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And when the time came to prove it, my men were ready.
125
Four months later, we returned to Milan when Dario got out of prison.
This time, Roberto insisted on coming along with us. “I wasn’t there for him when he was grieving – the least I can do is be there when he gets out.”
Niccolo argued vehemently against it. In fact, he argued against anyone going. “Don’t you think I want to be there, too? Things have changed, though – now we have to make the smart choice!”
But in the end, Roberto ignored his twin brother and boarded the plane with Adriano, Massimo, and Valentino.
It’s not like his presence created that much bigger of a headache for me. The situation was terrible no matter what: a new mafia don and four of his brothers all in one public place. If the Camorra was going to strike, a reunion outside the prison would be the perfect place to do it.
To make sure they were safe, I had a fleet of bulletproof Mercedes and a small army of foot soldiers in the parking lot. I even had Roberto rent a helicopter to scan the surrounding buildings for snipers.
The Camorra must have decided to give them a pass, though, because nothing happened the day Dario got out.
When he walked out of prison that morning, he wore a beautifully tailored suit, and his hair and beard were immaculately trimmed – but none of it could hide the new seriousness to his bearing, the world-weariness in his face. His father had died, and now the family’s legacy rested on his shoulders.
He would have his brothers’ help, of course. But in the end, there was only one don… and the don bore the responsibility for the family.
Dario smiled as he walked up to us, but it wasn’t exactly joyful. It was more relieved – the look of someone seeing the faces of loved ones after a long nightmare is finally over.
Adriano hugged him fiercely. Massimo enveloped him in a bear hug. Valentino hung on for dear life… and then there was Roberto, who was a bit stiff and formal.
“You came,” Dario said warmly as he embraced him.
“I couldn’t not come,” Roberto said. “I’m sorry Niccolo isn’t here – ”
“Don’t be. He’s consigliere now. He had to make the smart choice.”
Roberto’s face fell the tiniest bit at the implied criticism.
To soften the blow, Dario patted his brother’s cheek affectionately and winked. “But I’m very, very happy you’re here. Thank you.”
Roberto smiled and nodded… and then Dario turned to me.
He had embraced all his brothers with great affection. They were family; it was only appropriate.
I was a good friend, but I also worked for him now. I didn’t expect any overt displays –
So I was a little surprised when Dario walked over to me with a huge smile, wrapped his arms around me, and hugged me.
“I would have died in there if it hadn’t been for everything you taught me,” he said. “Thank you.”
“I would have died in there if you hadn’t been my friend,” I replied. “Thank you.”
He gave me an even bigger smile, then slapped me on the shoulder and turned to his brothers. “Everyone ready?”
They shouted a jubilant Yes!
“Good – then let’s get the fuck out of here,” he said, looking up at the prison. “I’ve had enough of this place to last ten lifetimes.”
As we walked towards the cars, he asked me, “Are we flying out?”
“You and your brothers are. I’ll go back with our men in the cars – ”
“No,” he interrupted. “I want a celebratory drink on the plane, and I want you there when I have it.”
