The Donna's Last Intel

I was once the most respected intelligence officer in the underworld.

I controlled black market trade, port lockdowns, and risk assessments for every smuggling route.

These were the basics every new recruit learned on their first day in the Mafia.

But my intel was never reliable.

As time went by, everyone caught on.

In this city, whether the ports were locked down or open for business didn't depend on intel.

It depended on whether Vincenzo's childhood friend was in a bad mood.

I had just sent an order over the family's secure channel:

"Level-one lockdown. All shipping routes are closed."

A moment later, the ports were thrown wide open.

My rival mocked me in front of everyone.

"Isabella's supposed to be the queen of underworld intelligence, isn't she? What happened, did she lose her touch?"

Other family members twisted the knife without a second thought.

"Her husband changes the rules at a word from his precious Amelia. Who's going to listen to her anymore?"

"She's on the hook for any losses from this. That route reopening is going to bankrupt her!"

I clutched a stack of formal censures from the family. I said nothing.

It didn't matter. I was done being a pawn in their games.

Soon, I would be gone for good.

I was once the most respected intelligence officer in the underworld.

I controlled black market trade, port lockdowns, and risk assessments for every smuggling route.

These were the basics every new recruit learned on their first day in the Mafia.

But my intel was never reliable.

As time went by, everyone caught on.

In this city, whether the ports were locked down or open for business didn't depend on intel.

It depended on whether Vincenzo's childhood friend was in a bad mood.

I had just sent an order over the family's secure channel:

"Level-one lockdown. All shipping routes are closed."

A moment later, the ports were thrown wide open.

My rival mocked me in front of everyone.

"Isabella's supposed to be the queen of underworld intelligence, isn't she? What happened, did she lose her touch?"

Other family members twisted the knife without a second thought.

"Her husband changes the rules at a word from his precious Amelia. Who's going to listen to her anymore?"

"She's on the hook for any losses from this. That route reopening is going to bankrupt her!"

I clutched a stack of formal censures from the family. I said nothing.

It didn't matter. I was done being a pawn in their games.

Soon, I would be gone for good.

...

Vincenzo picked up the document I'd titled "Petition to Leave the Family," his eyes pausing on the words for a moment.

Then, he flicked the ash from his cigarette and chuckled.

"Isabella, my queen, who upset you?"

He rounded the large mahogany desk and circled behind me, his arms loosely wrapping around my waist.

His warm breath ghosted over my ear, carrying the scent of expensive cigars.

"Was it because the port wasn't