Chapter 32
"They are flying no flag, Boss," Tony replied, his fair skin paling slightly under Domenico’s intimidating gaze. "But our scouts on the docks identified the markings on the cargo containers. It is the Cassano syndicate. They are a massive operation out of the Midwest. They must believe the destruction of the Cole family left a vacuum in our logistics." Domenico set his crystal glass down on the mahogany table. The polished leather of his shoes made no sound as he walked toward the center of the room. The Cassano family was known for brute force and overwhelming numbers, but they had severely miscalculated the strength of the Falcone empire. "They are testing the waters," Domenico murmured, his volume incredibly low, forcing Tony to lean in to hear the lethal promise in his words. "Prepare my vehicle. I will go to the docks." "Should I mobilize the heavy assault teams?" Tony asked, his hand resting near his holstered weapon. "No," Domenico replied smoothly. "We do not show them an army. We show them that one man is enough to hold the gate." Within thirty minutes, the black, armored SUV pulled onto the concrete expanse of the eastern docks. The cinematic, bright sunlight reflected off the rusted metal of the cargo containers. Domenico stepped out of the vehicle, flanked only by Tony and two other bodyguards. A contingent of twenty heavily armed Cassano mercenaries stood near the edge of the pier, their weapons lowered but visible. At their center stood an arrogant, fair-skinned lieutenant with a smug smile. Domenico walked toward them, his deeply masculine, imposing frame projecting an aura of absolute death. He stopped ten feet away, his cold, unblinking eyes locking onto the lieutenant.
