Arranged

Chapter 28

CHAPTER 28

C armella

“Should I offer the soldiers anything?” I asked and seeing the look on Alejandro’s face forced a smile.

“I honestly don’t think that’s a good idea. News travels fast within the organization. Even though we have four new individuals on duty, that doesn’t mean they’ll fall for your brownie trick.”

“Would I do that? Again?” I wasn’t certain how I felt inside other than numb. Yet around Alejandro, there were always butterflies in my stomach. It was after four in the morning and we were both still awake, too wired to sleep, the man too worried to close his eyes.

And me?

I had no clue what I felt at this point.

He lifted his cognac and grinned, which highlighted his dimples. They almost never appeared. “Yes, my darling wife. You would.”

“What if I promise not to do it again?” I inched closer. I’d never felt so damn lonely in my life.

“Forgive me, but I don’t think I can believe you. Not just yet anyway.” His faraway look returned and I took another step toward him. He’d said almost nothing about what had occurred in the little house. There’d been talk of providing a cleanup crew or discussions with his men about what had happened.

It was as if this was just another night.

“Are they sleeping finally?” he asked.

“Yes. Maria insisted on sleeping with Jessica.”

“Maybe that’s okay. How’s Gabriel?”

I laughed, easing hair from my fallen ponytail. “That kid can sleep through a nuclear disaster. Didn’t wake up at all. I think his auntie and uncle tired him out.”

He smiled again, but it faded quickly. “Good.”

“She’s lovely.”

“Maria? She can be a handful.”

“Not Maria, although she’s definitely your sister. A tough lady. I was talking about Jessica, your daughter.”

He lifted his head so slowly I hadn’t seen it move. “Did Maria tell you?”

“No, you just did.” I moved as slowly as his head had done, sitting down on the chair opposite him. While I had a glass of wine in my hand in some crazy attempt to finally relax, I’d never felt so much on edge. I’d barely touched the cabernet. “But I had a strong suspicion after looking into Jessica’s eyes. They’re almost identical to yours.”

“Fortunately for her, she has most of her mother’s attributes.”

“I don’t think so. She’s absolutely beautiful and your relationship is clear. Why didn’t you tell me the truth?”

The man was so strong, so damn powerful, and could lead an entire army into battle, taking up arms alongside them. But at that moment, he appeared slightly vulnerable. I knew it wouldn’t last.

“The truth is that I haven’t seen her in two years. A lot changes with a child in two years. She doesn’t know me as anything but her auntie’s friend.” He laughed and the sound was so melancholy I couldn’t be angry with him. He’d sacrificed so much, almost losing what I could guess he considered most precious of all.

“That doesn’t mean she doesn’t miss her daddy. She called out for you when she heard a gunshot.”

He was shocked, searching my eyes to see if I was telling the truth. “Just a distant memory.”

“I don’t think so. Children are smart. They have a sense of who they belong to. What happened to her mother? I mean, if you don’t want to tell me, I completely understand.”

“You deserve to know that at least after all I’ve put you through. She died of ALS two and a half years ago. Carrie and Jessica were my entire world. Carrie wasn’t supposed to be able to get pregnant, but she defied the odds. She wanted the baby so badly she was willing to risk her own health. The doctors were understandably skeptical. They even tried to convince us our child could possibly have birth defects. When Jess was born with all ten fingers and toes, we were both so happy. And relieved.”

The expression on his face dragged at everything decent inside of me. I felt for him, my heart aching. It also ached for another reason. I cared about him. Maybe too much. He’d lied to me and I wasn’t certain of who he was or who I was any longer, but I wanted to be with him. Maybe I was crazy for thinking that way, but as hard as I’d tried to shove him from my mind, I’d given up. Not possible. Hell, the man had challenged my father yet again, telling him in no uncertain terms he wasn’t allowed to treat me badly.

“I’m so sorry,” I said quietly, so flooded with emotion.

