Page 56 of Twisted Lies

“Nothing to be concerned about. I have everything where I want it. That’s the one good thing about time. Everything falls into place if you wait long enough.”

She looks away. “I’m nervous.”

“No need to be. I have everything handled. The only thing you need to worry about is spending all the money that’s going to come your way,” I answer, stepping away from my reflection, no longer wanting to see the person I was always meant to be. Stepping to her side, I hold out my hand till she places her small hand into my own. Gently I pull her up. “Don’t let anyone make you feel less than what you are. Never let them see weakness. You are my wife, and that will come with responsibilities. But it will also come with power. Use it. Don’t forget who you are. Never allow them to make you feel less than what you are. You are intelligent, gorgeous, and strong. Feeling anything less is a disservice to us both.” She nods before falling into my arms. I hold her tightly, knowing she fears this is the end, but I know it’s not. It’s just the beginning. When I return, all her fears will be laid to rest.

Leading her into the parlor, we find Claire and Alex. Claire looks as concerned as Lily does. She jumps into my arms and holds tight. In Italian, she speaks her words. “No matter what happens, we will meet again. Be strong and show them what our name means.”

I answer her in Italian, “All will be well. Do not worry, my sister. When this is done, they will fear our name. Don’t forget.” Stepping back, I nod at Alex. He knows the plan. Logan is on board as much as I want him bleeding at my feet. I do need the bastard, which Alex never fails to point out. It seems that family is going to haunt me till the end of my days. Meeting Lily’s eyes once more, I memorize her. Every detail I memorize in case things go wrong. I want her face to be the last thing I picture if darkness creeps in. Nodding, I step away from my family and exit the front door for the large SUV waiting for me. Thankfully there are no words needed.

The driver knows where we’re going. I don’t close my eyes or look out the window; I concentrate on what needs to be done in the next few moments of my life. My father never went into much detail about what was expected during the ceremony. It was always something we would discuss later, till later was removed from our options. Whatever happens next, I will deal with and live through it for no other reason than to prove a point.

Soon enough, we reach a stopping point, and I climb out. I walk briskly in my leather shoes on the gravel road till it reaches the old building that appears to be standing only by rusted nails and tetanus. Stepping inside, darkness greets me. I don’t think it can get much darker till a sharp object hits me on the back of my head and I fall to the floor.

* * *

My eyes blink as the candles flicker around me, casting shadows. Standing, I glance around the room, noting each family that circles me. Words echo off the walls, mainly in Italian. It’s an initiation. One that dates back years and years. One that my father and his father went through before me, tying us all together. This is the moment that all the Families come together as one. Tomorrow we may once more be enemies, but tonight we are one. There is comfort and sadness with this knowledge. The comfort of knowing I could call on others, but a sense of sadness that at one point my father felt the same and was betrayed.

My answers flow out before I can think of responses. It is as if my mind has an instinct on how to respond. Yes, no, yes, I will. All lines I know I will follow. At least for a time. Brotherhood only goes so far with these men; I learned that the hard way.

The ceremony ends with each family bringing out a man I had to kill in various ways—two with a gun, the second with a knife, the last one with my hands. The men had gotten on the bad side of the Families for some reason or other; I didn’t care why. It’s not as if the men were innocent. The killing of the men represented the lengths we would go to protect each other and our ability to follow through. After the men are dealt with, we drink. More men show up to celebrate. Then Logan appears at my side.

“Tell me why you chose blackmail over death,” he asks softly.

“Because the blackmail will last longer. It will be hanging over their heads like a hangman’s noose. Death would be too easy. Plus, I’d hate to waste the years of research.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t visit me on your return.”

“Don’t worry; it’s not because you’re squeaky clean,” I say.

Logan laughs. “Good. I’d hate to think my reputation was taking a hit.”

“I knew your alliance with your brother is more profitable than with the Families. If not for blood, then for money, you would stand with your brother.”

“That just so happens to be married to your sister. Got it,” Logan says, nodding and walking away.

* * *

“I’m going to kill him this time. I swear I am.” I wake to Logan’s voice booming from downstairs. Lily moves next to me, and her eyes blink open.

“What’s going on?” she asks, sitting up.

“It’s Logan, so who the fuck knows. I’ll go down and see who he wants dead this time.” Sliding from the bed, I tug on pants and a grey long sleeve shirt. Lazily, I walk down the stairs and find Alex trying to calm his brother as he paces the room.

“Do I even want to know?” I ask, standing on the last step.

“No,” they answer in unison.

“Now I have to know,” I respond crossly, stepping off the step.

“Sebastian is a pain in my ass. Had I known how much he would become, I would have drowned him at birth,” Logan hisses. Sebastian had been causing trouble for everyone this last year. The only reason he’s still alive is he slipped through Alex’s hands like the slimy snake he is. How he’s survived this long with all Five Families wanting his head is impressive. He must have more friends than we initially thought.

“What did he do?” I demand, hoping it won’t affect me. I have enough going on without adding a Sebastian issue to the list.

“The little brat stole another one of our shipments. I have no idea how the little runt did it. It was a new route. No one outside a few people knew about it. We have another damn rat.”

“Is it possible the buyer did it?” I ask, trying to think of all the angles.

Alex shakes his head. “No. Why would he? He has just as much invested as we do. It’s a long shot, but is it possible he’s been watching us without us even knowing it and putting things together? Maybe there is no rat.”

---