Page 63 of Princess's Revenge

“Anthony.”

Anthony steps out and Al pats him down. I follow and get the same treatment, so do Vincenzo, Phil and Bobby.

Phil and Bobby wait in the car while the three of us follow Al to a trestle in the middle of the dimly lit factory floor. There are ten chairs, four on either side and one at each end.

The only man I recognize is Joshua de Soto, he’s sitting between an older man and a younger one. I’m guessing the old fart in the wheelchair with two strands of hair on his head and the oxygen mask is Don Cassaduchi.

The guy at the head of the table stands and comes to greet us.

“Don Bertinelli,” he kisses Vincenzo on both cheeks and hugs him. He’s dressed in a tan suit that looks like it cost more than a mid-range sedan. He’s got a full head of dark hair with silver wings.

“Don Torrio,” Vincenzo says, “you know my son, Anthony.”

Anthony goes through the ritual with him.

“And this,” Vincenzo steps back and presents me, “is Donna Andrea Lupertazzi.”

He’s been briefed on the situation and my existence comes as no surprise to him. “Donna Lupertazzi,” he gently takes my hand and kisses my knuckles, “it’s an honor to finally meet you. I was a friend to your father. I hope we can be friends as well.”

I smile graciously, “I would like that.”

He turns and escorts us to the table.

When de Soto lays eyes on me, he slams his hand on the table and stands so fast, his chair flies back, “This is bullshit! How the hell do we know that’s really her? Huh? She could be anybody!” He puts his hand on the man with the oxygen mask, “This whole thing is a ruse, Michael!”

Don Michael Cassaduchi grabs Joshua’s hand. He pulls him down and takes off his mask at the same time—with much more vigor than you’d expect—saying, “Sit the fuck down!” with the amount of gravel in his throat that only years of smoking can give you.

Josh snorts out a breath and does as he’s told.

Don Torrio offers us the seats across from the Cassaduchis with a gesture and says, “Please, help yourselves to any refreshments,” then goes to his place at the head and sits.

Before we take our seats, Anthony whispers to me, “That’s Leo Abruzzi, he’s a friend.”

I nod and as we sit, I watch the Cassaduchis bore holes through me with their stares.

“I’m sure no introductions are necessary,” Don Torrio looks to both sides and everyone nods.

Josh slowly points at me, “Might not be such a bad idea, maybe she could tell us who shereally is.”

“Enough with that,” old man Cassaduchi grates out, “you can see!” He coughs three times like he’s going to spew out his lungs, takes a hit of his oxygen, then points at me shakily, “It’s in the face. It’s her.”

“Well,” I give him a smile, “if we’re done discussing my genetic makeup, let’s get down to brass tacks.”

“Let’s,” agrees Don Torrio

Don Cassaduchi puts his hand out for me to continue.

“Vincenzo has something he’d like you all to know.”

Leo Abruzzi, the guys who looks like a short, wide tank, points and nods at me like I’m in school, “You meanDonVincenzoBertinelli.”

“No,” Vincenzo says putting his hand up at Leo, “no longer. We’re here to tell you that after my brief stewardship of this family, leadership has been passed to the rightful heir, Donna Andrea Lupertazzi. I am now her consiglieri. My sons are her captains.”

“What the fuck is this? Fuckin Star Trek?” Josh stands again, “I’m all for progress, Michael, buta woman boss? She’s not even—”

Don Torrio stands with his hands out, “Josh.”

Don Cassaduchi puts his hand on Josh once more, “JOSH!”

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