Page 13 of The Rescuer

One of them, however, doubted Martino would be honest in his intentions since his older brother Ottavio helped the alliance of dishonorable gangsters to achieve their goals. Also, in less than a year, he came to run one of the biggest drug dealing operations from Argentina, closely collaborating with the infamous Sinaloa cartel from Mexico.

Brian defended Martino in a passionate, warm voice, eyes shining with affection for the teenager who, he said, was nothing like his traitorous brother. He told the guests about Ottavio’s numerous attempts to eliminate not only his younger brother but also those who protected him and offered him sanctuary after the brutal, untimely death of his father.

For the time being, Brian chose to leave out the information about the missing heirs, thinking the Argentinians could see it as a sign of weakness, which would make them reconsider the alliance proposition. Don Calogero noticed, and he approved of the librarian with a nod.He’s learning fast, the old mafioso said to himself, smiling at the thought.

The kindness Brian showed to an orphaned teenager brought the Old World Mafia an unexpected but powerful ally. A Cavallieri from head to toe, he had his heart in the right place and always put the others above himself, just like a man of honor should.

CHAPTER 9

Thoughts started to roil in Brian’s mind like a hive of mad bees, and after the guests left, he shared them with Baldassare, Don Calogero, Elias, and Ardan. It was about time, he said, for them to show Ottavio they weren’t afraid of him and attack his base inArgentina once the alliance with Don Mauricio’s and Don Agustin’s former associates was confirmed by both sides.

Ardan offered to form a special rescue crew ready to intervene in case the abroad location of Ottavio’s operation was also used to keep the heirs he’d kidnapped away from indiscrete eyes. The eyes of those gathered in Brian’s office went wide because that was a possibility none of them considered until The Base’s founder voiced it.

It was Baldassare’s turn to talk again, and he thanked Ardan for supporting his and the others’ efforts to restore the natural order inside the Old World Mafia. However, the teenager recommended a cautious approach; attacking blindly without knowing anything about the number and the force of the enemy could do more bad than good.

They had to either have a man infiltrate Ottavio’s organization or approach one of his own soldiers who wasn’t quite happy with the way the boss treated him. Then, with the help of the information they would learn, the mafiosi and their allies could devise a viable strategy that would bring them the victory.

Baldassare also suggested a meeting of The Council to discuss the politics of alliances and the planned attack on Ottavio’s Argentinian base. Brian enthusiastically approved of the teenager’s idea, saying that seeing The Council back in action, incomplete as it was, would be a positive sign for all the respectable Mafia members, especially those who were wronged by other, less-honorable gang leaders.

Brian also pointed to another problem, but he was also the one who came up with a solution to it. Martino and Gabriele, he said, although underage, had Donna Lucrezia and him as guardians, but Hugo and Cosimo, both fourteen, didn’t have anyone to represent them. The librarian suggested the names of Eugene Brentano-Fenelli and Daniel Bloom as protectors of the two boys’ interests.

The first was a successful businessman with a lot of connections in the world of economy, finances, and politics, who came from one of the most prestigious Old World Mafia families. The other man whose name Brian mentioned, although not born a mafioso, had spent seven years into that world as Don Giuseppe Fenelli’s adoptive son, observing the Mafia traditions and respecting their laws.

The librarian’s suggestions for Hugo’s and Cosimo’s temporary guardians were met with enthusiasm, not only by Baldassare and Don Calogero, but also by Ardan and Elias. They knew both Eugene and Daniel very well and could guarantee their reputations and moral integrity. They also had large families and would give the two boys the paternal affection they so brutally and suddenly were deprived of.

Once the matter of Hugo’s and Cosimo’s guardianship was settled, one by one, Ardan, Elias, and Don Calogero left Brian’s office. The Base’s founder and the current leader went back to their daily busy routine, while the Educator planned to do some research on the families the Argentinian unexpected guests came from and pay them a visit at the hotel they’d checked into later in the afternoon.

