Chapter 91
As soon as Don Severino hung up, Niccolo spoke to everyone still left in the room.
“As you’ve heard, Don Amato and his family are most likely dead at the hands of Cesare and Lucrezia Caproni. Their men attacked Bianca’s shop this morning, so from this point onward, we should consider ourselves at war.” Niccolo turned to Don Rosolini. “Shall I give the marching orders, or…?”
The Don paused for a moment, his expression grim, as though steeling himself. Then he stood up to address us all.
“Adriano – your priority is to lock down Florence. Call our foot soldiers in the city and tell them to be on alert. Then put the word out to the police on our payroll: if they see any suspicious cars with license plates from Naples, they should immediately contact you with their location and follow the vehicle at a safe distance.”
“What’s a ‘suspicious car’?” Adriano asked.
“Luxury vehicles driven by ugly fucking thugs,” Niccolo said wryly. “You said the car outside the dress shop was a black Cadillac, correct?”
“Yeah.”
“Tell the cops to start there.”
“Okay.”
“Giorgio,” Don Rosolini said, “drive to Fiesole and pick up Bianca’s parents. Bring them straight back here. Do not tell them what’s going on – definitely don’t tell them about Bianca’s shop – but impress upon them that they must come now.”
I nodded.
I wanted to take Emilia home first, but I figured I could do it on the way as long as I got permission.
I knew this wasn’t the moment to ask, though, so I waited.
“Caterina, I want you to call your family. Tell them we’re going to pay for them to take a luxurious vacation outside of Italy. Just make sure they leave immediately – as in the next 60 minutes. Tell them just enough to convince them. If they need persuading, let Valentino speak to them.
“Lucia, you will inform your grandmother of everything you’ve heard.
“Lars and Rachel: triple security. I don’t want anyone sneaking onto the property without us knowing. Massimo, help them with whatever they need.
“Niccolo, call the bodyguard for Alessandra’s father. Have him escort Signor Calvano back here immediately. After that, inform Alessandra’s grandmother and tell the Oldanis to be on the lookout for anything unusual in Genoa.
“Roberto – I know you triple-checked our accounts after Fausto’s death, but go back and make absolutely sure there’s no way they can hit us through our finances.
“Be careful, everyone. These are vicious people – dangerous people – and they already have a head start on us.”
“For all we know,” Niccolo interjected, “they could be watching the property right now. Be wary of your own shadow from here on out.”
Don Rosolini nodded in agreement, then said, “You have your orders. Now go.”
Everyone dispersed. That’s when I decided to take my chance.
As I walked over to Don Rosolini, I heard him speaking to Niccolo and Sofia. “I want you two to game this out. Figure out what they might do. We need to be prepared.”
Sofia nodded. “We’ll do our best.”
“Good. The clock is ticking, and we might not have much time.”
As I walked up, I cleared my throat to announce myself.
All three looked over at me.
Niccolo raised one eyebrow like What are you doing?
Sofia’s face was blank.
Don Rosolini was by far the friendliest. “Giorgio, my friend – what do you need?”
“I was wondering if I could ask you a favor…”
“Anything.”
“May I take Emilia home on my way to Fiesole?”
“Have her stay here with us,” Don Rosolini said. “Tell her she’ll be our honored guest for as long as she likes.”
I winced. “I appreciate that, Don Rosolini – I truly do – but if she wants to go home… may I have your permission to take her?”
Don Rosolini frowned. “Why wouldn’t she stay?”
Shit.
“After the stalker from Milan, she has some issues with… our line of work in general. And after what happened this morning…”
Don Rosolini’s frown became a look of understanding. “Ah.”
“I’m sorry, sir – ”
“No need to apologize,” he reassured me. “But it could be dangerous for her to leave.”
“Actually,” Niccolo said to Don Rosolini, “Cesare’s not going to try to get leverage over us by using a foot soldier’s girlfriend. He’s coming after you, me, or anyone with the last name ‘Rosolini.’” Niccolo paused, then turned to me. “No offense.”
“None taken.”
Dario looked grim, but he nodded. “If your girlfriend refuses to remain here, then you can take her home on your way to Fiesole. But tell her she’ll be a hundred times safer here than back in Florence, and that she’s welcome to stay as long as she likes.”
“Thank you, Don Rosolini,” I said gratefully, and left to go find Emilia.