“It was nothing more than an inquiry but it didn’t go anywhere,” Emilio said. “I’m just pointing out that they think differently than we do.”

Alonzo lifted his hand. “Emilio is right. The brotherhood in my country is run very differently. It is for that very reason that I decided to come here and work for Antonio Arnotto. He taught me a better way. The way of a family.”

Ulisse sighed and shook his head. “Antonio was a great man. He spoke highly of you at all times. He put his granddaughter in your hands, and more than once you kept her safe in spite of impossible odds. Everyone knows your reputation. But what do we know of Mitya Amurov? His father, Lazar, is one of the cruelest and bloodiest men known to us. He’s a shark. He eats people and territories alive. Your father was . . .”

“Patva Amurov. Lazar is my uncle. Mitya is my cousin. My entire family was wiped out when our territory was attacked. Only Timur and Gorya survived. I came to the United States to work for Antonio Arnotto when he reached out to me. I realized had we been structured differently, that wouldn’t have happened. I would still have my family. Although their families and territories were still intact, I knew Mitya and Sevastyan felt the same as I did. There had to be a better way. They followed me here.”

“Alonzo”—Ulisse leaned forward—“what of your uncles? What happens when they find out their nephews and sons are working for us? What happens when they demand we do business with them? And they will.”

Alonzo shrugged. “Any problem with my uncles will stay my problem. If they wish to go to war, it is with Mitya and me. They are businessmen above all else. It would be a disaster for them to go to war with all of you. You and I both know it is a symbiotic relationship. If they ask for favors, Elijah will be told immediately.”

He’d just cut the legs out from under Emilio, but he did it in such a way that he seemed to be backing him up. He couldn’t be faulted on his logic. Antonio Arnotto had been considered one of their best businessmen. He was well respected by everyone, as was Elijah Lospostos. Alonzo had the endorsement of both men. He had offered to take on any problems with the bratya.

“Mitya grew up in this business. He understands what is needed to lead. He was groomed for leadership, but he came up from the bottom so he appreciates his soldiers. He understands loyalty and family.”

Emilio snorted. “The bratya does not hold family sacred. There are rumors that Lazar Amurov murdered his own wife to prove his loyalty.”