Page 65 of Memento Mori
A wide smile spread across my face. “I’m sure you weren’t, Don Viscuso. So why have you gentlemen called this meeting? As you know my husband is indisposed at the moment, so I’ve stepped in to take over his duties.”
“And that right there is going to be an issue,” Don Viscuso said. “We areCosa Nostra. We will not recognize your power.”
I tilted my head, studying the older gentlemen intently. As he started to squirm in his seat, a mischievous smile crept across my face. “Whether you recognize me or not, Don Viscuso, I really don’t care.”
The sound of gasps filled the air as everyone at the table reacted. What did they expect me to do? Sit in silence and go along with whatever they said.
“I have the backing of my husband and my Family,” I continued. “And none of you in this room can or will remove me from my rightful place.” I abruptly raised my hand, halting the older man’s words. “I’m not finished.”
With a menacing glare, he held his tongue, leaving the tension hanging in the air.
“Whether you want me here or not, I’m not going anywhere. If you want to remove me from power, then you will leave me no choice but to declare war on any member that goes against my family. And I assure you, that’s a war you will not win.”
“Are you threatening us?” Don Puglisi asked, his round cheeks flushed crimson.
These men definitely didn’t appreciate a powerful woman. But they had better get used to it because this was their new reality. While Tony recovered, I was the person they’d be dealing with. And if they wanted to cross me, then I would be the one taking over their territory and absorbing their families into mine.
I leaned back in my chair, my attention fixed on Don Puglisi. “I don’t make threats Don Puglisi. Just look at it as a friendly warning. I’m not here to step on anyone’s toes, but I will protect my family. I don’t care who you are. I don’t care how much power you think you have. I can guarantee you I have more than all of you in this room. You can remain civil with me, or you can become my enemy. The choice is yours.”
“It’s not wise to make enemies of us, Donna,” Don Viscuso said.
Don Cavallaro from the Cavallaro family and Don Lombardo from the Vitale family were the only Dons who hadn’t spoken. They simply watched. Antonio informed me that these two men had no interest in old-world traditions and were fine with our marriage.
“And it’s not wise to underestimate me, Don Viscuso. My husband’s wishes have been made clear. Each one of you sitting at this table has received notice of those intentions. I hope you abide by what he has decided.”
I shifted my chair and rose to my feet. I didn’t have time to engage with men who opposed change. I was the head of this family until Tony took back the reigns. They might as well get used to it or do something about it. And if it came to that, then I would be ready.
“If there’s nothing else, I need to get back to my husband.”
“We’re not done here!” Don Viscuso’s shout echoed as his hand forcefully collided with the table. “You will listen to what we have to say!”
And they called women emotional.
I leaned forward, placing both hands firmly on the table, while glaring at the old man. If he didn’t calm down, he was going to have a heart attack.
“Don Viscuso, I have not disrespected you and you will not disrespect me. I’ve been nothing but civil despite how you have treated me. I suggest you change your tone when you’re speaking to me.”
“Who the hell do you think you are!” Don Viscuso shouted.
“I am Aaliyah Rizzo. Wife of Don Antonio Rizzo, Jr., daughter of Abasi Sefu. That is who I am.”
At the mention of my father’s name, their eyes widened in surprise. Yes, that was who I was, and it was time that they recognized the person who held the actual power at this table. And it wasn’t them.
“Donna thank you for coming,” Don Cavallero said, interrupting Don Viscuso. “I just needed to make sure I knew where the Rizzo family stood. Being here has told me all I needed to know.”
As he stood, he extended his hand across the table, bridging the distance between us. I firmly gripped his hand. “Thank you, Don.”
Don Lombardo stood next, reached out his hand, and I grasped it. No words were exchanged between us, but I believe he understood my position and I understood his. Don Viscuso and Don Puglisi stared at me, but they were aware of my stance too.
“Gentlemen,” I said before walking away.
Luca and Abel got up and trailed behind me and Alessandro as we walked back into the house, then to the car. As soon as we were inside the car, Alessandro’s laughter resonated inside the vehicle.
“What’s so funny?” I asked. “I thought I handled that pretty well.”
“You did. That was the shortest sit down I’ve ever attended.”
I rolled my eyes. “If they hadn’t been trying to put me in my place, it would have gone on longer and we could have gotten some things done. I don’t like them.”
