“Our good-for-nothing uncle is receiving help from somewhere.” I make a desperate attempt to keep my temper in check, not wanting to frighten Elle. “When I get my hands on him, there won’t be anything left of him to identify.” I growl, clenching my hands in my lap.
I noticed Elle’s look of surprise, before her face suddenly turned pale. She’s probably wondering what kind of man would speak of killing his uncle so casually. This is why it’s better she isn’t around to find out. I don’t think I could stand having her look at me with disgust.
“Your uncle is the one who did that to you?” She asks, shaking her head, clearly puzzled.
“You don’t need to worry about him, Angel, I’ll deal with the snake, my uncle.” I make a conscious effort to temper my look and to unclench my fists. Elle stares at me blankly for a few seconds, then she turns back to look out the window.
We soon pulled up to her apartment building. Reaching into my pocket, I took out her cellphone—the one Dante had confiscated to prevent her from alerting the police.
“I’ve keyed my number into it, Elle. If you’re ever in need of anything, please contact me.” Our hands touch as she reaches for it, causing the now familiar shock of electricity. She nods in agreement before wordlessly sliding out, when Jimmy opens her door.
I watch as she makes her way into the building, forcing myself to stay put and hold back from rushing after her. When she disappears from my view, Jimmy pulls the SUV away from the building. Did her eyes look glassy? Was she holding back tears? Maybe it’s just wishful thinking—that she is as affected by our separation, as I am.
“Elle will be fine Dominic. Leo and Lorenzo will keep an eye on her until we’re positive that Salvatore doesn’t know about her.” Dante’s gaze meets mine in the rear-view mirror. I wonder if he suspects my attraction to Elle? And which of us was more surprised that I left Elle with a way to contact me, him, or me?
What happened to my decision to cut all contact with her for her own safety? Dante may not say anything, but I know he was surprised that I left Elle a way to reach me. So was I.
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 foremphasis. 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.
Chapter 10
~Dominic~
After leaving the meeting with the capos, Dante and I went directly to the airport to board my private jet to Chicago. Pavlov had agreed to a meeting at his Chicago office, granting us safe passage into his territory.
