He left his office, pausing at Dominic’s desk. “I’m leaving.”
His assistant jumped on his computer. “I’m sorry, Mr. Santini, I’m not seeing an off-site meeting.”
“A friend of mine had a death in the family.”
“I’m sorry,” Dominic said. “Do you want me to send flowers?”
“No. Let Stuart know I’m on my way down.” Luciano powered down the hall toward the elevator. As it slugged its way down, it stopped on every floor. Luciano offered a smile, asked every employee how they were doing. Making them feel seen and heard was vital to his success. His leadership style demanded respect at every turn.
His sedan pulled up in front of the building. Stuart exited, opened the back door, and Luciano slipped inside. He instructed him to drive to Simone’s home.
When the car pulled up, he exited, rang the doorbell. No answer. He wondered if she was too distraught to answer, so he called her.
After a few rings, she answered, “Hello, Luciano.”
“Simone, I’m very sorry about your loss,” he said. “I stopped by to see how you’re doing.”
“I appreciate that. I’m staying with Slash and Carrera for a few days.”
“I’m glad you’re not alone.”
“Thanks for stopping by,” she said. “It means a lot.”
The call ended and Luciano returned to the vehicle.
Death fucked with his head… and his heart. “I want to visit my family, Stuart.”
“Yes, sir,” Stuart replied.
While they snaked their way through heavy traffic, Luciano made a call. He needed information, and he needed it fast. After a few rings, the familiar, scratchy voice answered.
“It’s been a while, Lulu. How you doin’?”
Carlo Garibaldi was head of the Garibaldi Family. Once fierce rivals, Luciano now considered him an ally.
“How are you, Papà?”
Bene,” Carlo replied. “Vecchio da morire.”
Luciano chuckled. “You’re not old as fuck.”
“When are you comin’ to see me and bring me somethin’?”
“What would you like?”
“A woman,” he said. “Bring me a woman.”
“How ‘bout a suit? And some shoes.”
“Not as good, but I’ll take ‘em.”
“I need to talk to Franky.”
“I don’t talk to him no more. He can’t be trusted. He takes money from those dannazione terrorists.”
“Where can I find him?”
“You don’t see him at Willie Boy’s? He plays pool there. Lazy bum.”
