After everyone was seated, my father remained standing. “First of all, let’s all give our thanks that my youngest son has returned home to the flock safely.” He lifted his glass of scotch, giving every man in the room a hard stare.
I was last. There was anger in his expression, a hint of resentment. There was also blood.
“Here. Here. Glad to see you safe and sound, Stefan,” Armando commented.
“We have much to discuss,” Carmine continued, finally easing down onto his chair.
You could have heard a pin drop in the room.
As if on cue, the waiters entered the room bringing several platters of food, bottles of wine and whiskey-all family style. Only when the food had been served, the door closed did my father begin the discussion.
“Our business seems to have been compromised. That is something that needs immediate adjustment.” Carmine’s words held a biting tone.
As soon as food was placed in front of the majority, they began to dive in. The copious amounts of food were another reminder of my heritage. My stomach churned at the thought of eating. I sat back, swirling my drink.
“I assume you’re referring to Axel Movino,” I said casually.
My father took several bites of spaghetti before dropping his fork and grabbing his napkin. “Axel Movino is a pig that needs to be taken out. Unfortunately, the rumors on the street indicate that he has some very special friends.”
“I’ve heard that as well.” I kept my answer short and sweet.
“But you have firsthand knowledge of what’s going on, don’t you, Lorenzo?” My father took another bite of food, this time not bothering to look in my direction.
Dante shifted in his seat.
“Why don’t we cut the crap, Father. You’re obviously aware that I had a visitor last night, the reporter a witness to the murder. She identified Axel as the killer. I put word on the street to find out what the hell the asshole is up to.” I pushed my empty plate away.
“You need to be careful, Lorenzo. Things aren’t always what they seem.” The way Armando issued the statement yanked at every level of my patience.
“And how’s that?” I asked.
“Who are we talking about?” Stefan finally interjected, glancing around the table.
“Dude’s an issue with a significant portion of our operation. He’s also a savage,” Dante answered. “There’s a bunch of shit on the street. Some folks think Axel has a big plan in motion.”
Vincenzo snorted. “That asshole doesn’t have enough muscle to do anything more than piss in his pants.”
“That asshole is a clear threat to our entire family,” my father said in his usual cold, calculating manner. “To that end, I’ve come to a decision.”
I tapped my fingers on the table, trying to hold my temper. My father and I had been at odds more than once. My gut told me that I wasn’t going to like what he was about to say.
He held up his wineglass, swirling the cut crystal in the flickering light of one of the candles. “I am a very lucky man. I have two amazing sons and while they are opposites in many ways, they complement each other. One is ruthless with no conscience and the other a kind and decent man. Together, they make the perfect leader. With that in mind, I have decided to take a step back, allowing my sons to share in the responsibilities of operating our family business.”
For the first ten seconds, there were no sounds. Nothing.
“Fuck. Me,” Dante finally said under his breath.
I didn’t want to bristle and I certainly refused to take my father’s impetuous decision out on my only brother. However, as I turned my head toward Stefan, there was absolutely no doubt that he’d known my father’s intentions prior to the start of dinner.
Suddenly, the five Capos were all glancing in my direction. If I exploded, this would lead to a rift within the family that might not heal, an opening for the possibility of a takeover. I’d taken an oath to protect and honor my family and I had no intention of going back on my word. I also had no intention of allowing my only brother to be placed in harm’s way.
“Fascinating, Father. Did you just come up with that idea?” I asked in a confident tone.
“I’ve always wanted both my sons involved in the business. Until recently, there was no possibility, but it would seem that Stefan had come to his senses.”
Stefan visibly bristled hearing my father’s words.
I could tell Stefan was ready to retort, his face flushing from embarrassment. “Stefan lived the life he wanted because he is far more intelligent than either you or I could ever be. The world and the Peace Corps were lucky to have a man like Stefan on their team. I can only imagine how many lives he saved. Surely, that’s what’s important to you, Father, and something that you must be proud of.” I wasn’t entirely certain which Capo sucked in their breath with enough vehemence that a whistle occurred, but the tension in the room was stiff.
Anger likely to follow.
My father didn’t like to be challenged in any manner.
“Your brother took it upon himself to break your mother’s heart. Traveling around the world to help the worst of mankind amidst horrible contagious diseases, living in open huts with infected drinking water, and never coming home to his family. Yeah, that’s something to be very proud of.” The contempt in my father’s voice finally took its toll.
Stefan pushed back from the table, knocking over his chair. “Fine, Father. I came back just like you wanted. I gave up my career. Just like you wanted. I’ll be your little puppet,” he barked and slammed his hands on top of the table. “Just. Like. You. Want.”
“Stop it, all of you!” Armando demanded.
After giving Armando a surly look, Stefan headed for the door.
I stood, tossing my napkin and glaring at my father. “What the hell has gotten into you? Stefan worshipped the ground you fucking walked on.” When my father continued eating, as if nothing was wrong, my entire mind was ready to shut down. “Jesus Christ.” I stormed away from the table, finding Stefan heading for the front door.
“Don’t try and stop me, Lorenzo. There’s nothing you can say.”
I placed my hand on his arm, using little muscle to keep him from going out the door. As usual, he really didn’t want to disappoint his family. He was exactly like our beautiful mother. I led him into the small bar, the location almost empty. What few customers were inside paid us no attention. Still, I kept my voice low. “What did our father say to convince you to come back?”
“It’s not as much what he said as how he phrased the words. He thinks the family is going to fall.” Stefan took a deep breath, raking both hands through his long hair. Through the years, several people had said that Stefan and I could be twins, but he’d changed during his stint saving the world. He was at least thirty pounds lighter than the last time I’d seen him, his skin sallow. I could tell he’d suffered over the years.