Page 101 of Mafia Star

He’s looking at me now. His gaze is defiant. He gives his sister an extra squeeze as he continues speaking.

“I know I can’t take out any of them. But I have no qualms about killing people important to them and their organization. The moment any of them failed to protect Chelle, they broke their family’s oath to Grandpa. None of us ever owed them loyalty, and I sure as hell don’t respect them for breaking that promise to Grandpa. It doesn’t matter to me that the men who made the agreement are both dead. Dillan and his men knew the deal, and they fucked up.”

Beth goes onto her toes to kiss her brother’s cheek before she looks around.

“I think I’ve heard all I’m allowed to. I think there’s stuff you need to discuss without me. Just make sure my brother and fiancé come home in one piece. You do not want to deal with me if they don’t.”

She steps into my arms and gives me a peck and a hug. Then she’s leaving the office, closing the door behind her. I look at Uncle Cesare.

“How’d you guess?”

“I’ve had some interesting claims dropped on my desk by some birdies in the life and catastrophic injury departments. People who were once Ivankov bratva but had falling outs with the Kutsenkos. Angry people. When I’ve talked about this with Sal, Massi, and Dom, we figured it was Simms. It was his caliber work. Better than any of the people he hired. The moment Steve said he went hunting with Radomir and Grigori, I knew those kills were his work. He just confirmed it.”

Steve nods when Uncle Cesare finishes. Then he turns to me.

“I trust you and Enzo. I know you’ll both protect my sisters with your lives. I won’t get in the way of whatever you decide to do. But I’m going too.”

This isn’t my decision to make. It’s not Enzo’s either. I look at Uncle Salvatore, and Steve turns to look at my uncle, the don.

“Steve, when’s the last time you took a job for the bratva?”

“About eight months ago.”

“Have they approached you since?”

“Once, but it was while I was on vacation with the woman who’s soon-to-be my ex-girlfriend.”

Oh, that’s right. Simms mentioned Steve’s girlfriend is cheating on him. If he’s gathered intel before doing a job, then he knows Simms did too. The dead fucker wouldn’t have gotten it wrong, and I don’t think he was lying.

“Would you take a job again if they did?”

Steve stares at my uncle, they assess each other before Steve finally answers.

“If it’s protecting any of their wives or children, in a heartbeat. If it’s because of a general threat or one to any of the men, they can figure it out themselves. My loyalty is to my sisters.”

Which means to us.

“Zio, lo facciamo diventare un partner.” Uncle, we make him a partner.

They all know I mean an associate, but the word in Italian is associato. It’s too close to English. I don’t need to put that official term out there yet. My uncle looks at Papa as his consigliere, his chief advisor. Papa nods. Then my uncle looks at my brother. We’re all young enough that Steve will still be alive when Luca becomes don. Uncle Salvatore wants to be sure his underboss agrees to one day being Steve’s don. My brother nods. Then he looks at me. As capo dei capi, I’d technically be in charge of him. If shit goes sideways, then our men will look at me to lay the blame. Uncle Salvatore nods to me. He approves of my idea.

Throughout this, Steve has stood watching our silent family communication. Scientists might not be able to prove telepathy is real, but we can. Uncle Salvatore stands up and approaches Steve.

“Your brother suggested we make you an associate. Do you know what that is?”

“Yes. Before I started working for them, Niko gave me a crash course on the syndicate hierarchies. I’m not Sicilian enough to be a Made Man.”

Uncle Salvatore shakes his head.

“Technically, you are. Even if you’re only twenty-five percent Sicilian, that would be a reasonable argument to say you’re Sicilian enough to be Made. But I won’t force the obligations on you that go along with that. Being an associate offers you our protection, our trust, and our loyalty without you having to give us your life.”

We won’t own him. A Made Man isn’t a part-time job. It’s a commitment for life that Cosa Nostra comes first. For most associates, there’s no difference besides not being Italian. But allowing Steve to become an associate gives him those things Uncle Salvatore listed: our protection, trust, and loyalty without him having to commit to serving our branch beyond an odd job here or there to protect the women.

“Thank you. I mean that. I didn’t appreciate finding out just how out of the loop I was on so much happening with my family. I know it wasn’t a matter of trust so much as trying to protect me. I couldn’t remain angry given the secret I have— had. I’ll tell my parents, and I’d never ask Liz to keep it from Chelle. I take your trust seriously since it’s rarely given. But also thank you for letting me be a part of this. The O’Rourkes deserve everything coming to them. Losing their money, their businesses, and a few of their men seems completely fitting.”

He didn’t bat an eye when Uncle Salvatore called me his brother. We don’t use the qualifier in-law in our family. It’s brother, sister, auntie, uncle, Mama, and Papa. Once you marry in, you’re in for life. And that isn’t some cheesy Hollywood line. It’s because we never turn our backs on family.

Carmine and the others have remained quiet throughout the conversation. It’s been a lot to absorb. But my cousin’s been on his computer the entire time. I know he could repeat every word said, but he’s been focused on something. I’m certain he’s gathering info. He’s our intel guy.

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