Chapter 5 - A Brother’s Second Betrayal
Russo disappeared that night.
So did Leo.
At 2:13 a.m., Frankie’s phone rang.
“Francesca.”
Russo.
Her stomach tightened.
“Where’s Leo?”
“With me.”
A frightened voice sounded in the background.
“Frankie, don’t—”
The line shifted.
Russo returned.
“Your brother has something I need.”
“What?”
“The recording.”
“Gabriel already has it.”
Silence.
Russo had not known.
“Then bring Costa.”
“Why?”
“Because your brother finally told me what Costa has been doing.”
Frankie frowned.
“What are you talking about?”
“He’s replacing me.”
The pieces connected.
The routing facility.
The land.
The damaged truck.
Russo had not simply wanted the garage.
He wanted Gabriel’s expansion stopped.
“You sabotaged his fleet.”
Russo laughed softly.
“You’re smarter than your brother.”
“Low bar.”
“Bring Costa to Pier 19.”
The call ended.
Frankie immediately called Gabriel.
He answered on the first ring.
“Where are you?”
“My garage.”
“Stay there.”
“He has Leo.”
“I know.”
“How?”
“Marco traced the call.”
Frankie grabbed her jacket.
“I’m coming.”
“No.”
“Gabriel—”
“This is not your fight.”
“My brother is there.”
“And Russo wants you there because he thinks you’re leverage.”
“I am not leverage.”
Gabriel went silent.
Frankie continued.
“You told me everybody who stands on your rug begs.”
“Yes.”
“I didn’t.”
“No.”
“So stop treating me like somebody who needs permission to stand beside you.”
Another silence.
Then:
“Wear something warm.”
Frankie blinked.
“That’s your response?”
“It’s cold at the docks.”
Despite everything, she smiled.
“Dead octopus.”
May you like
“Mechanic.”
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