Page 129 of Deception

“No. Because they’re family. And they recognized that you were too.” We kiss once more, deeper, slower. I could stay here forever.

“You were spectacular, you know?” I whisper.

“I had to be.”

“I know. I’m sorry I let them?—”

“Don’t. It’s not your fault.”

“They took you to get to me,” I argue, balling my fists.

“So go make them pay.”

“I will.” I kiss her forehead tenderly. “Get some sleep. We have a meeting with the elders. I'll be back soon.”

Turning to leave, she grabs my hand. “Alessandro?”

“Yes?”

“I love you. Be careful.”

“I will. I promise we’ll talk more about…us when we have time. But I can’t run from this. It’s my duty to take responsibility for everything Dom has done.”

She nods, kissing my fingertips as she lays back on the bed. “It’s my responsibility too, now. To support you.”

That resolve, and her words bolster my resolve as I head out into the living area, closing the door. Still, leaving her is impossibly difficult.

“Who’s driving?”

The trip across town is silent. Ciro doesn’t even crack a joke. His leg bobs in the floorboard, the only sign of his nerves. He’ll stay detached until we’re on the brink of disaster, then he’ll pull out a Hail Mary and save the day.

He’s always been quick on his feet.

Ero stares blankly out the window, twirling a knife in one hand. Anyone else would think he’s out for a night drive the way he looks relaxed, casual. I know better. He’s meditating. Centering himself.

Adriano broods, as usual. He’ll be plotting, planning, running over every detail and contingency. Whatever the outcome, he’ll have a plan. And a backup plan for the backup. He never misses a single detail.

Vito’s offices are dark, except for the lobby and the elevator up on the top floor. Same with the spacious hallway that leads us to the conference room connected to his office. I’ve been here dozens of times, going over our assets, cooking the books.

The room is packed.

Every elder is present. Most of our business liaisons, too.

Some are still in their nightclothes. All of them look strained, anxious. The tension in the room raises my hackles.

Something's off.

“Vito? I’m sorry we’re meeting under these circumstances, but let me assure you?—”

“Assure? What are you doing about this, Don Alessandro?!” Will shouts from the back of the room.

“I’ve already sent scouts to locate your loved ones.”

“Alessandro, it’s not enough.”

“What do you mean? We’re going to handle this like we always have. Aggressively. Decisively.”

Vito’s head hangs, his shoulders drooping. “I don’t think it will be enough this time, my boy. He’s…he's taken all the right people. Promised money to all the worst people. He's made threats. Real threats.”

---