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“You know that’s impossible.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of. Remember what happens.”
“Knock them dead,” she said.
I lifted my eyebrows as she laughed. The girl was American through and through. We were scheduled to return to New York for two weeks to handle business, although she was doing perfectly fine running it from an overseas office. She was more of a powerhouse than I’d realized, which was why it was also important for the Dons to understand she was a part of the regime. As queen, she would be a force they would be required to accept.
But not on this day.
This was about following customs, something that would change as others took over the helm. To that end, Enzo had been asked to attend the event. While Raphaelo was my underboss, I’d promoted Enzo to consigliere. He would still run a significant portion of the Lazarro corporation. His position would also allow me to keep my eye on him, although my fears of his possible treachery were lessening.
Mattia had finally recovered from his gunshot wounds, placed in charge of the legitimate and illegitimate businesses formerly handled by Franco.
We were still working out details. There would be glitches and difficulties, but I was prepared to face them.
I stepped from the armored car, glancing at the venue. It was customary to have the meetings in various locations throughout Italy. Since I’d called this one, I’d selected the small facility, purchasing it for this use only. The building had been many things before finally turning into a quaint café, but the origins were from almost two hundred years before.
Respecting our origins was necessary, the reminder of where we’ve come from generations before important. To our way of life. To our future. And to the future of our children.
As both Enzo and Mattia approached, it was difficult to know what either was thinking. We would never be considered a typical family, but they’d responded to both their new duties and the reshaping of their lives better than I’d anticipated.
There were no words to be said as we headed for the entrance. Soldiers from every territory had already arrived, the security tight. The Dons were here as well, waiting in anticipation of what I’d say. While I’d learn to value their opinions, the truth about who held the power was in the math.
I would reign supreme for some time to come.
The doors were opened for us, refreshments already waiting as were the men. They rose to their feet, each Don arriving with one additional guest.
I nodded to each one, showing my respect to every man as they were entitled. “Don Rizzo. Don Caldone. Don Romano.”
All three men looked from Enzo to Mattia and I was certain I noticed a hint of fear in their eyes.
“Please. Make yourself comfortable.” As we all sat around the oversized conference room table, the tension quickly rose.
“I understand you are married to the daughter of the now deceased Don Lazarro,” Don Rizzo began, already drumming his fingers on the table.
“I am.”
“Stolen from a commitment made to Don Romano and his son,” Don Caldone hissed.
“It was necessary.”
“That’s blasphemous,” one of the guests quickly snapped. “You’re not considered one of the Five Families.”
“Agreed,” the man sitting beside Don Rizzo said as he glanced at the others.
“Enough!” Don Romano rose to his feet. “I’ve seen what this man can do. So far, he’s successfully kept the Russians from barging into our cities, killing our people. He is the rightful Don of two territories. We will offer him our loyalty and honor his presence here today. The fact that you’re all here surrounding this table means that you are aware of the danger we’re facing.”
I allowed the men to grumble amongst themselves as they debated, although there was nothing to debate in my mind. My soldiers were poised to handle any infractions of the already established laws from at least two generations before.
“Don Romano is correct,” Don Caldone said quietly. He leaned over the table. “The marriage of two powerful syndicates will make the Russians think twice.”
Everyone glanced at Don Rizzo. The man was at least seventy-five years old and should have retired long before. He’d been hesitant to give up control, as both Caldone and Romano had felt as well.
“Gentlemen, it’s time for new blood.”
“Yes, it is,” Don Romano said. “Effective immediately, my son Antonio will be taking over as Don of our organization. Don DeLuca’s exuberance in building new bridges between us has inspired me. All of you should do the same. The old ways will not keep our enemies at bay or our people under decent protection.”
“And you will honor the same terms as your father and Don Lazarro?” Don Rizzo asked, still skeptical of my intentions.
