Chapter Eight
Calderone explained what happened in Italy.
About Jordy taking Willow to the safe house and how they were attacked there.
He told his father how Jordy had pushed Willow into the safe room then went back to fight with one of Fredo’s men that had broken in.
He explained how Jordy had been wounded but only went to Willow after the other man was dead.
Willow had taken care of his wounds. Then Calderone found them both and had gotten them away from the house.
He explained that the Don called him to ask if Alfredo and Juno could fly here with them.
Everyone in the room listened to his tale of mishaps in Italy.
He looked at his father after everything was explained and added, “When Lucas and I got that call to warn us about the ambush, we took it seriously. We planned our own escape and we got away after a fight. We barely had time to think but we got away before anyone captured us. Lucas had people there and they helped. We stayed hidden until they stopped looking for us, then he went to the Don and Alfredo. I went to find my wife. I didn’t know at the time about Juno being shot but I knew I had to find Willow.
I prayed that Jordy had gotten her away safely and that she would be waiting for me at the safe house. ”
Jordy snorted. “Let me tell you right here and now I had a hell of a time getting her there. That woman argued with me all the way. I do have to tell you, Calderone, that I had to tie her hands together and throw her over my shoulder just to get her out of that hotel. And it was a good thing I did too. We barely escaped. I heard someone break the door in, just as we were leaving and I knew how lucky we were to have just slipped out when I heard shots being fired behind us.”
Willow shook her head. “I almost got us killed because I was waiting for Calderone to return. I didn’t realize what was going on. I’m so sorry I didn’t listen.”
Calderone wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “I would have come for you, but I had to trust Jordy to get you to safety. I had a few close calls and I sure as hell didn’t want to lead them to you and Jordy.. I knew I could get out of it but your safety was also my concern.”
“Bene and thank the saints, you are all safe,” Alfredo stated as he now made the sign of the cross. “Nel nome del Padre, del Figlio e dello Spirito Santo. Amen.” In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lucinda gasped as she stared at him, then looked around.
Leon smiled at her. “Si, my dear. We are um...with the Italian Mafia. However, most of us have lived long enough to believe in the power of God.”
Alfredo agreed, “We do not abide the old ways. I had to pray that my son would lose this aim at power. He is of the mindset that the old mafia’s ruthless ways are what we should have today. For that and obvious reasons, I’m so very glad Fredo’s plans didn’t work.”
Lucas agreed, “Everyone is safe and home and now we don’t have to witness the end of our family.”
Leon growled looking grim. “This isn’t over yet, my friend. We still have to deal with the cartel. Paulo, Manuel, Trego and Juan are on their way here to destroy me and mine.”
John nodded. “Don’t forget Paulo’s daughter showing up too.” He motioned to Lucinda.
Her eyes widened again.
Leon stared at her. “Have no fear, Lucinda. I shall explain it.” He turned to Calderone.
“Rumors are floating around that Manuel kicked his own father out of power and took the cartel from under him. Lucinda scoffs at that idea. She tells us that it’s a cover.
Her father is on his way here to weasel his way behind our doors and when the time is right, he will kill me and open the gates for his sons to waltz right in. ”
“And you believe her, senor?” Juno wanted to know.
Leon shrugged. “Whether I believe her or not, Paulo will never get inside my gates. I trust him as much as I trust Fredo right now. I guess we’ll see in a few hours.” He turned to his son and asked, “So tell me Calderone, how did you get back if our plane is still in Italy?”
Calderone smiled, “We had a last-minute change of plans. The Don had offered his own plane and I took him up on his offer. Una brutta sensazione.”
Leon nodded at him.
“You taught me to listen to what I felt. I didn’t trust our plane.
“Proprio come ho detto,” Bane spoke up in Italian. Just like I said.
Calderone glanced at Baner then he looked back at his father. “I had the Don’s plane refueled and it is waiting to be sent back already. Our plane will fly out when everything settles down over there.”
Leon closed his eyes in relief and he nodded slowly. “Beno, I don’t know how you got that plane but I’m so glad you are all home and safe.”
“The Don wanted to make sure you had the ability to send the ones back that took part of this plot,” Lucas explained.
” He wants to be the one to sentence them and make an example out of those who took part in the plan to murder him.
He wants to make a statement and show his power to the people so they can see with their own eyes what happens when you cross the Familia. ”
Alfredo nodded slowly. “That is his right, is it not?”
Leon nodded slowly. “Si, it is his right. The Don is a good man. And he is a fair man but you don’t ever want to cross him. He will always protect what’s his, his family, his people and the Familia he serves.”
Lucas nodded. “And as long as everything is running smoothly, he is a good leader. This threat is one he cannot ignore. It threatens everyone. If Fredo were to get into power he would allow the power behind the office to go to his head. Not to mention the bad drugs, trafficking humans and who knows what else? Fredo would run everything right into the ground.” Lucas shook his head. “We can’t allow that to happen.”
“No, we cannot.” Alfredo growled. “No one, not even my son can be allowed to do that. He stopped being my son a long time ago. He walked away from the family and turned his back on everything we hold dear.” He stood from the chair then looked at Leon.
“Fredo is no longer my son, he has no ties to my family after he brought shame to our name. To his birthright even. His own son Giovano is no longer my family either. He took part in this plot to overthrow the Don and brought shame to our name as well. I no longer acknowledge either of them.” He looked down at Lucas and Juno.
“These men are now my only family. Their dear madre is gone now. They are the only ones I will acknowledge and stand behind. I have already expressed my feeling of this matter to the Don and he has acknowledged this decision. I am hoping for your generosity old friend and that you will open your home to me and mine. So that we may miss the penalty my son and grandson will endure. I do not wish to see them executed and if my family is banished there, we will start a new life in America.”
Leon nodded. “I will house you until the judgement is passed. I can even offer you housing until you can find another place to stay here.”
Lucas sagged with relief.
Juno did as well.
Lucinda watched and listened to all of this with wonderment on her young face.
Storm and Frost nodded as did Calderone. This didn’t surprise them in the least.