LAKE
After hours of convincing my father to do his surgery, it was finally a successful ordeal, but now he has changed his mind. He wanted to meet Gaetano first before his operation.
Dad was the most stubborn man I’d ever met, and even I, his son, couldn’t stop him, so Gaetano traveled all the way here to meet him.
We’d arranged a safe and neutral place at the country club luxury cigar lounge in case someone would crash the party and betray us. I believed Terzo, though, that his father needed a secret alliance with my father.
“Dad, just don’t provoke him. He hates arrogance.”
“I know, son. Don’t worry.” He patted my back as we reached the door. A man in a suit and tie opened the two-door wide.
We entered the dark wood-decorated room, which featured a classic chandelier hanging low, rich leather seats, a shelf of top-rated Cuban cigars, a dark oak table with a cutter and ashtray, and a tray of ten-year-old whisky with glasses.
Uncle Moses was already there with Gaetano and Terzo. As soon as they were aware of our arrival, they stood up and walked in our direction.
“Wallace.” Gaetano extended his hand for a handshake in his well-tailored Italian chalk stripe suit. “I’m honored to meet you finally.”
“The pleasure is mine.”
Terzo did the same. “Mr. Winston.”
They shook hands with an arm tap before Gaetano came to me and smiled. “How are you, son?”
“I’m good, thank you.”
“I heard congratulations are in order.”
“Yes. We’re expecting.” I beamed at him, and he seemed happy to hear the news.
“I just sent my daughter a basket of honey, tea, some sweets, and an organic oil for her tummy.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you. I’m sure she will love them.”
“Please, join us, Wallace, Lake.”
We settled on the leather couches. My uncle was on our left.
“Thank you for accepting my invitation, Wallace. I heard you’re seeking treatments,” Gaetano started.
A man came to serve our drinks and cigars.
“Don’t.” He waved his hand. “Bring us some tea.”
“I’m good, Gaetano,” my father said.
“No, no, no. I value health as much as wealth. We could have met later, and I appreciate your coming today. I came here as a courtesy that what happened in the past is in the past now. I’m sure you know my relationship with my daughter’s mother, Florence. I heard you paid her a visit.”
“Yes, I did,” Dad replied politely. “It was not my best moment, and I’m not proud of it.”
“I’m glad Augustine was the one who raised her, but let’s not rub some salt in the wound. I know you look at me as a criminal, but now that your son will be a father, I may not be around to watch their child grow, but I hope you will be.”
“I hope my surgery and treatment will go well.”
“It will, Dad.” I patted his knee.
The tea arrived, and we had for a few minutes until Uncle Moses cleared his throat. There was still tension in the room.
“This is nice.” Terzo grabbed a cigar and put it in his mouth.
“Don’t do it, Terzo.” Gaetano turned to his son.
“I won’t, Papa, but I’m taking some home.”
Uncle chuckled. “You have Toscano cigar, Terzo.”
“Yes, Mr. Braddson, but this is Cuban. One of the best, and I know Papa will disagree.”
“Yes, I disagree. Have you tried it, son?”
I shook my head. “No. I don’t smoke, sir.”
“You better not. Not good for your health, and you’re going to be a father now.”
“So, who would want to kill me if I may change the topic?” my father asked.
“The man named Tomas. I think one of your men hired him. His father paid a crime family in Quebec to shoot your jet down.”
My father paled, shell-shocked as he stared at my uncle. “Jesus Christ.”
“Osmium had a meeting with the boss. They sorted it out. When they heard your son is married to his daughter, they didn’t want to get involved,” Uncle Moses continued and sipped his tea. “Don’t worry. That settlement would remain a secret.”
“So what am I going to do now?”
“You won’t do anything. I will take care of it. I will protect your family from any underground threats,” Gaetano replied as he picked up his tea.
“Then you must need something from me,” Dad said to Gaetano, making Terzo smile.
