CHAPTER 73 - RED
CHAPTER
Red
ISTAND AT THE BACK of the stage for the second time this week as Arianna resumes her briefing to her new workforce. But it’s different today. The sea of faces in the seats are quiet and alert.
It was the correct call to hold back on information until now because a quarter of the men here the other day are no longer here, leaving the ones remaining holding the same respect for my wife as I do.
Now they know what she’s capable of, their attitude has changed.
“As said, apologies for having to reschedule this meeting,” Arianna’s voice carries confidently across the large room. “I expect you heard that yesterday an attempt was made on my life during Matteo’s funeral and your friend and colleague, Dario Vezzozi, took the hit. Thankfully, he’s on the mend.”
Angry murmurings and shakings of heads ensues and I smile inwardly. She’s got this.
Arianna’s plan to keep the men working from these headquarters rather than mine is well received too. Keeping the two sides of the now-joint venture is the best way - for now, at least.
And one thing stands out above everything: these men here want anyone involved with Matteo’s sick scheme razed to the ground as much as we do. Even though I don’t yet trust them enough to fully welcome them onside, it’s what I want to hear.
The only ex-Galvatore man I trust is Dario Vezzozi. He has proved hands down that he’s more loyal than most.
Outwardly, I appear to be fully concentrating on this brief, but my mind is wandering in directions I do not much like.
The accusations both me and Arianna voiced last night hang over us like a black cloud. The subject has not been discussed since, but there’s a distinct unease between us this morning, and I don’t like it.
Nor do I like that the more I think about whether Liam is behind this appearance of Luca’s ring and alleged note, the more I think there could be truth in it.
And then what the fuck do I do?
I subtly wipe the forming sweat on my palms down my trousers.
I know Liam hates Maria. He despises everything about her. But would he really do that? Would he really cause more stress to everyone, especially Arianna, in a bid to rid us of, admittedly, a woman who is hard work?
My lips purse. I will not rest until I’ve asked him about it, and that will happen today.
????
“That went well, I think.” I reach for Arianna’s hand as we drive back to the Scorpio Lounge, but she avoids my contact. My stomach turns over. “What’s wrong?” I ask, already knowing the answer. “If this is about what was said last night, then I’m planning to ask Liam about it.”
I focus on the road ahead, but I know Arianna is studying me.
“It’s not like he’ll admit it, Red.”
“If he’s done it, I’ll give him no choice but to admit it.”
“And what will you do if he is behind it?”
My lips thin. “I’ll sort it.”
“Whatever...” Arianna turns to look out of the window.
“I said I’d fucking sort it,” I snap, glancing over and only getting the side of Arianna’s head. “I’m not arguing about this. We know nothing yet. Besides, there’s more important things to worry about.”
“Maybe for you...”
I tense. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing...”
Arianna goes quiet. There’s something else. Indicating, I take the next left-hand turn and drive until I find a layby. Pulling over, I turn the engine off and unclip my seat belt. “What’s wrong? Because something is, and it’s more than this shit with Maria.”
Arianna continues staring out of the side window, saying nothing.
It’s then from the window’s reflection that I see tears rolling down her face. My heart sinks. “Princess, what’s wrong?”
She resists me pulling her into my arms at first, but then relents. “I’ll get to the bottom of it, I promise. Whoever was behind it - whether it was Liam, Maria or Luca himself, I’ll find out and deal with it, okay?”
She’s shaking her head, but saying nothing - just tears. Christ, I didn’t realize this had got to her so much. Am I such an unfeeling bastard that I’ve failed to realize how much she’s been forced to deal with lately? What a cunt I am.
“Baby, I’m sorry.” I stroke her soft hair. “You’re so strong and capable, sometimes I forget just how much you’re having to take on. I know you’re stressed, and what happened at the funeral yesterday must have freaked you out. It sure as fuck freaked me out, but...”
“It’s... it’s not that,” Arianna mumbles, her eyes now fixated on her hands in her lap.
“Then what is it?” I press. “Princess, if you don’t tell me, then...”
“I’m just really tired. Tired and unsure what to do for the best.”
“Best about what?”
“Best to do without looking like I’m treading on your toes.” Arianna looks at me tentatively. “I think we should call in Dario’s men. He’s offered us his help.”
“Men?” I frown. “What men? Dario worked for your father.”
“Yes, but his family is well known in Sicily.” Arianna’s eyes light up with renewed vigor. “Dario’s father’s firm hasn’t got a faction over here, but they do have plenty of associates... ones working for firms we have no connections with and therefore no arguments.”
The cogs in my brain quietly turn. “So you’re saying we bring in these men to help deal with the Eredità della Luce before they form a stronghold? Where are these people you’re talking about?”
“I’m not sure.” Arianna shrugs. “There are a few in London apparently, but the rest are elsewhere - Birmingham, Manchester and other cities.”
A smile breaks on my face. “God, you’re good. And don’t worry about treading on my toes. I meant what I said - we’re working as equals. Something I never should have missed doing in the first place.”
“Then I’ll speak to Dario about it in the morning,” Arianna smiles.
“Taking a leaf out of your book, I’ll get in contact with firms within my satellite territories.
We’ve never involved them in anything before, but now might just be the time.
With Dario’s acquaintances, my men, other allies, plus yours at the Galvatore headquarters, we’ll have enough manpower to take on any forming stronghold. ”
As Arianna presses her lips to mine, I accept them willingly, not quite understanding how I got so fucking lucky. This woman - my wife - is pure gold.