Page 37 of Nicco

NICCO

Iexcused myself from Alexis to have a quick talk with John Graziano the capo of Vegas and Ray Capello the capo of Philly. I exchanged a few words and made plans for the next council meeting. I gave them enough information to appease their nerves. They probably thought I would replace them and they wanted to kiss my ass a little before the next meet.

I enjoyed Alexis’ company so after a few drinks I made my way back over to her. I needed to dig into her background. I liked having all the details with new people.

At the funeral, Uncle Gianni told me the mob kidnapped Benita Jackson, Alexis’s mother at gunpoint. They took Benita to a safe house where she cared for my father after a doctor removed both the bullets from his torso. Gianna said they needed a full-time nurse, and they grabbed a random Black nurse from the hospital parking lot. He said they picked a Black one because they were calm and wouldn’t be screaming all over the place.

This wasn’t the time to think about that. “Would you like a drink?” I asked Alexis, realizing her hand was empty.

“Ah.”

I didn’t give her a chance to say no. I waved a waiter over. He scurried fast with a glass of bubbly. The staff knew how I was and they knew to be far enough away to not listen in on mafia business, but close enough to hand me a drink sooner rather than later.

I grabbed the scotch off the silver-serving tray and then handed the champagne over to my new sister. She took the drink from me and looked at it. She obviously wasn’t much of a drinker.

When the server darted away, I raised my glass. “Let’s toast.” Alexis raised her glass. “This is tailor-made for you. To mo’ money, mo’ problems.”

She giggled before we clinked glasses. We both took a drink. I thought about my father being poisoned from a drink. My stomach churned a bit.

“Did you come back because I looked like I didn’t belong.”

“No, I just enjoyed our conversation. I am your favorite brother.”

“Well that’s true.” She giggled and took a long sip from her champagne glass.

I noticed someone looking my way. Valentina was standing at the doors that lead to the balcony. My other sister was headed our way. She was in a different dress than the one she wore at the cemetery. It seemed he fashionista made a wardrobe change in the car on the way to the festivities. Leave it to Valentina to bring all the drama.

“Here comes trouble.” I muttered to Alexis. She glanced to her left and saw Valentina ambling toward us in her tight black dress and feathered hat. Her outfit was very Victoria Beckham.

“What are you guys talking about?”

“Money.” I spoke for Alexis and me.

“That’s one of my favorite subjects.” Valentina smiled. “Did you tell Alexis she could stay with me?”

“I did not. She has a room at the Palladium.”

“We can’t have our sister staying in a hotel.”

We can’t. I thought, but didn’t dare say. Valentina had a plan. I didn’t know the plan, but I was sure there was one.

“I’m okay at the hotel. I don’t want to inconvenience you.”

“Don’t be silly. Why would it be an inconvenience? You’re family. You can come stay with me for as long as I like. I don’t have any strict rules. You can sleep ‘til noon and lounge at the pool drinking mimosas. I have two kids, but they have a nanny. You don’t have to bother with them. Nicco, don’t you think Alexis should stay with me?”

“I think she should do whatever makes her feel most comfortable.” I said proudly, despite the look Valentina was giving me.

“We can grab your things from your hotel room tomorrow and bring you home with me tonight.”

“Okay.” Alexis took a sip from her flute.

“I just have one definitive rule.” Valentina gave us both a wide smile. “You cannot fuck my husband.”

“I, I.” Alexis stuttered, then choked on her champagne.

“No, no, listen to me, Lexi. I know we are blood. You are my sister. I will treat you like family, but fucking my husband is where I draw the line. If you fuck Dario, I will kill you.” Valentina giggled like she didn’t mean it. “I only tell you this because you are my family. I give this same warning to my girlfriends. I have only had to kill one bitch since I’ve been married. So that you understand this isn’t a bluff.” Valentina’s smile made Alexis uneasy. She didn’t know if she was joking or serious. I knew she was serious as shit. She killed a girl who fucked her husband. Dario was a good soldier and a decent guy, but killing over him just seemed like a waste of a bullet. He was never going to leave my sister. Why did she care if he fucked a few of her friends?

“Valentina, I would never sleep with you husband or any married man. I don’t do things like that.” I’d been around a long time and I could tell Alexis was being truthful.

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