Page 34 of Reign of Commotion

I take the seat opposite Davide and give him a moment before asking, “Want to talk about it?”

He lifts his head, his brow furrowed and confusion written all over his face.“How does it happen?”

“What in particular are you asking about?”

“Tomasso and I had no say in the family we were born into.We didn’t come into this world voluntarily.We never asked to be part of the Mafia.But because our fathers were part of it, we’re in.”He throws his hands up in the air and shrugs.“Just like that.”He snaps his fingers.“No discussion, nothing.”

“There is another side that you aren’t seeing.”

“What am I missing?Drugs, whorehouses, casinos, money laundering, and let’s not forget, my father died because of the Mafia, your brother died for our cause, and best of all, we kill to balance everything out.”He pauses.“How does any of this make sense?”

“I’m listening.But now it’s your turn to listen and listen carefully.Other capos go into battle for more power and money.Alessio has not, and he refuses to start a war without just cause.He’s reached out and created a peaceful alliance with three other families to solidify our position.Drugs, whores, and the rest are going to happen anyway, whether it’sIl Destinoor the Bratva, or anyone else.At least we give the prostitutes a safe place to work, and none are recruited.They come willingly for our protection, and we give it.We don’t lace our drugs with fentanyl.Our shit is pure, and we refuse to peddle close to schools.We make sure drug traffickers know this, and they know the price if they don’t.Gambling has been around for centuries.If you’re stupid enough to put your house up for collateral, then you deserve to lose it,” I say.

“Yeah, but?—”

“I’m not done.”I cut him off.“This is a family.There is no one inIl Destinowho wouldn’t jump in to help you.That includes your father, who died to save a young man.My brother believed in the truth and knew there was trouble.He was gathering evidence when he was murdered.The truth finally came out, and the man responsible was dealt with.My brother believed in the brotherhood of what we have, the protection of our women and children and defending our family from the Bratva and the other enemies who lurk.The enemies are coming anyway.Together, we can beat them.The other option is to let the Russians, Chinese, or gangs take over our territory.How safe do you think we’ll be then?”

Davide sighs and says softly, “Why can’t there be peace?”

“There’s a question I can’t answer.I think peace starts inside each of us.You need to dig deep and find peace in your positionwith us.Not to be a dick, but you’d be dead within a week without our protection.You know this to be true.You’re a target, just like the rest of us.”

“I don’t want to be on the streets breaking fingers,” he says with a huff.

“Then talk to Alessio and let him guide you to where you best fit in.Give him a chance.Stop fighting him,” I advise.

Niccolo picks that moment to come in and call his brother.“We’re ready to leave.”

Davide stands and stretches out his hand for me to take.“I appreciate the talk,” he says.I’ve given him food for thought.Hopefully, it helps ease his mind and he can adjust to his place within the family.

* * *

The pickup goes off without a hitch, but Tomasso is a mess when he arrives at Alessio’s home.God only knows what he was expecting, but he’s a nervous wreck.His clothes look like he’s slept the night in them.His sandy blond hair is falling into his blue eyes.He has his father’s stature and facial features, but the lighter hair and eyes are all from his mother’s side of the family.His face looks hollow, like he hasn’t been eating.

As soon as he’s directed through to Alessio, he falls apart.“I don’t know what to do,” he says, his expression tortured.“I want to be a good son, but this isn’t right.I wish I never heard it, but I did, and I can’t unhear it.He’s not thinking right.He’s changed.Something’s wrong with him.”

I want to shake him and get him to make sense, but Alessio is as cool as a cucumber and lets him have his rant.Alessio waits patiently as Tomasso gets it all out, not that we know what the hell he’s talking about.Davide pulls up a chair for him to sit, because, honest to God, the guy looks like he’s going to fall over.

Once Tomasso sits, Alessio asks, “When did you last eat?”

“Eat?”Tomasso repeats.

“Yes, food.You know, three meals a day, that kind of thing,” Alessio replies with a grin.

“I-I can’t remember,” he whispers.

He turns to Niccolo.“Ask Josie to get him something to eat and to make coffee for us.”Niccolo does his bidding, and Alessio looks at Tomasso.“We’re going to take this slow.You’ve gone and gotten yourself all worked up, and I can’t make sense of it, but whatever this is, we’ll sort it out.”

“It’s a mess,” Tomasso replies, despondent.

“Is this about Milana?”Alessio asks.

Tomasso nods.

“I want words,” Alessio insists.

“Yes.”Tomasso’s voice is shaky.

“You overheard something.”

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