Page 8 of Rotten Men

“Still, no matter how many times I’ve told you I don’t trust him, you keep emboldening his every move,” I complain, exasperated.

“True,” Vincent replies nonchalantly.

“Why?”

“My uncle once told me that I don’t have to like all my syndicate brothers, just see how they best serve me with their set of skills. Ciro has an abundance of skills that other soldiers in the Outfit admire. As much as you dislike him, he’s proven to be one of the best underbosses the syndicate has ever had.”

“Don’t let my father hear you say that,” I scoff.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” He smirks again.

“You know, some may even say he would do your job better, too,” I provoke.

“I’m sure you’re right. But hopefully, those who have such disloyal notions think twice before vocalizing them,” he summarizes menacingly.

“If they don’t, then I’m sure today’s little demonstration with Silvio might make them reconsider,” I joke.

“Hmm,” he mumbles.

It’s apparent that Vince is still concerned with how the oldercapostook such a reprimand on our formerconsigliere. I don’t doubt it is a cause for concern, but damn, was it worth it. For me at least. In Vincent’s case though, only time will tell if Bianchi’s punishment will blow up in his face. But right now, I just want to make sure Vince has more loyal allies than enemies.

“Answer me this, at least—if you know the threat Ciro is, why give him free reign to negotiate with New York on your behalf?”

“Isn’t it obvious? If Ciro is bound to betray me, then I would rather be from a direction I see coming.”

“So this is a trap?” I grin, ecstatic that the smooth talker hasn’t gotten his claws completely in my friend.

“You sound surprised?”

“Actually, color-me-fucking-impressed,” I beam.

“Glad you approve.” He chuckles softly and then grows serious, rehashing his well-laced plan out in the open.

“The Boston deal is done, and our Irish allies are just waiting for orders as to when we attack New York—a fact that only you and I know. While Ciro is there, thinking I’m just a state away, I’ll be, in fact, visiting our Calabrian brothers in Quebec. I’ll be arranging a new deal to use their casinos as a front to launder our money—a deal that will ensure we get millions in clean revenue a day, plus a little kickback from the income we can make loan sharking on their turf. For an added percentage, our Calabrian friends will be all too willing to support us when we take over theCosa Nostra.”

“In other words, not only will theCosa Nostrabe blocked in from all sides, Silvio’s petty restaurants will look meager in comparison to the casinos,” I announce, in awe of Vincent’s elaborate scheme.

“Erasing him from our lives completely,” he mumbles in deep thought.

The Butcherwill not take that change lightly and will act upon it. All Vincent needs is one traitorous act, just as he so poignantly warned a few minutes ago in front of all the Outfit’s heavy hitters—a shrewd remark done with cold calculation. And once the treason happens, and Bianchi is no longer a game player to the syndicate, his days are counted.

I wonder who Vincent will order to do the hit. Hopefully, it will be an affair where all three of us can participate. Sending the devil into his well-deserved fiery pit is not something I want to miss out on.

Yes. This day has taken a blessed turn indeed.

We grow quiet, as we both take in this beautiful future. But only a few minutes pass when I’m reminded of another statement Vincent made.

“Vincent?” I whisper, calling him back to the here and now.

“Yes?”

“Is that why you chose me to be yourconsigliere? Because of my skill set?”

I’m greeted with a meek half-smile as my answer.

“Let’s just say there are very few men courageous enough to defy me. You have never batted an eye at knocking me off my pedestal. And to do my work well, I need a friend who can tell me the truth, at all costs,” he announces with admiration in his gaze.

“Well, someone has to keep you honest,” I jab, my own smile resurfacing.

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