Now as he sat addressing his lieutenants, he wondered if the son of his late father’s former boss was the mole he’d been warned about.
Next to Julio was Eddie Clemente. Eddie also had a glass in his hand, and he was drinking faster than Julio. He was the iron hand that crushed all annoying competitors of the family’s club and transport and security businesses. He was the least likely to betray his Don.
“I called you all here to make an important announcement,” Luigi began. “Earlier this week, Manzano told you all my decision to put our other operations on hold for a while. This was because I came across an interesting business proposition.”
Manzano’s craggy face broke into a smile. His excessive love for money was well known.
Luigi allowed this weakness only because Manzano had never acted out of line in his pursuit of money. While he dipped his fingers in a lot of things, they were never trades that Luigi would disapprove of.
He smiled at Manzano now before he continued talking. “I made a new contact last week who set up a meeting between me and the president of a West African country. The man has access to the purest heroin from Colombia, and he has people who bring it in using diplomatic pouches.”
Luigi paused to let the import of his words sink in. Around the room, he saw different eyes light up.
“All we have to do here is distribution,” he finished.
“What is our cut?” Manzano asked.
“50 percent of profits,” Luigi replied.
“Nowthatis an insanely good amount,” Julio noted, smiling.
“Only you can negotiate that well,” Paulo said proudly.
Luigi waved away his compliment as if it didn’t matter. “We’re picking the first consignment tonight.”
Alesandro’s brows furrowed. “Tonight?”
“Tonight,” Luigi confirmed. “I’ve secured three trucks for pickups. These are the designated spots for the first consignments…” He jotted down the addresses on a piece ofpaper and gave it to Donald. “This is not just for Alesandro to do. All of your crews will be assisting him tonight.”
Alesandro drained his glass and rose to his feet.
Luigi rose, too. “And no, none of you will be leaving my party. Just get your crews together and send them to the addresses.”
The men pulled out their burner phones to make calls while Luigi took his leave. His little ploy was now in its final stage. By the end of the dinner party, he’d have answers.
As he went down to the ballroom to meet his guests, Donald went with him.
“You told no one about this meeting last week,” he noted.
“Yes,” Luigi said and waited.
Donald said nothing more. He knew his Don, who never spoke about issues unless he wanted to. This was the first time Luigi was keeping his most trusted men out of the loop. Donald was certain there was a good reason for it.
Downstairs, they found Brooke with Constanza and Fiona, Julio and Manzano’s wives. Her parents hung on the periphery, holding half-filled champagne flutes and looking lost. On the other side of the room, her sister, Camille, was in an animated conversation with Sylvio Rocco, the club manager.
Luigi made his decision instantly and headed toward Brooke. His presence caused a ripple to go through the room. The guests close to his path all scrambled to shake hands or exchange cheek kisses with him.
When he finally got to his guests of honor, they had already turned to wait for him. He flashed them the warmest smile he could muster. “Mr. and Mrs. Williams, I can’t tell you how happy I am to finally meet you.”
Brooke’s father shook his hand, and her mother followed suit. “Thank you for inviting us,” the father said.
Luigi realized then that he didn’t even know the man’s first name.I have failed in my upbringing of Paulo,he reasoned.
“You have a beautiful home, Mr. Frazetta,” Mrs. William noted.
“Yes, thank you. And you two have been blessed with beautiful daughters… absolute treasures.”
Brooke came forward then. There was a tentative smile on her face as she shook hands with Luigi. “I’m sorry for the other day, Mr. Luigi,” she said. “Paulo explained your silence to me. We should have come to you first.”