“We were happy for a little while. Things were good and Carrie hadn’t experienced any setbacks. But everything came crumbling down and I watched her go from vibrant and animated to barely hanging on. There is nothing more horrible than watching someone you care about slowly slipping away.”

“Why leave your daughter?”

“I’ve been asking myself the same question for every day of the last two years. I think because I didn’t have anything to give her. At least in the way of feelings. I shut down completely. I couldn’t give her what she needed, which was a father and love. Maria was there. She was always there helping me and when she developed a bond with my little girl, I sensed things had to change. When I had an offer to come into the Santorelli organization, I thought it might bring back my soul. I was wrong.”

I had no idea how to address that. “Are you going to tell her now that she’s here?”

“That’s up to Maria. I won’t take Jessica away from her, not after all she’s done and everything that’s happened. I might be a bad man, but I’m not evil. At least I don’t think I am.”

“You’re not a bad man, Alejandro. You’re just… You just lost your way.”

“That is true. Sadly, I’m not certain I’ve found it.” He stared into his drink. “There are some things you need to know.”

“Okay. What things?”

“First of all, I don’t like that I placed your life in harm’s way. That was not a good decision. Not that you didn’t hold your own. You’re one hell of a woman, but I can’t do that. I just can’t stand the thought of losing you. So that’s not going to happen again.”

I wasn’t going to fight him on it. That would serve no purpose at this point. I remained quiet, hoping he would finally confide in me.

“I think the raid on Maria’s home was DEA.”

“The Drug Enforcement Agency? Why would you say that?”

“First of all, both syndicates are selling illegal weapons. Now, Santorelli has a larger share of the market so naturally, they’d come after the leaders. Second, both organizations used to run drugs. That placed them on the radar a long time ago.”

“Okay. I can buy that. But why target you?”

He rolled his glass from one hand to the other. “I think there’s a leak in at least one organization. Now, no one knows this that I’m aware of, but Santorelli has made arrangements should anything happen to him that I’ll step up as Don.”

“What?” I knew there was a remote possibility, but hearing it in motion was something else.

“Yes. He had legal papers drawn up that only Santorelli, his attorney, and I are supposed to know about, but I’ve begun to wonder if someone else found out.”

“Which makes the DEA hopeful you’re not as strong and wise.”

His chuckle was more like what I was used to. “Something like that. There are also other things happening that lead me to believe there’s someone on the inside supplying information to a third party.”

“Another mafia organization.”

“Yes. Now, not all the pieces are fitting together easily and I have additional questions, but those are my concerns. I don’t want Jessica growing up in the life any more than you want Gabriel to do so.”

“So what are you suggesting, that we defect?” I laughed.

He didn’t.

“I’m not suggesting anything, Carmella. It’s too early, but if they were DEA, I have a larger target on my back.”

I’d listened to what he’d said. I’d heard the words, but I still had questions. “Who are you, Alejandro? That’s not your name. When I said it in front of Maria, she rolled her eyes and appeared uncomfortable. Don’t worry, she really didn’t tell me anything.”

“She doesn’t know anything, Firesong. I purposely kept her in the dark.”

“Then who are you? I care about you more than I thought possible. I might even be falling in love with you, but if you’re here to destroy my family, I’m not going to allow that to happen. I just can’t. I won’t.”

The hard knock on the door was more jarring given the time.

We both looked at each other and he stood immediately, placing his drink on the table. He reached for his weapon, which he’d placed in his waistband, his shirt covering it. “Stay here.”

“I will.” I could almost admit I was terrified after what had happened only hours before.

When he left the room, I stood on shaky legs. Right now, I wasn’t entirely certain I wanted to know the absolute truth. If what I suspected was true, not only would my life be turned upside down, but I’d lose something and it would tear me into little pieces.

Alejandro, the man who’d awakened my soul.

I heard voices then footsteps. A soldier I’d yet to meet was trailing behind Alejandro.

“I need your help,” he told me.

“Of course. Why?”

