Chapter 9
~Dominic~
Office of Vitelli’s Enterprise.
A few hours after leaving Elle at her doorstep, I’m back in the conference room in my Manhattan office.
As the head of the Family—the don—there are five capos who report to me.
They each command their own men and oversee various aspects of the Family business.
All are council members of the New York Cosa Nostra, currently gathered before me.
Sitting next to me is Dante, my underboss, and the four other chairs are occupied by my capos: Adriano Conti, Nico Morelli, Brio Leone, and Elio Veronese. Salvatore Vitelli’s chair remains conspicuously empty.
“My uncle had me kidnapped and he attempted to murder me.” I bluntly state, noting the various degrees of shock on each of their faces.
“Why would he do such a thing?” Adriano asks.
“Salvatore doesn’t agree with the way I lead this Family and disagreed with my recent bid for an alliance with the Chicago Bratva.
And I know he isn’t the only one among you who disagreed with my decision.
” I pause. “There was also dissent when I chose to end our involvement in human trafficking at the beginning of my tenure.”
I look at Brio Leone, the only other member of the council, besides my uncle, who held a position as capo during my father’s reign. All the others came into their position during my time as don.
“If I find out any of you were complicit in his betrayal, there will be nothing left of you for your family to bury when I’m finished with you.” I bang my palms against the desk for emphasis. Ignoring the pain in my healing shoulder from the action.
“If a demonstration is required to remind everyone of who’s in charge, that can be arranged.” I announce menacingly. “Salvatore ran like the coward he is, but I will find him.”
“I think I’ve proven myself over the past seven years—making each of you richer from the deals I’ve brokered on the Family’s behalf.
” For emphasis, I meet and hold each of their gazes.
“I've kept the police out of our business and away from our doors. Times have changed. If we’re going to survive, we need at least—the appearance of legitimacy.” As I continue, I make sure to take stock of every one of them.
“I’ve rescheduled a meeting with the Pakhan of the Chicago Bratva, Mischa Pavlov, to finalize our alliance.” They all nod in acknowledgement.
“Adriano, are there any concerns with the nightclubs?” Adriano’s territory is in Queens and under his management are several nightclubs—the Zen being the most profitable.
The one I was on my way to check on when I was kidnapped.
Most of the nightclubs are legitimate businesses that we use to launder the money we make through less legitimate means.
“Profits are good, they’re up by twenty percent from last month.” He responds and passes me a file which confirms his claims. “Good.” Under Adriano’s management we’ve had solid returns. “Nico, are there any problems with your shipments?”
“No, boss. I’ll be receiving the shipment at the dock personally before it’s taken to the warehouse. The entire route will be secured.” Nico handles all our arms deals, and he oversees the Brooklyn territory
After being appraised of all our assets by my capos, they all leave—except for Dante. “Do you think any of the capos are colluding with our uncle?” Dante asks.
“I believe keeping an eye on Brio would be wise.” I tell him, as we leave my office.