Page 94 of Effortless

“Apparently you get to be the lucky fuck who drives my ass around today,” Adriano said as he peered into the car’s passenger window. “I could have used an enforcer, but you make for better conversation.”

Tom gave his uncle a look. “Yes, lucky me. I get to drive around the spoiled Capo because he doesn’t want to use a rental while his car is in the shop.”

“I hate rentals.”

“We’re going to completely ignore that I called you spoiled, then?”

“Shut up. It’s not like you have anything else better to do, Tommaso.”

“Get in the car, Adriano.”

“Tommas wants you at tribute next week,” Adriano said as he slid into the young man’s car. “Usually I show up for both of us, but he’s asked for you to show face, too.”

“He didn’t mention that to me when I went over there yesterday.”

“Sunday.”

Tom nodded. “No business on Sundays.”

“Well, not in your father’s house, anyway.”

“Fine.” Tom steered the car onto the road, and headed in the direction that would lead them back into the heart of the city. “Any reason he wants me to show up?”

Adriano glanced at the black bag on the floor of the Benz. “Money, Tommaso.”

“Well, yeah. That’s why there’s tribute. I mean, you usually pay my tribute.”

“Except you’re the main Capo now for the crew, so you need to be doing that.”

Ah.

Tom sighed.

More politics.

“Why does your face look like you smelled something bad?” Adriano asked.

“What?”

“Your face, Tommaso. It’s like saying tribute was as bad as dumping shit on your car.”

“No, I’m just … not in the mood to play mafia politics with other made men. Not lately, anyway. Plus, I’ve got that issue with Marty, and I know he’ll bring it up at tribute just to make a fucking show of it.”

“Huh.”

Tom glanced over at his uncle. “What?”

“You used to love going to tribute when you were younger. Never thought I would see the day when you dreaded it.”

“I don’t dread it.”

“Sounds like it.”

Tom sighed. “I’m just …”

In a fucking mood.

Or rather, he was still in a damn mood.