“It’s Don Santorelli. It appears he had a heart attack.”

* * *

Alejandro

Something inside me shifted.

It was as if a light had gone out, replaced with darkness.

I was no longer the man I’d once been. Jeffers was dead. Gone. Soon to be banished from the face of this earth.

It hadn’t been a conscious decision, but an understanding that had hit me on the ride to the estate.

There was no doubt I’d been labeled a criminal by my own organization. Now I’d also been deemed the new Don, a job I’d never wanted.

Until now.

The shock of losing Don Santorelli hit harder than I’d expected. Not only with me, but also with many of his soldiers. While Gio had finally left for the night after checking on the family somewhere around two-thirty, here it was barely after seven and Gio was standing in front of the window looking like a lost puppy dog.

The silent hum of brief conversations could be heard in several rooms. While there was no indication of foul play, that didn’t mean everyone wasn’t on edge.

When any powerful leader died, there was an obligation to mourn. Myself included. I hadn’t considered Luis Santorelli a friend, but he’d certainly become a mentor.

Even acting as a father figure. Maybe it was good he hadn’t lived to see the shit as it had gone down.

Carmella was still with him, now signing the death certificate. He’d remained alive for a few minutes after we’d arrived, but had been comatose. She’d tried to beg me to take him to the emergency room, but it had been too late. Plus, that’s not what he had wanted. Everyone knew it.

Old fool.

I knew she was upset, partially because she hadn’t been able to save a patient. The woman would take this to heart.

Goddamn, I adored her.

My thoughts drifted to the conversation we’d had just before hearing the news. She would push me into telling her everything even though I wasn’t certain she was prepared to learn the truth.

“Boss, there’s someone here to see you.”

“Who is it, Dan?”

“An attorney by the name of Jonathan Whitfield.”

Don Santorelli’s attorney. How in the hell had he heard the news so quickly?

“Give me five minutes before sending him in,” I told him.

“Yes, sir.” Both Gio and I turned and watched him leave, closing the door behind him.

Gio glanced at me, narrowing his eyes. “What the hell?”

I gritted my teeth. “I was summoned by the Don days ago. He had a plan of action in place in case something like this happened.”

He narrowed his eyes. “You already know what it entails.”

Why did his tone sound accusatory?

Every muscle remained tense. Watching my back would now become an art form. “I had an idea.”

“Well, I can only imagine the details. I need to ask you a question, Don Banderas.”

“Don’t do that, Gio. I didn’t want this shit to happen.”

“You didn’t? Are you certain about that?”

Right now wasn’t the time to appear soft regarding any issue. Or any man. I crowded his space, towering over him by several inches. He immediately felt uncomfortable, unable to look me in the eyes. “Let me explain something to you, Gio. Just in case you haven’t figured this out on your own. You’ve heard the term ‘the survival of the fittest,’ I presume.”

“Yes.” At least his tone was already strained.

“Well, I’m the big, bad shark and all others right now are mere fishes in my pond. Don’t think that because I’ve been your associate that I won’t quickly become your enemy. I suggest you remember that.”

Gio nodded, lowering his head finally in a nod of respect.

Fuck that. It meant nothing to me.

I remained where I was, allowing him another opportunity to push against my authority.

He didn’t.

Smart man.

Exhaling, I backed away. “Business as usual. It must remain that way. We keep up all appearances. When the other syndicates rear their ugly heads, I need to know immediately. And trust me, it’s only a matter of hours until the challenges begin.”

“Yes, boss.”

He was still nervous. Word that I was taking no shit would filter down quickly. That was necessary.

“What was your question?” I asked and rubbed my eyes. Exhaustion would soon settle in.

“Did you ever wonder why Lupini wasn’t more upset about losing three men? Or why the perpetrators didn’t attempt to take an entire warehouse full of weapons?”

I had, more than once. “They were specialized weapons, Gio. However, what are you insinuating, that Don Lupini intended on double-crossing Don Santorelli?”

