Actually, Sean's instincts were dead on. Lawson was indeed observing the warehouse from a distance.
Once he saw the FBI successfully execute the raid, Lawson decided to bounce.
He didn't contact Neal because he figured the guy was way too unreliable and prone to leaking his info.
Falling into FBI custody was definitely a shitty situation for Phil and Dennis, but honestly, it was the best possible outcome for them. At least they wouldn't have to face Mafia punishment anymore.
Although Lawson didn't know Sonny Black was about to chop off their hands, he knew damn well the Mafia wasn't a charity. They absolutely would have used the opportunity to terrify any restless soldiers in the family.
Exactly. Phil and Dennis were highly likely to become the chickens killed to scare the monkeys.
And landing in federal custody was infinitely safer than LAPD custody. The FBI wasn't nearly as easy to infiltrate.
Besides, other than seeing Lawson's face, Phil and Dennis knew absolutely nothing about him.
Even with them in FBI hands, the blowback on Lawson would be minimal. Worst case, he just hits up Sangiovese bar a little less often.
Yeah, this was the absolute best outcome Lawson could orchestrate. He wasn't Phil and Dennis's daddy; he wasn't going to risk his life for them.
Afterward, Lawson got back in his car and called Donnie.
"Donnie, Phil and Dennis are in FBI custody. Their lives are safe for now. That's the most I could do."
Donnie sounded resigned on the other end.
"It is what it is. Phil and Dennis were just way too careless. At least with the FBI, they're breathing."
"My thoughts exactly. Donnie, I'm going dark for a while. I'll hit you up if I need anything."
"Got it. Maggie's due soon, so I'll be laying low in Texas. If you need backup, just call."
Hanging up, Lawson started the Dodge Viper and headed back to the apartment.
For the foreseeable future, Lawson definitely had to lay low. The Bonanno family knew his face now, and the FBI probably would soon too.
Going forward, Lawson probably couldn't show his real face; he'd need some sort of disguise just to step outside.
Luckily, Westerners generally suffer from face-blindness when looking at Asians, and vice versa.
Lawson's face was highly attractive by both Eastern and Western standards, so blending in would take extra effort.
Returning to Mrs. Gaines's apartment, Lawson was surprised to see Svafa.
"Linsey, aren't you supposed to be watching your bar?"
Svafa winked at Lawson.
"The bar isn't nearly as important as you."
That comment earned her Lawson pulling her close by her slender waist, a smile on his face.
"Linsey, did you handle that Cadillac?"
"Of course. Absolutely nobody is finding that car! By the way, I heard the Mafia paid your apartment a visit this morning?"
Holding Svafa, Lawson's hand discreetly slipped down to her spectacular rear bumper.
"Yeah. I was just out handling that exact issue."
"Ah! So they weren't looking for you because of Little Martin?"
"No, they were looking for me because of Rupert Lawrence."
Lawson had previously bought intel on Rupert Lawrence from Svafa; the guy was the security chief at the Pacific Standard Bank branch.
Hearing Rupert Lawrence's name, Svafa instantly realized there was a leak in the Pacific Standard Bank job.
"I see. So, is the issue resolved?"
"For now. But my face is out there, so I probably need to stay under the radar for a bit."
Lawson talked about laying low, but his hands were doing the exact opposite. Svafa kept letting out breathy, alluring gasps in his arms.
Which made things highly uncomfortable for the other people in the apartment.
"Mr. Lawson, there are other people here, you know!"
Megan found Lawson increasingly insufferable, practically hooking up right in front of them.
Lawson rolled his eyes.
"Ms. Kelly, can't you be a little more self-aware like Mr. Clinton?"
Franklin was currently glued to the TV, acting entirely oblivious to Lawson's side of the room. Highly self-aware.
"Sorry, I just never learned how to play deaf and blind. Otherwise, I wouldn't be in this mess."
"Alright then, Ms. 'Can't Turn a Blind Eye.' Svafa and I are stepping out for a bit. You two stay here and don't wander off."
"What? We've already been stuck here all day!"
Megan was clearly getting antsy. Being cut off from the world for a full day made her desperate to know what was happening outside.
"The most dangerous place is the safest place! The Bonanno family already searched this apartment; they highly likely won't come back. You should be thanking God that Little Martin's murder caused such a massive shitstorm that the Mafia is too paralyzed to make a move. But if you actively try to get yourself killed, nobody can save you!"
Lawson's words completely deflated Megan. Even though she hated it, she knew he was dead right.
That's why Franklin had accepted reality early on—watching TV when he wanted to watch TV, sleeping when he wanted to sleep.
"But... what about my job?"
"Got anyone you trust? Call them and have them cover for you. As long as you survive and bring back the truth about Little Martin's murder, you'll definitely drop a massive scoop. Assuming you survive, of course."
That successfully calmed Megan down. Lawson's words always had a magic-like ability to manipulate people's emotions.
"You're right. I can only make my dreams happen if I'm alive. If I die, it's all over! But who do I call?"
Right then, Franklin, who had been staring at the TV, suddenly spoke up.
"How about we call Mike?"
Guess the guy had been listening to Lawson the whole time, just pretending not to care.
Now that's true street-smart survival logic. It's not about constantly making yourself the center of attention; it's about showing your presence exactly when it matters.
"Great idea!"
Megan immediately pulled out her phone to dial, but Lawson stopped her instantly.
"Using your phone isn't secure. Use mine."
Lawson handed David Abbot's phone to Megan.
"Are you worried the Mafia tapped my phone? Seriously?"
"Better safe than sorry."
After David Abbot sold out Phil and Dennis using a dashcam, Lawson realized he couldn't underestimate anyone.
Especially smart people—a single moment of 'brilliance' from them could completely wreck Lawson's plans.
Lawson never expected his own face to get burned so quickly.
While Megan and Franklin took the phone into the bedroom to call Mike, Svafa leaned into Lawson's ear, whispering in a wet, husky voice.
"Little Lawson, mind taking your hand out now?"
"Ah? My bad, completely forgot!"
Lawson offered a highly insincere apology while pulling back his thoroughly soaked hand.
Svafa bit her lip and smoothed out her dress before speaking again.
"Little Lawson, need any help with that issue?"
"No need, it's still under my control. But I actually do need your help with something else."
(Megan Kelly)