I approached the iron gates where Bianchi and his armed contingent were still being denied entry to the estate.

Sullivan had given explicit instructions: nobody was allowed into the compound without his personal authorization. In his absence, I had taken charge of the household and security grid, completely committed to enforcing his every command. As I reached the gate, the guards unlatched the  barrier, opening it just wide enough for me to exit with a squad of tactical enforcers behind me.

Several of Bianchi’s luxury sedans were parked along the driveway. A few of his bodyguards stood post outside the vehicles, watching silently as their Don stepped out from the...