Chapter 29
CHAPTER 29
K ara
I was a mess.
Maybe not physically, but my stomach was in knots. I was a professional journalist who’d spent her entire career working with and interviewing difficult people. I understood the aspects of danger, but it existed in almost every aspect of life.
The butterflies taking over my stomach had nothing to do with what Don Lorenzo Coppola would do to me. He’d been briefed on my questions, which started out as nothing but a form questionnaire I asked personally. Those questions were the same for everyone. Where the interview took me after that was always dependent on how the subject handled the time spent up to this point.
My near anxiety attack was all about the fear of being shut out. Of never learning the truth. I’d begun to think over the last two hours that Havros was right and I didn’t want to learn the gory details.
Plus, the heaviness on my mind included needing to tell Havros I had to leave. I had a few more days and Jacob’s phone call had provided me with a perfect excuse so I could return to my life. It had been the one I’d fought to achieve for so long, yet the ache inside continued to grow exponentially.
That was the real reason I was so sick inside. I’d allowed myself to get caught up in the romance instead of maintaining a professional environment. I closed my eyes, tapping my pen on the pad.
“Ms. Banning. Am I keeping you from something?”
“What?” I jerked up my head, realizing I’d fallen into a daydream when Don Coppola was sitting right in front of me. The sick feeling persisted, the sensations becoming so intense I was ready to bolt. “I’m sorry. I was thinking about everything you’ve shared with me.”
The Don was in his early seventies, but had already told me he had no plans on retiring anytime soon. He had two sons, both men involved in the business since before they were eighteen, but the powerful man didn’t seem ready or willing to give up control.
My guess was because he was still grieving from the loss of his son only a few months before.
“What else can I help you with?” he asked as he puffed on his cigar.
Smoke rolled in my direction and a nervous tic appeared in the corner of my mouth. “Do you interact with the other families in Italy?”
“Not often. You’ve done your research, Ms. Banning. I’m certain you’re aware there is a near crisis of humanity within our country, the possibility of war between us endless. And tiresome.”
“Who is in line to be handed the Godfather position?”
The question was one Havros had suggested I asked. Seeing the man’s reaction was probably the one my Greek god had wanted. The flash of anger and even resentment was ripe, but the Sicilian Don quickly hid his frustration. Still puffing on his cigar. Still staring at me as he’d been doing during the entire interview.
“There are few men capable of handling that position with grace and honor. The man who holds the coveted position of Godfather must have the best interests of all parties involved in mind. Jealousy and greed are often impossible barriers.”
“But you are a man capable of greatness.” I’d been sitting with him for almost two hours, perspiring the entire time. Havros had given me a deadline. Two point five hours and nothing longer. We were closing in on that and everything I’d gotten from this man was practiced. Don Coppola certainly wasn’t forthcoming in his desire to crack Pandora’s Box.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the time to be able to gain his trust. I doubted he’d talk to me ever again after being forced to speak with Havros.
His lips finally curled into a smile. “Yes, Ms. Banning. I am. I’m perhaps the only man who’s willing to keep the peace. Others would prefer a war between our organizations. That isn’t good business for anyone.”
“Interesting. I’ve heard there are other men who want the nod, including Don Bernardi.” It was bait tossed out to ease Havros’ entrance. I didn’t mind being a part of his being able to learn the same truth about his brother I was looking for in discovering who’d ordered the bomb planted under my mother’s car.
“Yes, well, he’s a buffoon with a God complex. He’s made many mistakes.”
“Including with your family?”
He laughed, but the sound was as if he was getting ready to push me off or completely end the interview.
“I’ve heard Bernardi will do anything in his power to get what he wants, including the removal of anyone threatening him.” I made the statement casually.
“He is a ruthless man.”
“Ruthless enough to be the reason your oldest son was murdered?”
Don Coppola was becoming leery of the directions the questions had gone. “Let me ask you this, Ms. Banning.” He leaned forward. “Why are you really here? Certainly not to warn me about an enemy.”