“I’m just suggesting it’s interesting. Maybe I’m wrong. I don’t know him very well.”

“No, you don’t. I’ll keep it mind, but that’s not the only question you have on your mind, now, is it?” His face turned ashen as soon as I’d cornered him.

“No, sir. Who are the woman and child inside your home? I hear things. The men talk.”

I could handle his challenge one of two ways. Either I could provide the other men with a visible sign I was taking no shit, or I could answer him as honestly as possible. At this point, I knew it would be impossible to keep the truth a secret but for so long.

This would test the waters.

“She’s my sister and that’s my niece.”

His eyes opened wide and he whistled. “Well, shit. That’s a possible problem.”

“I know that. She was threatened. I have no issue gutting any man who ignores my rules or challenges, but I will not allow a woman and child to be hurt because of some turf war. My sister couldn’t care less whether I was dead or alive, but I don’t feel the same about her. Do you understand?”

I’d managed to choose my words correctly. “Yeah, I do. My sister hates me too. Disowned my existence the moment she learned what I’d chosen to do with my life. But I love her and would die trying to protect her. I assure you the men will also protect them with their lives. If not, they’ll answer to me.”

I heard his sincerity. “Good. I appreciate that. Maria won’t make it easy.”

He grinned. “I do love a tough woman. Maybe I’ll personally look after her.”

I leveled my finger at him and he threw up his arms playfully. “Needless to say. You touch her, you die.”

“Got it, boss.”

One small crisis averted.

For now.

“Where the hell is Bronco?” I threw in. I needed to account for every soldier.

“Sorry, boss. I let him sleep in. Those drugs really got to him.”

Chuckling, I had a feeling Carmella would never live that down. “Let him sleep. Give him a call in a little while. When the news hits, I’ll need every man on deck.”

“You got it, boss.”

“One last thing. Have our hackers pay close attention to the chatter on the web. Some of our opponents strictly use the dark web and certain social media applications to discover information, provide news and relay commands.”

He nodded. “Good thought.”

“And… make certain we craft the perfect announcement regarding the alliance.”

A knock on the door brought another wave of frustration. Constant interruptions.

“An announcement?” he pressed. “No disrespect, but isn’t that premature?”

“It’s preemptive and could lure the cockroaches into the open faster than the traditional methods we’ve been using.”

The man allowed another grin. “I like your way of thinking, boss. I’ll find our best wordsmith and have him come up with a draft. I suck at words.”

“Yes, you do.” I turned to the door. “Come in.”

Gio passed the attorney on the way in, taking a few seconds to study the well-dressed older man as he walked toward me.

When the door was closed, the attorney held out his hand. “Alejandro. We’ve never met, but I’ve heard quite a lot about you from Luis. I’m so sorry to hear what happened.”

“Yes, we all are. I’m curious how you learned.”

“Enzo called me.”

Enzo. Shit. I’d yet to see the young man. From what I’d heard, the moment his father had been pronounced dead, he’d stormed out. Another problem I’d be forced to deal with. “I see.” As soon as we shook hands, he headed to the desk, placing his briefcase on top. “As you might imagine, Don Santorelli’s death was very unexpected.”

“I was always telling him to cut back on his beloved nightly cognac and cigars given his heart condition.”

“Heart condition?”

“Yes, he had a mild heart attack a few years ago. No permanent damage done, but the doctors warned him to take better care of himself. I guess he just didn’t listen.”

“I guess not.”

“I was made aware you were told about what would happen in the event of Luis’ death.”

“We had a brief discussion days ago. Now isn’t the time, Mr. Whitfield. The man just died.”

“I was given very explicit instructions, Don Banderas. You know yourself that sharks will be in the waters lapping up blood within hours. Luis wanted to ensure there were no interruptions whatsoever. I have the paperwork that you were shown and signed. I also have some deeds of trust that were turned over to you. While the courts could challenge his will, I have a way of getting through the system quickly. I will say you were left the entire estate and the majority of his funds. Of course with provisions for Enzo, which I was told you were also made aware of.”