“You should go to the Educator, have more Mafia history lessons,” Baldassare, who’d stayed behind, said, swiveling his wheelchair around. “Also, I’ll make you another, more comprehensive list of books on the subject.”

“This is what I intend to do, now the madness with my father-in-law’s nephew Joris and his boyfriend Esteban is over.” Brian let out a sigh of relief. “And yes, I would appreciate your help very much., I wouldn’t know where to start from.” He offered the teenager an affectionate smile. “You are looking good.”

“I feel good, too, and I have you to thank for it. You turned my life around and gave me a purpose, something worth fighting for.” Baldassare smiled dreamily. “Oh, and thank you for bringing Elyan into my life. He's god's most beautiful creation. Do you know we started to make love?”

“The two of you found each other.” Brian’s gaze rested on the teen’s face, his eyes filled with paternal affection. “Not sure I had much to do with you meeting. I'm happy you both have each other and I care about both of you.” He gasped softly at the other one’s revelation. No, I didn't know, but it makes me happy to hear that.”

“We discovered by accident that my nether regions are…you know…functional.” Baldassare continued his confession, slightly blushing. “Back home, Hannes called me names because I never had an erection when…” The kid paused, then continued in a whispered voice. “I came to believe the accident damaged the nerves in that area, too, and I was grateful for that.”

“It’s over now.” Brian’s voice was soothing but firm at the same time. “Don’t go there. What’s in the past should stay in the past. Enjoy the time you spend in Elyan’s company and focus on building a relationship with him instead.” The librarian smiled softly. “His condition may make him brain-scattered or agitated at times, but he’s a great guy and has a special place in my heart. You both do.”

“We already talked about marriage and following the pregnancy treatment.” Baldassare flashed a cute grin. “Can’t be more focused than that.” His expression became serious. “I love Elyan with all I have, and I always will. That’s the promise of a Council’s War.”

“I believe you.” Brian gave the teen’s shoulder a light squeeze. “The two of you talking about marriage and the pregnancy treatment is great news. I’m convinced you and Elyan will be amazing parents.” The mansighed. “I wish I could carry more, but I can't.”

“Before discovering that I’m functional down there, Elyan and I discussed all the possibilities and decided to adopt a few children, give them a loving home and a chance to have a better life.” Baldassare looked the librarian in the eyes. “You and Bart can do that, too, if you plan to extend your family.”

“Thank you for reminding me.” The light in Brian’s eyes, which dimmed a few moments earlier, started to shine brightly again. “You’ll be a great man one day who will make your papa and Uncle Giovanni proud. But, more importantly, you will be a loving husband and the best father.”

***********

Brian let out a long, frustrated sigh.If Luca ever says I’m the most stubborn man he ever knew, I’ll tell him to spend a couple of days in the company of Missus Zara Van Necker, he said to himself. He had a great respect for the intelligent, strong, iron-willed lady, but sometimes, she really got on his last nerve.

Everything started when Don Mauricio, Esteban’s father, communicated with Brian a second time. Reardon O’Hara were the only words the message contained this time, and the librarian went to Zara for an explanation, thinking it was a code of sorts. This time, the woman refused to cooperate altogether, a headshake being the only answer he got.

Eventually, after Brian insisted some more and told her the name was a message from Don Mauricio, the lady halfheartedly answered that the man was dangerous, always up to no good, and totally unsuitable as an ally for the Old World Mafia. When the librarian asked her why, she waved her hand and mumbled something unintelligible as an answer.

Brian really wanted to know why that name was so important for the Argentinian gangster, so he asked Baldassare if he had any idea who Reardon O’Hara was. Zara had a good reason why she wasn’t thrilled when the librarian mentioned that name, the teenager said; he was the boss of the New York City Irish Mafia, and everyone knew the Italians and the Irishmen didn’t see eye to eye.

According to Baldassare, Reardon O’Hara knew everything that happened in his organization and also was up to date with his associates’ and rivals’ every move. He had men infiltrated into every company his allies and enemies owned, had their guards, servants, personal assistants, and even their mistresses and lovers on his payroll.

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