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I cringed at how horrible that sounded but it was the truth. I couldn’t see how Falcone could use either of those things.
“Your mother doesn’t have to know anything about business. Her blood is what matters.”
I froze. “What do you mean?”
Growl searched my face as if he couldn’t believe I didn’t know. “Your mother isn’t from Vegas. She was born in New York, but ran off with your father.”
I’d suspected that mother had run off with Father. She’d hinted to something like that. But New York? I thought back to the few times I’d talked about New York with my mother. She had always avoided the topic. I had never given it much thought, but it all made sense now. And yet it still didn’t explain why that made her an asset for Falcone.
I peered up at Growl, more confused than ever.
“Do you know who Salvatore Vitiello is?” he asked as he perched on the armrest of the sofa. The thing creaked under his weight.
Salvatore Vitiello? Everybody knew that man. Even people who had nothing to do with the mob knew who he was. His death had been all over the newspapers. “Of course. He was the head of the New York Familia. But he’s dead now.”
Growl nodded. “He is. And your mother is his sister.”
My eyes grew wide in surprise. “My mother is related to the head of the New York Familia?”
“She is. I suppose she and her brother never got along very well, that was another reason why she left New York.”
“Ok, but why would Falcone care if my mother was related to Salvatore Vitiello?”
“Because that means she’s the aunt of the current head of the Familia, and that makes her the perfect contact person.”
“I thought Las Vegas wants nothing to do with New York. They hate each other. That’s what my father always said.”
“That’s true,” Growl agreed. “Falcone wants the Familia dead, and the Chicago Outfit as well. But his power is waning. The Russians have grown too strong in Las Vegas. And now that Chicago and New York are working together Falcone worries that the Russians will lose interest in those cities and focus all their energy on taking control over Las Vegas. If Falcone wants to hold his city, he needs the support of the other families. And that won’t be easy. He’s made a lot of enemies over the years.”
I snorted. “I’m not surprised. He’s a sadistic bastard, and never really cared about working together with anyone. Why should the Vitiellos even consider coming to the Camorra’s help?”
“Because of your mother. Apparently, Luca Vitiello is very family oriented. Or at least he’s been since he married Aria. If your mother, as his aunt, contacts him and asks for help, Falcone’s chances are much better than without her.”
“Why hasn’t Falcone asked my mother before? Why now?”
“Falcone has been trying to solve things on his own as he always has, but now that even your father has betrayed him with the help of the Bratva, even Falcone realizes that he needs to do something soon or Las Vegas is lost.”
“I say let the Bratva have the city. They can’t possible be any worse than Falcone. The city will be better off without the bastard.”
“Perhaps,” Growl said with a shrug. “But that’s your answer. And as long as Falcone hopes for New York’s support and as long as your mother does as he says, your sister and she will be safe.”
“But what if New York refuses to help Falcone?”
“Then Falcone will probably threaten to kill your mother and sister. That could change Luca Vitiello’s mind. Though I doubt that he’ll risk New York for an aunt that he doesn’t know only because Falcone threatens to kill her. Luca has almost as much blood on his hands as I. He can make hard decisions.”
“But if that happens, my mother and sister will die!”
“It’s a possibility.”
“And even if Luca agrees to help, Falcone will keep my mother as a prisoner and my sister as leverage. They won’t be better off than me.”
Growl’s face tightened, but he nodded in agreement. “Their only chance is to escape from Las Vegas. If they go to New York, Luca will probably take them in. His wife will certainly convince him.”
New York. That was the solution to everything.
“When can I see my mother? I want to talk to her to make sure she’s doing ok.”
Growl raised his eyebrows. “Do you think I lied to you? She’s doing ok considering everything, believe me.”
“I do,” I said. “But I need to see her. Please.”
Growl sighed. “It’s not that easy. Falcone keeps a close eye on her. He won’t be happy if you go to her.”
“There has to be a way,” I said imploringly.
Growl sighed. “I don’t know why I’m even telling you all this. This could be treason. I’m working for Falcone.”
