Chapter 3
Michael
After Vince leaves, I call Hawk.
“Hey, Michael,” Hawk says into the line.
“Hey, man, just heard the good news.”
“Yeah, can’t thank you enough for sending Vince. He truly worked magic. Ice is set to come home tomorrow.”
“That’s great news! So he’ll be able to attend the omertà as well.”
“Yeah, we’ve got four guys and three old ladies coming. We wouldn’t miss it.”
“What day are you all planning on coming in?”
“Looks like we’ll leave here the Wednesday before. It’s roughly a seven-hour-or-so drive, but with the ladies… well, we’ll probably stop somewhere along the way for the night. You know they’re not used to being on a bike that long.” He laughs. “Expect us on Thursday. Does that work?”
“Perfect. I’ll make arrangements for you all to stay on the compound. You know we have several homes on the estate and we definitely should be able to accommodate everyone.”
“Hell, you don’t have to do that.” Hawk replies.
“I know, but I want your boys close.”
“Why? Something brewing?”
“No, nothing really, everything’s been quiet.” I pause. “I guess a little too quiet for my tastes.”
“I hear ya. Well, you know we’ll be there and ready for anything you need.”
“Thanks, Hawk. See you in a couple of weeks.”
“You got it,” Hawk says and disconnects the line.
I can’t shake this uneasiness I feel. I don’t know if it is because of Zaira and all the shit that went down, killing Bonita or something entirely off the radar, but it has been too damn quiet.
***
“Michael?Cosa ti preoccupa?” my father asks. I’m sitting on the back patio, and until my father approached, I was lost in my thoughts. Thoughts of Zaira and the times we spent together on this very patio. Thoughts so intense I could smell her perfume and hear her laugh.Fuck, I miss her.
“Pop,non è niente,” I say, shaking my head.
“Bullshit, son! Don’t tell me it’s nothing. Something is troubling you.”
I shake my head. The last thing I want to do is show my insecurities to my father.
“Look, Michael, you may be head of this family now, but I am still your father. What is it?”
Realizing he is not going to let up, I sigh. “I’m just worried, Pop. So many uncertainties lie ahead.”
“Good,” my father replies as he takes the seat across from me. This is not the response I was expecting.
“Good? Why would you be happy that I am worried?” I ask.
“Because, son, if you weren’t worried, then I would be worried. You’re dealing with a lot right now. You still have a rat in the family. Someone inside allowed that attack on you last month. You have the meeting coming up with the Gallardi Cartel and then, of course, there is Zaira.”
“So what do you suggest?”