“This is a win-win situation, Mr. Winston. I happened to be involved. I’m not going into details, but you gave me no choice at that time but to take care of the situation,” Terzo said calmly.
“Don’t worry, Wallace, if he needs something. It’s not illegal. His businesses are registered in Italy, including the vineyards.”
“It doesn’t matter, Moses, as long as my son and his wife are safe.” He sighed heavily. “I shouldn’t have done what I did. I was so filled with anger that I couldn’t control my son.”
I drew a deep breath and felt better with his admission. “What done is done, Dad.”
“If I can’t pay off the father, I might have to do something you all might not like. I don’t want what happened days ago will happen again. I’ll make a deal with Francesco. I will tell you as soon as I have arranged a meeting with him.”
“What can we do, papa?”
“Nothing, son.” He looked at Terzo. “Do you know he has a beautiful daughter?”
Terzo’s facial expression darkened. “What does it have to do with me?”
“Maybe you should settle down, Terzo. Your sisters have gotten married.”
“No way.” With a deep frown between his eyebrows, he shook his head harshly and put back the cigar into his lips. And then he said something in Italian.
“Show some respect, Terzo. They may not understand what you said, but they are our guests.”
“It’s fine,” Dad said, smiling. I had a feeling he understood it just fine.
“Just no getting married, Papa. I already have sisters to take care of and enough women in my life, and they’re both annoying and stubborn, especially his wife. Jesus. I feel like I am taking care of a toddler.”
I frowned. “Hey. That’s my wife you’re talking about.”
The three older men laughed.
“Well, anything I said to Maverick, she did the opposite. Then I will get married? I’d rather hang myself or drown in the river.
I smiled. “Wait until you find your match, Terzo. Don’t come brooding and complaining to my wife about your relationship.”
“Forget it.” He swatted his hand.
The conversations continued until they discussed business. Gaetano wanted my father to expand the distribution of my solar panels and invited him to invest in some business where he had control. So the money would flow legally.
“That’s a fantastic idea,” uncle said.
“How did you know him, Moses?”
“Moses saved my life, so I owed him,” Gaetano replied.
“We’ve saved each other’s lives many times. It’s paid, but our bond is stronger than blood, Wallace, and I guarantee you disregard what the government thinks of him. He’s a good man. His loyalty is unbreakable. He would never betray you as long as you never harm his family.”
“I think I owe you my life as well.”
“You don’t owe me anything, Wallace. Just take care of my child and your grandchild, but if you hurt her again, I won’t give you any warning. I will skin you alive and give you the slowest death. Trust me. I don’t give anyone another chance but you.”
My father swallowed. “I understand.”
“Good. Let’s talk business.”
My phone vibrated.
“Is that Maverick?”
“Yeah,” I told Terzo.
“Answer it and give it to me.”
“Why?” I felt like he was planning something.
“Just do it.”
I did as he asked and gave it to him.
“Maverick, I’m sorry. I did everything I could-”
“What the fuck?” I grabbed it from him. “Baby?”
“What the hell? Oh, my God.”
“Hold on a sec, baby.” I pointed a finger at Terzo, who was grinning at me. “She’s pregnant, asshole.”
“Language,” my uncle said.
“My apology.”
“Oh, shit. I forgot.” He clamped his mouth shut to hold his smile.
“If something happens to her, I swear I will kill you myself.” I didn’t care his father was listening. If he pulled that stunt again, I would punch his face.
“Just ignore him, babe,” Maverick said to me. I forgot she was still listening, and the phone was still pressed to my ear. She agreed without argument when I suggested that she should not come with us.
“Sorry. Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Just checking up on you?”
“We’re good. Don’t worry, baby.”
“Okay. Tell my brother he’s an ass. And I received a gift basket from my father. Can you tell her thank you?”
“You can tell him yourself,” I told her as I gave the phone to Gaetano and let them talk. “Sir, your daughter wants to talk to you.”
I looked at Terzo. “She said you’re an ass.”