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“So you killed 40 men… from a distance,” Aurelia sneered.
“Hey, stronzo,” Adriano snapped at his cousin. “When you’ve done something besides shoot some prick when he was tied up and couldn’t fight back, then you can talk. Until then, show some respect and shut the fuck up.”
Most of the brothers – Niccolo, Massimo, and Valentino – erupted into oooooohs and amused laughter.
But Aurelio turned scarlet with rage, and his eyes fixed murderously on Adriano.
Adriano stared back, his expression a challenge: What’re you gonna do? Come over here and try it, you piece of shit.
Roberto was the only one of the younger generation who didn’t react at all.
“Boys – BOYS!” Leonardo shouted over the chatter and laughter. “Cut it out. Ignore him, Aurelio. And YOU – ” he said, pointing at Adriano, “you keep that tongue of yours in your mouth, or you’re gonna start something you don’t wanna finish.”
“Oh, I’ll finish it all right,” Adriano said as he stared at Aurelio.
More laughter from his brothers –
And then Leonardo exploded.
He BANGED his fist on the table, making all the plates and glasses jump.
Everyone went silent as the mafia don shouted at Adriano.
“You’re embarrassing me in front of our guest! Carrying on like you’re some piezo di merda Camorra gangster while your brother’s in prison fighting for his life – and the man who stood by him three and a half years has to sit here in silence and listen to you show your ass! Your mother raised you better than that, God rest her soul – and I sure as hell taught you better!”
“Sorry, Papa,” Adriano said quietly, all his bravado gone. He had long since dropped his gaze to the plate in front of him.
“Apologize to your cousin. Now.”
Adriano flicked his eyes up to Aurelio, though his gaze was still full of venom. “Sorry, Aurelio.”
When Aurelio didn’t say anything in return, Fausto gave him a raised eyebrow and a warning look. DO IT.
“I’m sorry, too,” Aurelio said coldly, although it was clear he was anything but.
“You two,” Leonardo said in disgust, shaking his head. “One day, when Fausto and I are gone – ”
“Papa,” Adriano said imploringly, like Don’t say that.
“Not for many years, God willing,” Leonardo said, “but it’s gonna happen – you know it, I know it, we all know it. When I do go and join your sainted mother, it’s gonna be up to your generation to carry on the family name. To work together to keep what your grandfather built when he came over here from Sicily. And you’re not gonna be able to do it with all this childish bickering and fuckin’ dick-measuring – capiche?”
“Yes, sir,” Adriano murmured, still looking down at his plate.
Aurelio stayed silent.
“Which is why I hired Lars here, to whip you into shape. To turn you boys into men. Into SOLDIERS, with the DISCIPLINE of soldiers. Got it? Because not only did Lars cut his fuckin’ teeth in the Special Forces – in Afghanistan, where it’s kill or be killed – he proved his loyalty by standing side-by-side with your brother in prison. You remember that when he gives you an order. And if anyone – ”
Here Leonardo glared at Aurelio.
“ – treats him with disrespect, from this moment forward, I’M gonna have somethin’ to fuckin’ say about it. Understood?”
There were a chorus of Yes, Papas from around the table.
Aurelio nodded. “Si, Zio.”
Yes, uncle.
“Alright,” Leonardo said, settling back into his chair. Then he looked at me. “Lars, I ask your pardon for my son and nephew’s foolishness.”
