Page 102 of The Lieutenant

My guess was because he was still grieving from the loss of his son only a few months before.

“What else can I help you with?” he asked as he puffed on his cigar.

Smoke rolled in my direction and a nervous tic appeared in the corner of my mouth. “Do you interact with the other families in Italy?”

“Not often. You’ve done your research, Ms. Banning. I’m certain you’re aware there is a near crisis of humanity within our country, the possibility of war between us endless. And tiresome.”

“Who is in line to be handed the Godfather position?”

The question was one Havros had suggested I asked. Seeing the man’s reaction was probably the one my Greek god had wanted. The flash of anger and even resentment was ripe, but the Sicilian Don quickly hid his frustration. Still puffing on his cigar. Still staring at me as he’d been doing during the entire interview.

“There are few men capable of handling that position with grace and honor. The man who holds the coveted position of Godfather must have the best interests of all parties involved in mind. Jealousy and greed are often impossible barriers.”

“But you are a man capable of greatness.” I’d been sitting with him for almost two hours, perspiring the entire time. Havros had given me a deadline. Two point five hours and nothing longer. We were closing in on that and everything I’d gotten from this man was practiced. Don Coppola certainly wasn’t forthcoming in his desire to crack Pandora’s Box.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have the time to be able to gain his trust. I doubted he’d talk to me ever again after being forced to speak with Havros.

His lips finally curled into a smile. “Yes, Ms. Banning. I am. I’m perhaps the only man who’s willing to keep the peace. Others would prefer a war between our organizations. That isn’t good business for anyone.”

“Interesting. I’ve heard there are other men who want the nod, including Don Bernardi.” It was bait tossed out to ease Havros’entrance. I didn’t mind being a part of his being able to learn the same truth about his brother I was looking for in discovering who’d ordered the bomb planted under my mother’s car.

“Yes, well, he’s a buffoon with a God complex. He’s made many mistakes.”

“Including with your family?”

He laughed, but the sound was as if he was getting ready to push me off or completely end the interview.

“I’ve heard Bernardi will do anything in his power to get what he wants, including the removal of anyone threatening him.” I made the statement casually.

“He is a ruthless man.”

“Ruthless enough to be the reason your oldest son was murdered?”

Don Coppola was becoming leery of the directions the questions had gone. “Let me ask you this, Ms. Banning.” He leaned forward. “Why are you really here? Certainly not to warn me about an enemy.”

“To hopefully expose the true depth of what living within a mafia organization is about. I’m certain you can handle every aspect of your business without my assistance.”

“And I’m certain you were told asking questions could be harmful to your health and to that of anyone you care about.”

I allowed a smile to cross my face when the sickness almost bubbled to the surface. “Is that a threat, Don Coppola? I wouldn’t expect that from a man of your stature and common sense.”

His eyes were hooded as he studied me. I wasn’t expecting him to burst into laughter. “You’re quite formidable, Ms. Banning. I applaud your courage in meeting with so many unscrupulous men.”

“Are you suggesting you handle leadership with absolute honor?”

“Yes, I do. I pride myself in doing so. As I’ve told you, this is a business. The organizations who succeed do so by keeping integrity in mind. Now, I hate to do this, Ms. Banning, when you’ve come all this way, but I still have business to attend to today. I’m happy to answer additional questions if you’ll forward them to my assistant.”

“Of course. I do appreciate your time.”

“Now, if I may. Allow me to ask you a question.”

“Certainly.” I was suddenly even more nervous.

He leaned forward as he’d done before. “Why did your agent throw in my face the fact you were meeting with the Lieutenant of the Nomikos family?”

“Because I believe the two of you can benefit from making a stronger connection.” At least he’d driven me into an introduction. Hopefully, there was honor amongst criminals as the old adage suggested. No, I was wrong. There was no honor amongst thieves.

“You have me curious as to how that might be possible.”

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