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Gabbriello and his men exited the house and got in their cars. He instructed all the men to meet him back at his club.
Rinaldo and Gabbriello sat in their car and watched the house burn. A few minutes later, they heard the sounds of sirens. “Let’s get the fuck out of here,” Gabbriello said to his driver.
Rinaldo looked at the house, then back at Gabbriello.
“Do you think that was overkill?” Gabbriello asked Rinaldo.
“Fuck no,” Rinaldo said as they both laughed. Rinaldo’s mood switched. “As far as I’m concerned, those mutherfuckers didn’t suffer enough.”
“Jesus, I’m glad you’re on my side,” Gabbriello smirked.
* * *
Three hours later, Gabbriello and Rinaldo sat with Alexandros and Luigi in the Laskaris home.
“Apparently, good news travels fast. I received a call from Italy praising your handling of the Barinov family,” Alexandros said as he puffed on his cigar.
“Yes, you two have cemented your position within the family. I'm proud of you both,” Luigi added as he raised his glass. “Here's to family,” he said
Rinaldo raised his glass, “Here's to Carmine.”
They all nodded before draining their glass.
After that night, word spread around the city and surrounding area. Word on the street not to fuck with the Delucas.
* * *
Eight years later, it was Rinaldo who stood by Gabbriello’s side. This time Gabbriello who was mourning the death of his father who died suddenly of a heart attack.
The night before the funeral, Gabbriello sat in his father's den with his brother Mariano, his cousin Jeffery, and his best friend Rinaldo. The room was silent as they drank.
“Tomorrow is going to be a circus. Be prepared to deal with all the men jockeying for position with you,” Jeffery said. He had been to several funerals, including his dad’s, but he didn’t know if he wanted to be a part of this life. His mother asked him to stay away from Gabbriello and Mariano because she thought they were a bad influence. But they had been the only ones in his life that stood by him and had his back after losing both his parents.
“What position? There has been nothing made official,” Gabbriello said.
“Yes, but my father said that Enzo has been impressed with you for a few years now. You are most likely going to be your father’s successor.” Rinaldo added.
“Just because it’s what my father wanted doesn’t mean the boss will approve it. We will all wait and see.”
“Do you really want it?” Mariano asked.
Gabbriello knew his brother wasn’t built for this life. “Yes, I want to run this family. It’s not only my birthright, but I’ve also earned the position.” Gabbriello said as he took a gulp of his drink.
“If you’re chosen, it would be an honor to serve under you,” Rinaldo said as he raised his glass. They all tapped their glasses and drank.
Silence fell over the room again.
A few minutes later, Gabbriello’s phone rang. He didn’t recognize the number, but he answered it.
“Hey Gabe, this is Enzo…”
Gabbriello immediately snapped his finger and motioned everyone out of the room. “Hi Sir, it’s a pleasure…,”
“Please don’t do that formal shit. We are almost the same age. I wanted to reach out to you because I won’t be able to make it to your father’s funeral tomorrow. I’m stuck in Italy. But I wanted you to know that I respected your father and the way he ran his business. I wanted to offer my sincere condolences prior to your father's funeral. He and I had several conversations about you and your growth. I’m proud to call you a member of this family. Shit, they are still talking about the way you handled tWe will talk again after the funeral. I’d like to formally appoint you as caporegime to replace your father. I needed you to know this prior to at the funeral, but I want you keep this conversation private until I've made the official announcement.” Enzo said.
“Thank you, and this appointment means so much to me. I promise I will continue to make this family proud.”
“I don't doubt it. I look forward to talking to you. Take care.” Enzo said before disconnecting the call.
