Page 41 of Ti Amo

“Bonaduce has refused our requests for a meeting. We still believe he has Angelo.” Lorenzo answered.

Giovanni reclined back in his chair tossing the unopened mail to the top of his desk. “Then we must give him something he wants more than his desire to challenge me.”

“Precisely why I’m preparing to offer him a few liberties in the Campania.” Dominic answered. It would be considered a generous offer, since the Battaglia’s now had a hold on trafficking their weapons through the cruise liners that docked in and out of Napoli. No one in the Cammora had such a profitable deal. Bonaduce would be a fool not to seize on the opportunity.

Lorenzo shook his head. “Forgive me, Gio. I must be heard on this.”

“Speak your mind.” Giovanni said.

“We need to strike hard.” Lorenzo slammed his fist down into his palm. “Angelo’s life is owed to you. To negotiate only makes you weak.”

“I thought you wanted to end the war?” Dominic frowned at Lorenzo.

“We end it with Calderone’s life, Gio.” Lorenzo answered speaking with his hands. “Then we make peace. It’s the only way the families know you won’t tolerate the disrespect in the future. Calderone is not part of the Cammora. They are owed nothing from Bonaduce nor us. This is a matter that should be settled the old fashion way.”

Giovanni rubbed his brow. A tension headache began from the bridge of his nose and spread up into his skull. He could feel his good mood shifting. As a little boy Giovanni was shown how to deal with traitors or those that dared to defy him. His father warned him to show any leniency would indeed cripple his image. He sucked down a breath and focused on his cousin. “Lorenzo, It’s you that owes me Angelo’s life. Would you not agree?”

All eyes went to his cousin. Lorenzo nodded that he did. Sadly killing another man didn’t repulse any of them. And the idea of killing a coward who had managed to evade them for two years would indeed be a pleasure.

“Very well. You and Carlo have unfinished business. I want it done, in a week. Do not disturb Bonaduce’s territory or bring any shame to him. Do it clean.”

“Clean? How the hell can we get in there and out without…”

Giovanni’s brow lifted and Lorenzo swallowed his words. He nodded his obedience.

“I’m a father now.” Giovanni said with pride. He swept his gaze over the men. “Soon I will be a husband. This blessing is because of Lorenzo returning mybelladonnato me.” He settled his gaze back on Lorenzo. “For your loyalty I’ve decided you can have the triangle, assotto capu.”

Several of the gathered men grumbled. Dominic’s eyes stretched. Even Lorenzo blinked at the generosity. Giovanni sat forward. “That is what you want? An empire of your own. The leash removed from your neck?”

“Sì. More importantly I want your respect. The respect of my brothers that I had lost. I just never…”

“Thought you’d earn it? You haven’t.” Giovanni reclined. “We need Angelo Calderone dead, and I want it done by your hand. Do it and all other past transgressions will be forgiven.”

“Consider it done.” Lorenzo nodded.

“One more thing.”

Lorenzo waited. Giovanni rocked back in his seat. “If you ever speak to Mira out of turn again, I will cut out your tongue after I make you remove your own balls.”

Lorenzo gave a nod as if it were a reasonable request and consequence. “Carlo had to leave for Sicily. He sends his regrets for missing the meeting. I will summon him, and we will handle it cousin. On my honor.” Lorenzo stuck the cigar back in his mouth and left. Giovanni’s gaze switched to Dominic. His consigliere dropped his head shaking it in disapproval. He didn’t give a fuck. Every man deserved a second chance. He wanted Lorenzo to have a fair shot at one. It was due to the compassion Mira had brought back into his heart. Giovanni smiled. He could have the future he wanted. It was within his grasp. After Angelo Calderone was dead the family would begin again. A new era of prosperity would resume. They didn’t need Flavio’s counsel to legitimize the family. Giovanni was more than capable to lead these men to a better future, free of blood and guns. He exhaled a deep sigh.

“Who wants to go first?”

****

“Okay. Close your eyes.”

Mira really wanted to put her baby girl down. Eve, however, clung to her neck for dear life. She heaved her heavy child in her arms while squeezing her eyes shut.

“Ready?”

“I’m ready.”

The door opened.

“Sorpresa!” Catalina exclaimed. Mira was stunned. She wasn’t gone a full twenty-four hours. So how was this even possible? “Before you say anything let me explain. Domi called and told me the news shortly after they found you in Switzerland. He said you were alive and we had a baby girl. A littlebambinain the family! I went to work on this room right away.”

Eve lifted her head from Mira’s shoulder sucking on her pacifier. She blinked at the bright lemon yellow and black striped bumblebees and colorful butterflies hanging from the ceiling. Mira lowered her daughter and Eve immediately ran into the room. Her baby stopped, turning in a circle, her head back as she stared in wonder at the vibrant display hanging from the ceiling. She then turned and bolted for the little play table. The chairs had teddy bears and dolls tucked in with a tea set arranged on top. In the corner was a marionette stage. The puppets hung from their wires, staged in an act of theatrical play.

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