“Hold on. As I said, I believe this is premature. There is such a thing as a time of mourning, even for the Don of a crime syndicate.”

“Yes, I do understand and I’m not trying to be insensitive. I’m trying to abide by Luis’ wishes. Nothing more.”

The door was pitched open and Enzo rushed inside. “You fucking bastard.”

He came at me with both barrels, taking a hard swing. I allowed him to make a single connection for his sake if nothing else before easily grabbing him around the neck. I spun him around, holding him tightly. The kid was still gangly, yet to bulk out as his father had done.

“Enzo. You need to calm down,” I told him.

“I’m not going to calm down. You’re not taking over as Don. I forbid it.”

The kid was stronger than he looked, almost managing to escape my hold.

I glared at the attorney, who took a deep breath.

“His son had a right to know,” Whitfield dared tell me.

There were already four soldiers in the room after hearing the outburst. That meant news would travel fast. I’d need to have a conversation with Don Lupini before too much additional time had passed.

“We’re going to talk about this, Enzo. Trust me, I’m learning more about your father’s last wishes myself.”

“Fuck you! You’re not my Don or my father.”

I finally let him go, uncertain how to handle the kid. There were others now watching me, waiting to see what I’d do. “I didn’t want your father to die, Enzo. He was good to me as he was to everyone who worked for him. I know you’re upset, but now isn’t the time to overreact. You know your father well enough to know he worked very hard to make his company profitable. It sounds crass, but business must go on even in the face of tragedy. Why don’t you head to your room and we’ll talk about this later.”

“You murdered him.”

This was the kind of shit I didn’t need at this point. “No, I did not. Your father had a heart condition. He died of a heart attack.”

“You’re such a lying sack of shit. You wanted this. You wanted to take his command. I knew that from the day I met you. I will destroy you.” Enzo was nothing if not overly dramatic.

He rushed from the room, but not before smashing his fist against the wall.

Gio looked at me as did the others.

“Nothing changes, gentlemen. We still have a business to run, an alliance to work with, and someone breathing down our necks. I want results. Find the person responsible.”

“Yes, sir,” Gio offered.

Carmella suddenly appeared, weaving her way through the men. Her face was pinched.

“As you can see, Mr. Whitfield. Now isn’t a good time. Why don’t you leave everything and you and I will have a further discussion in a couple days.”

The attorney nodded, glancing only once in Carmella’s way. “I also neglected to say congratulations are in order. I apologize for missing the wedding.”

“Not a problem, Mr. Whitfield. We all have busy lives. Thank you for coming.”

He left the files and grabbed his things, heading for the door.

“Please close the door behind you,” I told him.

After he did, Carmella finally took slow steps in my direction.

“How are you holding up?” I asked.

“I don’t know. We need to talk. First, can I trust you? I mean trust you with my life and that of my son? Or are you going to disappear or worse, hurt us?”

I couldn’t believe she was asking me that now. Something else was wrong. I placed my hands on her arms, pulling her closer. “I want you to hear me, Carmella. I adore you. I adore your son. We’ve already connected in a way two people often never achieve in a marriage. You can very much place your trust in me. I will keep my promise to you. You can feel safe with me.”

“Okay. Then I need to tell you something.”

“You can tell me anything.”

She glanced over her shoulder, obviously very nervous.

“What is it?” I pressed.

“Don Santorelli didn’t die of a heart attack. I mean not officially. I’ve yet to run tests, but I’m certain of my findings.”

“Which are?”

“He was poisoned. I’m almost certain of it.”

“What the fuck? How?”

“The same way I drugged your men.”

I took a deep breath, once again ensuring we were fully and completely alone. “This needs to stay between us until we’re certain. Agreed?”

The heavy anxiety bearing down on her was evident by the pained expression on her face. This was the moment when she would either work with me or against me.

“Agreed.”