Page 8 of Forgotten Deal

“How could I?” She storms out, slamming the door behind her.

“Our enemies would love nothing more than to get their hands on the Parisi princess.” Sam shakes his head. “Valentina has no fucking clue?—”

“And let’s keep it that way,” Romeo interjects. “If I have to be the bad guy to keep her safe, then so be it.” Taking a sip of his espresso, he makes a face. “This tastes like decaf. Go ask Valentina to make me another one,” he orders Sam.

“Decaf’s better than a dick latte,” Sam grumbles, walking out and closing the door behind him.

“Sam doesn’t need to be privy to this,” Romeo says, reaching into his desk and handing me an envelope.

“Thanks, boss,” I tell him, accepting the blood money.

“Not a word to anyone,” he warns.

“I’ll take it with me to the grave,” I vow, sticking the envelope inside my suit jacket. And then on to hell, where I’m no doubt headed.

There’s a knock on the door before Sam enters carrying another tiny cup, handing it to Romeo. “I don’t get paid enough to deal with that b?—”

“Careful,” Romeo snaps.

“Barista,” Sam quickly covers.

Romeo takes a sip of his espresso. “Enough family bullshit; let’s get down to family business. Fabio, I called you here to tell you the news: I’m promoting you to capo.”

“Boss, thank you,” I say, a bit stunned.

He smirks. “Don’t thank me just yet. You’re taking over Sergio’s rackets in AC. I suspect he was playing fast and loose with the family, and I want you to go through every one of his business dealings with a fine-tooth comb.”

“Consider it done.” My gambling knowledge is limited; something I’ll have to rectify, and fast.

“Think you can handle this?” Romeo challenges.

“You’ll be the youngest capo in the family’s history,” Sam adds. “Some of the older family members might give you some pushback.”

“We have the youngest boss and underboss in the family’s history, so I’m in good company.” I shrug. “And if I get pushback, I’ll push back. Harder.”

“What I want to hear,” Romeo says approvingly. “Get AC in order. Fast. I don’t want to give Philly time to try and set up shop in our backyard.”

“What’s happening with the Philly situation?” The former boss of Philadelphia, Crazy Carlo, placed his money on Sergio; a terrible bet.

“The Commission’s breathing down my neck,” Romeo admits. “Philly and Jersey’s bosses die at the same time, leaving me the last man standing. From their perspective, it looks suspect.”

“Fuck the Commission. They need to mind their damn business,” Sam spits.

“While I agree with you, if we have to go to war with Philly, the last thing we need is New York backing our enemy,” Romeo says, drumming his fingers on his desk. Turning to me, he continues, “Word is Little Joey has declared himself boss of Philly. We shall see.” Reaching into his desk, Romeo produces a key. He tosses it to me, and I catch it. “Sergio’s restaurant; now yours. You’ll need to do some hiring on the legit side of the business. I cleaned house after his betrayal.”

I nod. “And Sergio’s crew?”

“Strategically, I couldn’t wipe out an entire crew of made men just because their captain was a sewer rat,” Romeo says matter-of-factly. “Vince, you can trust. Everyone else, keep a close watch.”

“All the men passed a polygraph,” Sam adds. “Except one. Luca said it could’ve been because of the soldier’s nerves, but since the guy is taking a dirt nap, we’ll never know.” Sam smirks.

“How is Luca?” I was at the Glitter raid, and things did not look good for Romeo’s bodyguard.

“He should be back in commission by the end of the month,” Romeo tells me.

“Glad to hear it,” I comment.

Romeo produces an envelope, sliding it across his desk. “Relocation bonus. Stay at The Diamond until you find a place. I want to know what’s happening with Phoenix Construction.”

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