AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As I took a deep breath, Margot wrapped her hand around my shirt, the slight moan she issued pulling at both the need and the anger deep within.
There was an old adage that advised when you wanted to find the scope of what your enemies were capable of, arrange a funeral or a wedding. My gut was telling me the events occurring the next day would bring out the best and worst in people.
As well as shine some light on the parties involved. I grinned as I looked at my bride.
“Then I think it’s time we go to war. Correction. It’s past time.”
CHAPTER 28
Daniel
Funerals in Italy were entirely different than those in America. The number of people paying their respects was in the hundreds. Particularly for the funeral of the Don of Sicily. Businesses were closed for the day in respect. The house staff had already arranged for a huge party and feast afterwards, a celebration of life as noted in Giovanni’s will. It was dangerous as fuck and not something I was interested in, but protocol could mean the perpetrator would finally be brought out in the open.
Brock flanked one side, Leonardo the other as we stood a several yards from the casket. I had my eye on Margot but was required to allow her to grieve with her guests. My soldiers were positioned in all the strategic areas, those under Leonardo’s command stationed in the crowd. So far, so good on the last threat made.
And as expected, several of the Dons had arrived to provide their condolences as required by a similar Brotherhood to the one I belonged to.
“Tell me who is approaching as they head in our direction,” I told Leonardo.
“That is Don Sal Frederico. He is the most brutal of the five remaining men.”
I kept my hands in front of me, waiting for the aging man to approach. Unlike the members of the Brotherhood, the Dons from Italy were all in their late sixties and early seventies. While I’d heard the entire country believed new blood was in order, the ancient customs of the kind of brutality my father had invested in was something the majority of Italians no longer wanted.
I’d also learned that in this country, mafia leaders were considered celebrities, coming second only to the Pope. The few stories Leonardo had provided allowed a certain amount of insight into an entirely different realm that I found fascinating but not something I’d adhere to.
As the Don made his way, I offered him my hand as well as a nod of respect. I’d play the game at least for today. “Don Frederico. Thank you for coming.”
He took a few seconds before accepting my handshake. “You have a lot to live up to, Don Thorn.” His accent was heavy but his English excellent.
“Yes, I am well aware.”
As he placed his other hand on top, he continued searching my eyes. “Your mentor was a very good man, fair but savage. That’s what Sicily needed to keep the people in line.”
“I have no intention of changing his methods.”
“That is good to hear. Maria needs a strong husband. She is very… wild.”
Leonardo cleared his throat, a signal to counter.
“She is the queen of the Sicilian territory, Don Frederico. As such, she deserves the respect that is owed her.”
I could tell I’d won at least a single point, his eyes lighting up. “You will be good for her, son. When the grieving period has ended, I will invite you to my home.”
“A gracious offer.” I nodded.
“Now, I need to show my respects to your beautiful bride.”
When he walked away, I shook my head. “A pussycat.”
“Watch your back and don’t accept any drinks from the man,” Leonardo said. While he laughed, I could tell he was serious.
“Noted. Who do we have here?” The man now approaching had a scowl on his face. He couldn’t be more than five foot five, which meant I towered over him.
“He is considered the most dangerous of them all. Don Domingo Giuseppe. He killed his own father to ascend to the throne.”
“Did he now?”
“Yes, he did.”
