My grandfather controlled the mafia in Staten Island, New York. Now my two uncles, Favon and Guido, are in charge.
“Granddad, I’m not sure you can help. This problem is outside your area.”
“You insult me, grandson.”
My mother’s father, Demario Marino, is the Don of the Cosa Nostra in Sicily. He spent many years in the U.S. before returning to Sicily fifteen years ago. He ran into trouble with law enforcement. Rumor has it that Don Marino took down an entire police precinct in Staten Island. From the lieutenants all the way up to the chief of police. All because the cops kept getting in the way of his operations. Granddad’s a ruthless son of a bitch.
“I’m a man with reach. Tell me what you need,” he says.
My quest to undercover Serenity’s family secret would take time. I’m a patient man. When I find what I need, I’ll use the information to my advantage. And trap my beautiful butterfly.
Six months later, I sit at Sergio’s desk waiting for him to enter his home office.
“Nico, I heard you were here.”
I stand, button my navy suit jacket, and turn to the familiar voice. “Dominic, how are you?” I pull him into a bro hug.
“I’m doing well. Always into some sort of trouble.”
“Is that why you aren’t at school?” I ask.
Dominic’s in his last year of law school.
He runs a hand down his green tie. “Sort of. I’m the capo of the Magarelli underworld while my dad carries out his duties as governor. What about you?”
“I’m here seeking information about the Cichellos. I’m hoping it will serve as leverage when I take the throne.”
Dominic flashes a knowing smirk. “Whiskey?” He walks to the bar in the corner.
“Yeah, sure,” I say with a thick New Jersey accent.
“My father was good friends with Tizáno’s brother, Ivano. That’s why he and his family had the protection of the five families.” Dominic pushes the crystal glass filled with three fingers of whiskey into my hand.
“Thanks.” I don’t waste time taking a sip of the whiskey.
Dominic eyes me as he drinks his whiskey.
“How do you know this important piece of information?” I ask.
“I’ve worked one on one with my father for years. He often tells me secrets.”
I release a bitter laugh. “My dad said because I’m not a made man, there’s certain info I can’t have access to.”
“Yet you still came to see my father, the head of the five families.”
“Yeah, well, maybe there’s a job he needs handled. I do the job and he gives me missing pieces to my puzzle.”
Dominic smiles. “You’re thinking like a true boss already.”
“Well, kind of. I’ve been talking to my grandfather, Demario.”
Dominic lifts his glass. “He’s a true legend. You’re lucky to have him at your disposal.”
I nod. “I need to be a ruthless boss who makes good negotiations.”
Dom pats my shoulder. “I love it. We have to hang out more often.”
“I agree.”
