Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 369(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 369(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
“I think they’re awesome,” I give my two cents.
“Don’t tell them that. I’ll never hear the end of it.”
Chapter 30
CASSIA
When I walk into the last warehouse after visiting the other two, it’s to find my people are hard at work.
No one notices as I watch them for a few minutes. Some are putting jewels in stuffed bears, and others are placing counterfeit notes in baby formula tins.
“Can I have everyone’s attention,” I call out.
Heads snap up, and slowly, it grows silent.
“I’m happy to see you all hard at work, but I have announcements to make.” When I’m sure I have their attention, I lift my chin higher. “I’ve taken over my rightful place as the head of the organization. If anyone has a problem with it, you’re free to leave right now.”
I wait for a full minute, and when no one gets up to leave, I gesture at Knight. “This is Lincoln Knight. He’s my second-in-charge, and you’ll report to him going forward. Savvas is no longer with us. He betrayed us and paid for it with his life. If anyone else tries to betray the organization, I will execute them.”
They all just keep looking at us. Then I add, “Everyone will get a ten percent increase.”
Cheers break out, and it has me muttering, “I thought that would get a reaction out of them.”
Knight chuckles, then steps forward and shouts, “Get back to work. I want the cargo on the trucks by sundown. We have a lot of catching up to do.”
“Yes, boss,” some of the people shout, but the vibe remains happy from the good news I gave them.
“That takes care of the warehouses. Let’s go home. I don’t want to be late for my meeting with Arthur.”
We head out to the SUV and get in. When Knight starts the engine, he asks, “Are you going to leave Arthur in charge of the soldiers and weapons?”
“No. I’m thinking about letting Saunders take over that part of the business. What are your thoughts?”
He shrugs. “He’s a good choice, but what will you do with Arthur?”
“While you deal with the warehouses, Arthur can manage the shipping yards. It will free up some of your time so you can accompany me to meetings.”
“Makes sense.”
I let out a sigh. “Things are slowly falling into place.”
“Only because you’re good at what you do,” he praises me.
When we reach the mansion, Knight steers the SUV up the driveway before parking in front of the entrance.
“After this meeting, I need to go back to the island to speak with my aunt. I think it’s safe for her to go home.”
“I’ll make the arrangements,” Knight says before climbing out of the SUV.
I follow him into our home and head straight for my office. As I take a seat behind the desk, I hear a car engine, and glancing out the window, it’s to see Arthur and Andrew pulling up behind our SUV.
I roll my shoulders and take a deep breath. A few minutes later, I hear footsteps, then Knight comes into the office, followed by Arthur.
His arm is in a sling, and his face is swollen with a myriad of bruises.
“How do you feel?” I ask as I gesture at a chair.
“I’ve been better, but I’m ready to work,” he replies as he sits down. With the one eye that’s not swollen shut, he looks at me. “I’m sorry for your loss, Cassia. I wish there was more I could’ve done.”
“You’ve done a lot for me, Arthur, and I want you to know I appreciate it.”
He nods, then says, “Congratulations on your position as the head of the organization. I want you to know I agree with how you’ve chosen to handle things. I was worried about going to war after the hit we took. I have to rebuild our army.”
I shake my head. “Saunders will take over from you. I want you to manage the shipping yards. The deal I’ve brokered with the bratva is important to me, and I need to know I have someone I can trust at the docks. Our load is going to increase considerably with the shipments coming in from the bratva. Knight will handle the warehouses. You’ll work with him, but you’ll report to me.”
He nods. “If that’s where you want me, then that’s where I’ll be.”
“Have Andrew assist you so he can start learning about the business.” I offer him a smile. “I’m also giving you an increase. You’ll get five percent of everything we make.”
“Christ, Cassia,” he gasps. “So much?”
“If you have an investment in the organization, you’ll work twice as hard to make a success of it. I won’t build my empire on the broken backs of my people. We all rise or fall together.”
Arthur looks at me with so much respect it makes me feel emotional. “I better get to work then. We have a lot to do.”