlessly supplies, as we all know the history by now.

We’re all painfully aware that Thaddaeus is the top dog in Chicago, a title well earned, yet he denies it. Although, with the Vendettis moving into the Five Families table, I don’t know how long that title will last. The Vendettis are a prominent Italian Mafia family from New York, and they’re not shy about expanding their territory. They’ve already sent one brother here to Chicago to sit in the Bottaro’s place, and we have to be on the ball or else Thaddaeus stands to lose everything.

“Are we privy to the plan you’ve no doubt gotten cooked up?” I cast my gaze around the room, waiting for a peek at his ravishing wife, Grace. I’ve wanted to shag her from the moment I laid my eyes on her frightened, curvy body. The time I followed her to the cop shop and threatened her was fun; I’ll never forget it. She’d been so careless in gaining Joker’s eye during one of our many lunches. I thought for certain she’d end up dead once he became obsessed with stalking her, but nevertheless, she prevailed. Not only that, but they’re married and my bloke’s world revolves around the gorgeous woman.

Thaddaeus drinks from his coffee before replying, “There’s several things that we need to have in play before this can fully happen. First thing, we’ve discussed the Vendettis’