Page 5 of Hush 3: Hidden Family

“Alfanzo, you can call me Alfanzo. Your father was a good friend of mine. I was glad to hear you have connected with my good friend Alessio.

“He’s a good man. You know my nephews Marco and D’Angelo. However, I don’t think you have met my other nephew.” He pauses and turns to the young men with him.

“LaSalle, come. I want you to meet Uri Donati.”

The one with the gray eyes and dark hair comes forward. I lift a brow as I come face to face with the owner of the name I’ve been hearing more of lately. He doesn’t look much older than Michael.

I probably have him by four or five years. This is the one making all the trouble in the States. His reputation is beginning to make as much noise as mine and he hasn’t seen his first promotion yet.

I can respect how he is choosing to establish himself. It is the smart way to do things. I give him a nod of respect.

“LaSalle, Uri here is a problem solver like you are. You two might find you have some things in common,” Don Alfanzo croons, still speaking in Italian.

“Nice to meet you. Don Trovati speaks very highly of you,” LaSalle says as he looks me in the eyes.

“I’ve heard a lot about you.”

He nods. “If you accept the request and need anything while you’re in the States, you should let me know.”

I narrow my eyes at him, wondering what request he’s speaking of. My interest is piqued. Don Trovati has definitely called me for something big.

I get the feeling he had to ask permission for whatever it is if Don Locatelli is here. I grin and look LaSalle in his eyes. I also get the feeling he’s letting me know his rank or at least trying to establish who he is in the States.

He can relax. I already know everything I need to know about him. Word spreads fast in our world and when you do what I do, there isn’t much that gets by without my knowing.

“Let’s say I do need something, mate. Who do I call for? LaSalle Locatelli or Sam Mairettie?” I say with a grin.

LaSalle’s eyes harden as he seems to realize I’m not going to roll over and bark for anyone. I give respect where respect is earned. It doesn’t matter who you are.

Don Locatelli laughs. “This is how your father and I locked horns when we first met. Angelo and I became the best of friends after. Uri, you keep in touch. I would like to see you in Italy.

“Come to my home. We’ll drink and eat. I would like to know more about you as a man.

“Not just from the things I hear. We all know everything we hear isn’t always the truth,” he croons in a mix of Italian and English.

“I will carve out some time to come and visit, Don Locatelli,” I say, knowing his words aren’t really a request.

This is one of the few men I know it’s not wise for me to ignore. The four men nod and file out, with their men following.

I watch as they go before I go to collect Michael. Curiosity is burning through me as I think of what Don Trovati could need from me.

The States?

Michael

I remain silent as I follow Uri into the back room Don Trovati is waiting in for their meeting. The man is a lot smaller than I thought he would be.

However, he has a stern look about him that lets you know he’s still not to be tried. I sit next to Uri after we greet the don. I don’t miss that he doesn’t take his eyes off me.

“Your father would be proud. You two look just like him. Angelo had a presence about him.

“He demanded respect as he entered a room. I see this in the both of you. I respected Angelo and was very sad when we lost him. Men like Angelo and Alfanzo are far and few between,” Don Trovati says.

“What is it you want from me?” Uri says, getting to the point.

The don finally pulls his gaze from me to look at Uri. His eyes remain soft with affection as he looks at my brother. I doubt that any other man would get away with that tone and continue to live, let alone speak.

The don sighs and sits back in his chair. “I need you to do me a favor. Someone important to me has been taken. She is in the States outside of my reach,” he says.

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