Fall For My Ex’s Mafia Father

Chapter 2 – Negotiating Alone–1

Kent leans his shoulder against the bars of his cell, his well–muscled arms crossed against his chest.

What was he doing in this local prison, created to catch the overflow of the city’s rampant gangs? He was their king, after all.

And to think, Kent was here by choice.

His lip raises in derision as he shakes his head, wondering if he made the right decision, intentionally getting caught so he could get in here, just for the chance to talk to the warden.

Two blue–uniformed guards walk down the row towards him. “Lippert?” They ask. “Warden wants to see you.” They cuff him and take him to the warden’s office.

Kent sits down on a chair in front of him, wordless, waiting for the guards to leave.

“So,” Sven says, closing his file. “I’m surprised you had the balls to come to my turn for a negotiation, Lippert. It’s brave.”

The public didn’t know it, but Warden Sven not only runs this prison, but leverages his control over it to take a significant stake in the workings of the city’s underworld. He is as dirty as the rest of them, and if other bosses go against him? He locks them

1. up.

Quite a trump card in this world where one of the only things

“Ivan?” Sven looks at him closely. “He’s chicken shit.”

Kent shakes his head slowly. “He’s just a kid, but he’s getting a foot in the heroin game. But because he’s green he doesn’t have the grit or the resources to handle it.” He pauses a moment, taking Sven in.

“He’s getting backed into a corner,” Kent continues, “and it’s making him ruthless. He’s not coming to meetings of the families, he’s killing at will – made men, as well as wise guys. He has to be stopped, Sven. Or he’s going to wreck it for all of us.”

Sven leans back into his chair, considering.

and second–in–command, had told him it was foolish to lock himself up for months just for the chance to talk to Sven. But Kent had a

breathing out through his nose. “Ivan’s too big for his britches, eh? It’s a delicate ecosystem,” he says, holding his hands out like a set of scales to demonstrate the balance. “We’ve all got to play our parts.

words before continuing. “I have to admit, Lippert, I’m impressed with your persistence in this matter. I’ve done good work isolating myself, protecting myself, but you found a way in. Not everyone would come to my turf, and stay so long, just for a meeting with me. I respect that. You’re a

“Ivan’s a mad dog,” Kent says. “We’ve got to put

eighty–twenty, for my agreement to let you handle it.”

doesn’t let his frustration show. He doesn’t care

–

all, honestly – Sven has power, but he’s notoriously low on cash, a problem Kent doesn’t have. But he can’t

yet, but not pushing the matter further. “What about the other bosses?” he asks. “Are you anticipating

B

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Ewa Gifts

– Negotiating Alone–2

head quickly. “Alden’s distracted. His guys are running the game, but he’s got some new

it. “He’s not going to take

and Kent realizes that Sven already knew this. Sven might not have cash, but he does trade

like being tested. “Do

at a calendar on his wall, the picture of a beautiful vineyard somewhere in Europe. “You know, I had a lovely glass of wine the other day. From Napa. But I gotta tell you, Lippert,” he turns here, looking Kent directly in the eye. “It left me a

cold smirk. “You wouldn’t happen to know…anywhere else. Where a man could get a finer glass of wine. A really good drink. Would

eyes to the calendar again, realizing suddenly that the picture on the wall is a picture of his vineyard, the calendar likely produced as a promotional gift for tourists. Sven knew exactly what Kent would ask even before he set foot in the room, and

narrowing his eyes

– Negotiating

2/3

turning back to the picture, all innocence. “I’d like to get a foot in the industry too. Maybe get some property there, some

It’s worth

good meeting. Kent

to your psychological assessment before returning

procedure, Lippert. All