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Adriano looked like he wanted to reach across and throttle his uncle. “This is fucking BULLSHIT – ”
“Adriano,” Dario said wearily over the phone. “Enough.”
Adriano immediately fell silent.
“What are you thinking,” Dario said, and it was obvious the question was directed at his uncle.
“I would like your blessing to start my own family,” Fausto said. “Aurelio will join me. I would like half your father’s business in Tuscany… and the entirety of Florence.”
“No fucking WAY,” Adriano snarled.
“Why?” Aurelio sneered. “Because you think you’re going to run it someday?”
Adriano leapt to his feet, hands balled into fists.
The other brothers began arguing, too –
A cacophony of voices filled the room –
“QUIET!” Dario roared over the phone.
Everyone went silent.
When Dario spoke again, his voice was neutral. “I’ll have to talk with my brothers separately, but I’m amenable to starting your own family and taking half our territory. However, Florence is out of the question.”
Fausto frowned. “Dario – ”
“With all due respect, Uncle, I’M the one who went to prison to protect our position in Florence, not you. I didn’t agree to spend four years in San Vittore only to give up the crown jewel.”
Fausto took a respectful pause. “I realize that, Dario, but – ”
“My decision is final, Uncle. I’m willing to compromise on everything else… but not Florence.”
Now it was Aurelio who looked like he might kill someone.
Adriano just smiled at him with a Fuck you expression.
Niccolo spoke up beside me. “You realize, Uncle Fausto, that we’re willing to split our father’s business territory because of the love and affection we have for you, and in gratitude for your 25 years of service to the family. But you’re not owed anything.”
Fausto smiled. “Spoken like a true consigliere. I taught you well, Machiavelli.”
Niccolo gave a tight smile back. “Then you’ll understand why you’re not getting Florence.”
Fausto sighed. “All right. We can discuss the geographical boundaries now, or – ”
“I’m not going to be able to stay on the phone much longer,” Dario said. “I’d like a moment of privacy with my brothers.”
“Understood,” Fausto said. “Thank you, Dario… and I’m truly sorry for the timing.”
“Thank you, Uncle,” Dario replied, though he didn’t exactly sound warm as he said it.
“Come, Aurelio,” Fausto said as he walked towards the foyer.
Aurelio gave his cousins one last hateful look, followed his father out of the room, and shut the door behind him.
“Are they gone?” Dario asked.
“They are,” Niccolo said. “Are you sure about this?”
