Chapter 6 - Decoy on Fifth Avenue
Dawn broke over New York in shades of bruised purple and slate grey.
Marco entered the penthouse carrying three garment bags and an encrypted communication rig. His face was grim.
“Lorenzo has called an emergency meeting of the Five Families Commission for tonight at eight,” Marco reported. “He claims Victor has gone rogue, murdered two port authority guards, and compromised the city's trade routes.”
“And Vance?” Victor asked, standing before the wall of monitors.
“Vance is preparing an unsealed federal indictment. If the Commission agrees with Lorenzo, Victor loses the protection of the Syndicate pact. The feds will move in, and if Victor resists, it’s shoot-to-kill sanctioned by both the law and the underworld.”
Adriana stood beside them, holding a steaming mug of black coffee. “They’re moving faster than we thought. They want to execute you before you can present any counter-evidence.”
“Which means we don't wait for tonight,” Victor said. “We strike at their public narrative first.”
He turned to the garment bags Marco had brought.
“Miss Blake, tonight’s charity gala at the Metropolitan Museum is still happening. Arena Vasquez was supposed to be my arm candy to show the public that Moretti Enterprises was stable and unbothered. Lorenzo thinks I won't show up because of the raid at the pier.”
“You’re going to the gala,” Adriana realized.
“We are going to the gala,” Victor corrected. “Lorenzo will be there. District Attorney Vance will be there. The entire high society of New York will be watching.”
“Victor, look at me,” Adriana gestured to her damp, messy hair and oversized borrowed sweater. “I’m a behind-the-lens person. I don’t do red carpets. I don’t wear five-thousand-dollar gowns.”
Victor walked over to one of the garment bags, unzipping it to reveal an exquisite, backless emerald green silk evening gown that shimmered under the halogen lights.
“This was custom-tailored for a model who measured 5'10",” Victor said. “Marco had our seamstress adjust the hem and waist two hours ago based on your proportions.”
Adriana looked at the dress, stunned. “You planned this while I was sleeping?”
“I plan everything,” Victor said softly. “You told me you’re not an asset or a piece on a board. You’re right. Tonight, you are my equal. You will walk into that room with a hidden micro-camera integrated into your clutch purse. You will look at them the way you looked at me—without fear.”
Adriana touched the cool silk of the gown. A surge of fierce determination replaced her lingering hesitation.
May you like
“If I do this,” she said, looking straight into his eyes, “we don't just survive tonight, Victor. We ruin them.”
Victor’s eyes flashed with dark pride. “That, Miss Blake, is the only outcome I accept.”