“To hopefully expose the true depth of what living within a mafia organization is about. I’m certain you can handle every aspect of your business without my assistance.”
“And I’m certain you were told asking questions could be harmful to your health and to that of anyone you care about.”
I allowed a smile to cross my face when the sickness almost bubbled to the surface. “Is that a threat, Don Coppola? I wouldn’t expect that from a man of your stature and common sense.”
His eyes were hooded as he studied me. I wasn’t expecting him to burst into laughter. “You’re quite formidable, Ms. Banning. I applaud your courage in meeting with so many unscrupulous men.”
“Are you suggesting you handle leadership with absolute honor?”
“Yes, I do. I pride myself in doing so. As I’ve told you, this is a business. The organizations who succeed do so by keeping integrity in mind. Now, I hate to do this, Ms. Banning, when you’ve come all this way, but I still have business to attend to today. I’m happy to answer additional questions if you’ll forward them to my assistant.”
“Of course. I do appreciate your time.”
“Now, if I may. Allow me to ask you a question.”
“Certainly.” I was suddenly even more nervous.
He leaned forward as he’d done before. “Why did your agent throw in my face the fact you were meeting with the Lieutenant of the Nomikos family?”
“Because I believe the two of you can benefit from making a stronger connection.” At least he’d driven me into an introduction. Hopefully, there was honor amongst criminals as the old adage suggested. No, I was wrong. There was no honor amongst thieves.
“You have me curious as to how that might be possible.”
“Because as you said, you’re an intelligent businessman who would prefer not to be saddled with a monster becoming the Godfather of Italy.”
“Just how could you or Mr. Nomikos help me keep that from happening?”
While I’d been frisked at the door to ensure I didn’t have any weapons, Don Coppola’s soldiers hadn’t bothered with my phone. Havros had been listening in the entire time, which had been another reason for my overt anxiousness. We were playing a dangerous game.
The door opened and one of the Don’s men swept inside. “I’m sorry to interrupt you, but you have a visitor who insists on having a moment with you.”
The timing wasn’t lost on the Italian Don. He lifted a single eyebrow while turning his attention toward me. “I see the rumors are true, Ms. Banning. You’re romantically involved with Havros Nomikos.”
“We’re friendly, Don Coppola. He has reason to speak with you and I do believe it’s in your best interest to take the time to hear what he has to say.”
“I hope you’re right. I would hate for you to have wasted your time.”
All men in his power and control liked to use methods of intimidation. At least I trusted in Havros enough to know he’d burn down the building to keep the Don from hurting me.
I only prayed Havros knew what he was doing.
“Please, Gio. Welcome our guest and have him come in.” The Don sat back, swirling his drink as he waited for Havros to arrive.
It was now or never if I wanted to learn about my mother. “One last question, Don Coppola. Do you know who ordered the hit on my family, killing my mother?” The man had been a staunch hater of my father and the Italian president’s position on the five families.
While a light went off in the man’s eyes, he took a deep breath. “I’m not certain what you’re referring to.”
“Malcolm Banning, the American ambassador to Italy fourteen years ago. Certainly, you must remember the argument you got into with him in front of a reporter. His wife, my mother, was murdered. She was incinerated inside a car on her way home from buying me a birthday present. She died because of my father’s beliefs.”
I heard the demand in my voice, but I’d come too far and had gone through too much to back down now.
“Do you have any idea what her murder did to my father or to her only child, a daughter who rarely spent any time with her father once we returned to the United States because he refused to deal with the guilt he felt or the misery he was in?”
I felt Havros’ presence, the room suddenly becoming stuffy. I was angrier than I’d promised myself I’d become. In doing so, I could have destroyed what Havros was trying to accomplish.
“Well?”
Don Coppola rose from his chair and the fear of God rolled through me. “Mr. Nomikos. Ms. Banning is quite impressive.”
“Yes, Don Coppola. She can also take her job too seriously.” Havros walked forward. “However, her question deserves an answer.”
I tipped my head, noticing three soldiers had entered the room. They were here to ensure their Don was protected.
