Chapter 33
We’re all in the living room of my dad’s safe house, which feels more like a resort than anything. It’s opulent without being gaudy. It seems like it’s a full-time home, but it definitely lacks warmth.
A large, flat screen TV sits inside what looks to be a custom built entertainment center that protrudes from a black wall. Two brown, leather couches and two plush, black chairs surround three of the four sides of a black, wooden coffee table.
Windows are scarce, so the light comes from lamps in different parts of the room, and the more I study the walls, the more I begin to think they’re made of concrete.
I choose to sit on one of the chairs and my dad stands next to another older man with hair more white than brown.
They talk quietly amongst themselves while two other men sit on each end of one of the couches.
Javier lingers between the front door and a small window, keeping an eye on any oncoming vehicles.
The men on the couch don’t hesitate to make me feel unwelcome.
The one in the brown suit with lines permanently etched in his forehead looks me up and down like he’s judging what I’m wearing.
I’m in a pair of jeans and a solid, light blue, long sleeved shirt.
If I had known this meeting was going to take place, I would’ve chosen something different, but it’s not like I’m in sweats and a stained, wrinkled Tee.
The other man in the dark gray pants and white button up has an air of haughtiness about him.
He’s probably the youngest out of the other guys here, but still older than me.
He hardly looks my way, like he can’t be bothered to show attention to someone he doesn’t know.
I can see both their intimidation tactics, but I’m aware of the situation, and I’m not going to let them think I’m at all uncomfortable or feel out of place, even if that might be true.
“All right,” Dad says, walking toward me, slipping one hand in the pocket of his black slacks.
“We all know what’s going on. Johnny got too big for his britches.
He thought he could play boss behind my back, got himself into some trouble, and his way of cleaning it up was to throw me in front of a bullet.
He’s dodging me, which leads me to believe he suspects I know something.
“We’ll be working with the Mancini family to deal with the Bonetti issue, but Johnny needs to be taken care of immediately.
” He stops next to me, glancing down before turning to the rest of the guys in the room.
“For a long time, I’ve kept my personal life private, because we know how this life works.
Your enemies will use anyone and anything against you, but if you don’t have anyone they think you care about, then they only have you to go against.” His hand lands on my shoulder.
“This is Giancarlo.” He pauses. “Giancarlo Gallo. My son.”
This gets everyone’s attention, especially the haughty one. I’d bet my life that he never knew I existed.
“I haven’t talked about him in years. I know a couple of you,” he says, gesturing to the white-haired man and the one in the brown suit, “knew about him years ago. He was doing small jobs for me when I was still working my way up.”
“I thought he died,” the one in the brown suit says, studying me with a different expression now. “Never wanted to bring it up, but because you never mentioned him again, I assumed it was bad.”
“I told George he was gone,” Dad says, gesturing to the older man.
“Which was true. He was gone from my life…this life. Nobody needed to know the circumstances, and you still don’t,” he says, glaring at everyone.
“Carlo and I have family business that has nothing to do with the Esposito family. But now it’s time for you to know that he’s back. ”
“Why?” the uppity one asks, giving me a once over that has me furrowing my brow at him.
“He’s going to help us with Johnny, but I don’t need a fucking reason to bring my son in on the business, Elio,” Dad snaps.
“Sorry, boss,” Elio says, sitting back. “I was just curious.”
“Again,” Dad says, walking to the other corner of the living area. “There are things you don’t need to know. Carlo will be as involved as I need him to be, and you’ll know only what you’re required to.”
The older man—George, steps forward. “Cortez, I get what you’re saying, but the guys should know what you told me.”
Dad sighs, rubbing his forehead. “Carlo,” he says, looking at me. “George is my consigliere. Elio and Dante are a couple of my capos. I nod, looking at each of them. “Once Johnny is taken care of,” Dad adds, addressing everyone. “We’ll need someone to take his place.”
“Boss, I know you’re not—” Elio begins, sitting forward.
Dad pins him with an icy glare. “I know you’re not about to open your mouth to tell me you think you should get the job. You’re the newest capo. You’ve only been in your position for six months.”
“Dante’s been here for years,” Elio says, gesturing toward the man next to him.
“And?” Dad says.
Dante clears his throat. “I’d love to be considered for the position, Boss, but I trust you’ll make the decision that makes the most sense for the family,” he adds, clearly the smarter of the two.
“Johnny was my underboss for years. He was a man I thought I could trust. The one who knew about Carlo and his whereabouts this whole time. Clearly, I can’t trust anyone, because he’s also the one who told the Bonetti family about Carlo.
When it comes to who takes his place, it will be someone I feel can do a good job and someone who will put the family’s needs first. I can’t have any power-hungry, self-absorbed assholes in that position. ”
There are things I want to question him about, but I know this isn’t the time, so I sit quietly. I can tell Dante’s doing the same thing. I can see the questions in his eyes as he looks at me. He wants answers but he’s not dumb enough to question my father.
“Again, no offense, Boss,” Elio begins.
George grumbles. “Good God, Elio.”
“I’m just saying,” Elio says, holding up his hands.
“Your son hasn’t been around. He’s not even made.
I’m not questioning your decisions, but I can’t help but wonder how everyone else is gonna feel.
We just get a new guy in a position of power that nobody knows?
We don’t know what he’s capable of. He hasn’t earned our respect or trust.”
Dante’s head dips in a nod, agreeing with Elio’s words, but he still doesn’t say anything. And as much as Elio is annoying me, he’s not wrong. These are questions that’ll need to be answered.
“You trusted and respected Johnny, and now look. He wants me dead. So, you’ll have to respect me enough to trust that what I choose to do is what is best. If you don’t agree. If anyone doesn’t agree, then we can deal with that too.”
The thinly veiled threat settles over everyone.
Dad exhales, running a hand through his hair.
“I didn’t ask him for this,” I say. “It’s not something I’ve thought about in almost a decade, and I can understand that bothers you when it’s been a goal of yours.
” I make sure to make eye contact with both Dante and Elio.
“But don’t think I’m over here begging him for something and expecting it simply because of who he is.
” I look at my dad. “I’m not sure I want it, because I know what it takes and I’m aware of the sacrifices.
I’ve seen them firsthand.” Staring back at the men on the couch, I continue.
“You think I’m new blood and that makes you want to circle me like I’m prey, but the truth is, whether you like it or not, I was born into this.
Gallo blood runs in my veins. From the time I was born until I was nineteen, I lived with him.
I saw and heard plenty. This isn’t new to me.
” I stand up, feeling myself getting worked up.
“And my life is on the line here. I don’t think anyone is coming after any of you.
” I take a breath. “I don’t know what my dad’s going to do, and I don’t know if any of us will be happy with the decision, but know that I’ll do what’s necessary.
I’ll do what I have to save my life, and to save his.
That’s why I’m meeting with Johnny in order to take him out. ”
Nobody says anything, but my dad watches me with something akin to pride in his expression. I’ve never seen that look before, but I can tell he liked what he heard. When I look at the door, I spot Javier with a small grin on his lips.