Page 4 of Hush 3: Hidden Family

It is those jobs that have earned me the name Hush. The times when I released the savage I became when my grandfather tried to break me. I will not break Michael to force him to become that.

However, unlike Nico, Michael has that look in his eyes. I would rather guide him than allow his demons to surface without him knowing what to do. I have been there and wish that on no one.

My phone rings, pulling me from my thoughts. I move to the table I placed it on and grab it. I roll my eyes as I see it’s my uncle Nicholas.

At twenty-four, I’m growing increasingly tired of these calls. He wanted me here in London, why not leave me to my own life? He treats me like a lion he wishes to tame.

“Hello, Uncle,” I say into the phone.

“Uri, it’s good to hear your voice. I have Luca here. He asked me to give you a call for him.”

I give a genuine smile. “What can I do for the little brat?”

“His birthday is coming and when I asked him what he wanted, he told me he wants a visit from you or tickets to come join you for a few weeks. I thought I would let you decide which you would prefer.”

I chuckle into the phone. “He could get into a lot of trouble here with me. I’m sure that’s not what you want.”

“I trust you, Uri. You are a busy man. I don’t want to burden you with your little cousin if you have work to do.”

I note the questions in his tone. I haven’t been hitting for the family. I turned down the last two requests, much to his annoyance. I didn’t find either situation worthy of my time.

Not liking that he’s questioning me, I frown before I answer. Two can play this game. It will take a lot for my uncle to rein me in. I don’t believe he’s ready for that.

“I will think about it. Tell Luca I will call him soon with my decision. I have to go,” I say and end the call before he can say anything further.

My mind turns to Don Alessio Trovati. He took me under his wing when I first arrived here. I had been running with a London street gang when we crossed paths.

He picked me out of the crowd and told me I was a leader, not a follower. It was time I let those losers go. He offered me a place and a job. I also gained my first glimpse into the Mafia world outside of my family through him.

I owe him a lot and I don’t say that about many. The connections I’ve made through him have been invaluable. When he asks to have dinner with me, out of respect, I show up.

I get the sneaking suspicion that is the true reason for my uncle’s call, not Luca. I grin and shake my head. Nicholas Donati wouldn’t be Nicholas Donati if he didn’t know my every move.

“Well, let him watch,” I snort and shake my head as I go to shower and dress for my meeting.

CHAPTER 3

Friend’s Request

Uri

I hadn’t expected Don Trovati to have guests when I arrived. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have brought Michael along with me. However, as we enter the restaurant this meeting is to be held in—after hours—I note the men who I know don’t belong to Trovati.

They are Italian, but I’ve never seen them around Trovati’s crew before. I think quickly, I can’t compromise Michael’s safety. Turning, I place a hand on my brother’s shoulder and halt him before we get to the meeting room.

I lean into his ear so he’s the only one to hear my words. “I don’t know all of these men. I have no idea who Trovati has here with him.

“This was my mistake. Go back the way we came, make a left when you exit the first door. You will find a set of stairs there.

“Wait for me. I will come to get you when I am sure it is safe,” I whisper.

Michael nods and quickly follows my orders. Just as he disappears from sight, Don Alfanzo Locatelli steps from the back room with three young guys surrounding him, only two whom I’ve seen before.

I know of Don Alfanzo and the Locatelli family. If you are Italian and a part of the underworld, you know the name Locatelli very well. However, I’m not expecting him to stop when he sees me.

“Uri,” he croons as he embraces me and then kisses both my cheeks. Then he continues in Italian. “This guy. He looks just like his father. God bless the dead. It’s good to see you.”

“Hello, Don Locatelli.”

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