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“He wants to go. We need to give him something, or it will only breed resentment.”
“Agreed, but – ”
“I have to go soon, and we need to elect a new don.”
Niccolo looked at the others. “I say we put it to a vote. Everyone in favor of Dario becoming the new don…”
Niccolo raised his hand – and every other brother raised his hand without hesitation.
I raised mine, as well.
Niccolo smiled. “You don’t technically get a vote, Lars, but let the record show that you voted in accordance with everyone else. It’s unanimous, Dario – or, should I say… Don Rosolini.”
“Don Rosolini,” the other brothers said in unison.
There was a long pause. When he finally spoke, Dario sounded choked up. “Thank you, brothers. And thank YOU, Lars – I appreciate the show of support.”
I smiled in embarrassment. Everyone else chuckled kindly.
“I will do my best to bear the great responsibility you’ve entrusted me with and to be worthy of the honor. As my first act, I appoint Niccolo as my consigliere. Any objections?”
No one said a word.
“Good. Niccolo, I give you full authority to negotiate with Fausto on my behalf. No need to clear your decisions with me – I trust your judgment.”
“Thank you, Don Rosolini,” Niccolo said somberly.
“I have to go. Know that my heart is with you… and that I love you all. Goodbye.”
Everyone murmured goodbye, and the line went dead.
Niccolo exhaled heavily and looked around at his brothers.
“Well… so begins a new era,” he said. “Let’s make Papa proud. Lars, would you please bring Fausto and Aurelio back in?”
“Of course,” I said, then walked over to the parlor door.
When I opened it, I was immediately struck by what I saw.
Fausto stood there by the foot of the stairs with Aurelio next to him.
He was surrounded by foot soldiers – one of whom was bent over Fausto’s hand and kissing a ring on his finger.
I noticed that every single man surrounding him was one of the old-timers.
“They’re ready for you,” I announced.
Fausto smiled at me and walked back into the parlor like a king entering his court.
Aurelio followed close behind. He didn’t even spare me a glance as I shut the door behind us.
122
Niccolo and Fausto began negotiating and didn’t stop until 2 in the morning.
Neither side was truly pleased with the results. Fausto obviously still wanted Florence, but Niccolo wouldn’t budge. In return, the brothers gave up more territory than they would have liked in exchange for Florence and the family’s ancestral mansion.
Adriano was pissed. Of course, he was always pissed, so no surprises there. “We didn’t give away half our territory – we gave away almost two fuckin’ thirds!”
