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Caruso laughs loudly. “Pass. I can barely stand spending time with her once a week. There’s no way I’m lugging her to a party.”
I wonder how many people I would have to pay off if I killed this fucker right here, right now?
Brooks meets my gaze, lifting his glass to his lips. I don’t miss the smirk.
I say, “You know, joining the Brotherhood is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Once in, the only way out is death.”
“I’m ready to take that dive, Mr. Moretti. Besides, it’s not like I’ll really have to die, right?” He laughs, as if he already knows the answer.
Brooks shoots me a look, as if to say, ‘what the fuck’.
“Has Brooks explained what the Brotherhood requires of its members?”
Caruso has a confused look on his stupid face. “Requires? Is it more than the initial payment to join?”
Brooks takes over. “Yes. Most members are chosen in their collegiate years. The selection process is thorough, ensuring the Brotherhood can survive. For that to happen, members must offer a variety of…skills.”
“I’m not sure I follow.”
Brooks says, “If you become a member, you will pay the Brotherhood ten million dollars upfront.”
“Right. I understand that.”
“We will also ask other things of you.”
“You lost me again.”
I lean forward, tipping my glass toward Caruso. “What do you think I do for the Brotherhood?”
He eyes me. “Well, you’re an Elite Member, so I’d guess you make decisions for the entire society.”
“I became an Elite Member days ago when one of the Elite Members was murdered.” His eyes widen, but I’m not done. “What do you think I’ve done for the Brotherhood for the past twenty-five years?”
“Uh, I’m not sure.”
I lean in even more. “I’m the head of theCosa Nostra. That means I’mMafioso, friend. Understand?”
He pales. “I…yes. I understand.”
“Good. Now, tell Brooks what you can bring to the table for the Brotherhood.”
“My, uh, my Uncle Vinny used to run the neighborhood I live in. I do it now, so I can do it for the Brotherhood.”
I scoff before I can stop myself. “You’re sitting in front of the head of the fucking Moretti Mafia and the Face of The Defiant God Brotherhood and think we’d be impressed that you manage a single neighborhood?”
Brooks swoops in. “What Mr. Moretti means is that you must do whatever is asked of you for the Brotherhood. If you don’t have a skill, we will find something for you. You’re making a generous donation to join. If you can guarantee that you’ll be able to make the same donation yearly, then that might be enough. If you can’t…”
Caruso pales even more. We’ve all seen his financial documents. He’ll never be able to make that kind of donation every year because Isabetta’s money won’t last that long and he’s not smart enough to make that kind of money in his lifetime.
“I’m willing to do anything they ask of me.”
Brooks says, “Good. If you go back on that vow, the Brotherhood will remove you.”
And, as we’ve established, the only way out is death. Even if he thinks we’re joking, which we’re not.
The rest of the meal is spent making small talk. Caruso orders three more drinks before the meal is finished. When the bill comes, Brooks and I stand.
“Thanks for dinner, Caruso,” I say. “We’ll see you at your wedding.”
