Chapter 447 - Set In Motion

Gael would personally take care of it.

There was no other way this would go. He would take matters into his own hands, and his father would just have to deal with it. Besides, he doubted the other families would be against it. After all, it wasn't the De Lucas who broke the agreement by bringing drugs into a supposedly off-limits territory.

However, to ensure this plan, he needed leverage—something he could use to work with the Parks. There was no way the Parks would agree to his request if he came up empty-handed. The Parks were known to be notorious in Harbor and the neighboring cities. He had heard "great things" about how they dealt with the traitors in their circle. So they wouldn't have problems dealing with strangers like the De Lucas.

That wasn't an option for Gael. He needed this smooth and foolproof—well, as foolproof as it should get.

First, he'd use Evan to get to Filippo—which he had been looking for since Jino's death. When they ended Bruno, Gael wasn't really done with the Morellis yet. However, they met a stump on the road when his younger sister married Mariano. Gael and Giovanni agreed they would still move forward with their plan to look for Filippo. From what he learned, Mariano and Filippo didn't really get along, so Mariano, the more sensible Morelli, might not miss his brother much.

Second, once Gael and his soldiers got what they needed, he'd use it to work with the Parks—assuming they weren't all problematic and rather diplomatic about an arrangement he would suggest to them.

This could, however, go the wrong way.

If the Parks were also in on this drug trade, the meeting could go south. Gael might have to fend for his life while trying to convince them he didn't care about whatever business they run in their territory as long as they give the De Lucas amnesty and hopefully amend the agreement their families from the older generation had made.

This could end in a war, or they could gain another ally.

Lastly… However way it would go later, there would only be one end for Evan Leos. Gael would show no mercy.

***

"Are you positive you can make this work?" Alessandro asked from the other end of the line. He and Gael had been on the phone for the past thirty minutes, going over Gael's plan. He was in the library while Angela was sleeping in her bedroom.

"It's the only shot I have. I can't think of anything else."

"Well, you're killing two birds with one stone. I'd say that's a pretty good shot." One for Filippo and another to amend the agreement with the Parks.

"Three birds. Leos is my end goal." Gael's jaw ticked. He'd been itching to go where Evan was and put a bullet to his head.

"Play smart, son. I may be a sitting duck with this Morelli business, but I got your back."

Gael let out a sigh. He knew his father would have been all over this thing if he wasn't such a diligent child to Severino's wish. Gael couldn't blame his father. Alessandro was there when his father took his last breath and made him vow not to seek revenge against the Morellis. Their family always respected the dead's wishes. Alessandro wasn't the same after that. But Gael could tell that the burden was eating up Alessandro inside—him being physically unhealthy these past few years was proof of that.

Giovanni and Gael liked to play in the grey area. They didn't promise Severino anything, unlike Alessandro. What would Severino do? Come back from the dead and haunt them?

That would be a great plot for Angela's novels if she still wanted to write a horror story.

"I know you do," Gael replied. "We'll have to deal with Mariano when we get to Filippo. We can't risk Gabby. You think Val can get her out of there when the time comes?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Alessandro spoke again. "That might not be necessary."

"What do you mean?"

Alessandro sighed. "Mariano and I agreed on…terms that day. We're in a truce as far as the new pact goes… He knows we're still out to get Filippo and Marino, and he admitted that he was searching for his brother too. But he wouldn't 'voluntarily' hand them over to us."

Gael's brows drew together, seemingly baffled. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying… If you get to Filippo first, Mariano won't be in your way."

Gael paused as he absorbed this information. "Why the hell are you only telling me this now, Dad?" He gritted his teeth at the last words.

"Because you and Giovanni are both hotheaded. If you knew this then, you both would've gotten yourselves killed from being reckless. You weren't in a place to think straight, having lost Jino. And Giovanni's still thinking with his dick when that woman is involved." Alessandro huffed, and Gael could imagine his father shaking his head at the moment. 

Before Gael could respond, Alessandro continued, "Do you think you could've gone back to Esmea and returned to Angela if you went after Filippo right then? She won't only be grieving for the miscarriage of your child but also your death. I've already lost too many family members in my lifetime, Gael. I'm not going to bury my son and brothers too."

'Typical Dad,' Gael thought. He couldn't even be mad at him now when he cares this much. His voice softened, and he decided to veer their conversation. "How's Zio Pietro?"

Another sigh left Alessandro's mouth. "He's…trying, son. But he's not doing too well."

Fuck Cancer. "Does Val not want to come home?"

"She does. But you know Pietro."

Right. Val's father was adamant that she continue her job and not waste her time with him when his end was inevitable.

A figure from Gael's periphery caught his attention. He ended the call with his father as Trigger came over, waving a phone in his hand and showing that Rick was on the other line. Gael checked his watch and noted it was half past eight in the evening.

"Rick," Gael muttered as soon as he got Trigger's phone to his ear.

"Boss. He's on the move," said Rick.

"Where to?"

"Going north. What do you want me to do?"

"He's trained, so keep your distance and do as planned," Gael reminded. "Do not engage and take as many pictures as you can. Call me when you get to the meet-up point. Also, send your location."

The call ended, and they received Rick's tracker. "Tell Morty to go to Rick," Gael told Trigger.

"To get this Evan guy?"

"No. Rick and Eddie can handle him. I need Morty for Filippo."

Trigger's brows knitted. He hesitated for a second before he suggested, "I'll go with Morty then."

Gael considered this for a second. He knew Trigger also wanted vendetta for Jino's death. But he trusted Trigger to follow orders. So he nodded but also added, "I need you both to come back alive, so don't do anything stupid. You wait for the others before you make a move. Are we clear?"

"Yes, Sir."

Watching Trigger stride out of the library, Gael hoped the gods were in their favor.