Don Coppola threw out his hand. “You can leave, gentlemen. We’re only having a friendly conversation.” He walked away from the dining room table toward the bar, turning slightly when the men remained in the room. “Leave. Now.”
“Yes, sir,” one of them mumbled.
The Don muttered something in Italian I couldn’t hear.
“Please, sit, Mr. Nomikos. Would you like something to drink?”
“Whiskey. Neat. Please call me Havros.”
“Havros it is, and you call me Lorenzo. I’m reminded far too often I’m an old man. Are you certain you wouldn’t like something stronger, Ms. Banning?”
“Water is fine.” My chest felt heavy and as Havros took a seat at the table, I sensed he was as agitated as I was. However, you wouldn’t know it given the look on his face. He was completely collected, sitting back in his chair as if this was nothing but a friendly meeting.
All three of us remained quiet as he prepared the two drinks, sliding Havros’ glass across the table before sitting.
“Why are you here, Havros? I must admit, having a beautiful woman making the introduction has been a pleasant distraction, but given we are both very busy, why don’t you get into the meat of the reason for your arrival.”
“Yes, why don’t we. Let’s not mince words, Lorenzo. You must be aware my brother was murdered, the hit ordered by a man once tasked to become his oldest daughter’s husband.”
“Everyone in the business is aware of what happened to Leandro and let me offer my condolences.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that. While the person responsible directly was… handled, it’s my family’s belief that Bernardi was behind the organized hit, requiring his soon-to-be son-in-law to perform a task he wanted to keep his distance from.”
“I can imagine why you’re taking that position,” Don Coppola said casually, but he was already becoming disinterested.
“Don Bernardi is actively seeking to expand his territory into Greece. He’s cleaned house of anyone who might expose him. But his true sights are set on taking the Godfather position of the Cosa Nostra.”
“So your protégé has told me.”
Protégé. I should be appalled at use of the word, but a slight glimmer of pride settled into my system.
“Yes, I’m certain she has. I’d like to arrange an association between our two organizations,” Havros tossed out. He was swirling the glass back and forth as he dangled the carrot.
“And why would I be interested in doing that?”
“Because I’m offering you a chance to avenge your son’s death.”
Don Coppola’s eyes opened wide, but there was no other reaction. “I’m not interested in hearsay, Havros. I’m certain you can understand.”
“It’s not considered hearsay if it came directly to me from a former Bernardi soldier.”
He cocked his head. “You trust this man.”
“He worked for us exclusively after leaving Bernardi’s employ.” Havros was insistent.
I noticed the Don’s fingers had suddenly turned white as he gripped his glass. “What do you want in return?”
“Information leading to the person responsible for the death of Kara’s mother.”
The Don took a deep breath and rose from his chair, walking to the window. “I ordinarily would not be interested in making deals with people I don’t know if I can trust. However, your family is highly respected, considered honorable. Why is this so important to you?”
“Because if Bernardi ordered the death of my brother, I want him dead. Because he’s placing my family in harm’s way. And mostly because Kara has lived a life of not knowing, suffering because of her loss.”
Don Coppola turned and faced us, studying me just as he’d done before. “The love of a beautiful woman is a tremendous opportunity in a man’s life. Loss is a great motivator. Why are you allowing me this honor?”
“Because my family would like to bring business into Italy and we’d like your support.”
The Don’s face suddenly lit up in a grin. “Very nicely played, Havros. In the end, we all get what we want. Your father would be proud. Let me see what I can do. As you might imagine, painting the streets with blood in my beloved Sicily isn’t something I would like to see happen. But if I can find a way to handle this delicate matter, I will do so.” He walked forward and both Havros and I stood.
The two men shook hands and I was relieved. I was also trembling inside, both elated at the possibility of learning the truth and fearful it would destroy me.
“Let us drink to us working together, Havros. And to the woman I hope will make you a very happy man.” The Don’s eyes were twinkling and as they clinked glasses, all I could think about was what needed to be said to the man…
To the man I was falling in love with.