Trust was never an issue with my brother. “What’s going on, Luca?”
“Some old friends from California are in town.”
My stomach dropped. Old friends meant rivals or frenemies. Although California was a second home for Luca, it didn’t always harbor good memories.
“Why are they in Chicago?”
“I sold the vineyard in California.”
“You sold Sandra’s vineyard? To who?” That was big. The vineyard held sentimental value to Luca, and he swore he’d never sell it unless something told him it was time to let go. I’d never thought that day would come.
“A random woman—not affiliated. All illegitimate ties were cut off. Not many people are happy about it.”
“Jesus, Luca,” I replied. “What the hell were you thinking?”
My brother was always strategic in his plans, and this seemed erratic.
“It’s a power move.”
“Is it supposed to backfire like this?”
“It was a considered possibility.” Luca looked calm, and I wondered how he could do that under such circumstances. “Antonio will like having you around.”
I smirk, “Of course, use my nephew against me.”
“He’ll need the company when I fly out.”
“To where?” I question.
“Monthly meeting with the trio.”
Luca referred to themselves as the trio, but they were known asil Codice. In Italian it means the Code. It was made up of the three most powerful Dons in the country. Any other families were below them. It was an entire hierarchy system put in place. It was like a democracy for made-men. TheDeCarlo Family, the Baricelli Family, and the Morrechi Family were the gods of mobster life. Every other family fell in line according to what the three would allow, and they always had some cut, which made sure money flowed into their pockets and anything else they had invested.
Luca waited in his car while I packed a few things. When I got back into the car, he was on the phone. I knew exactly who was on the other line by how he spoke. Sitting in the passenger side, I could faintly hear his response.
“Make sure to send a clear message. Anyone who wants to has an issue—to get over it or face the same fate.”
“Will do,” Emilio replied.
“Make sure to make it messy.”
“My favorite.”
My brother had no issue going to any lengths to get his way, and Emilio went to any length to ensure that would happen.
Chapter 3
I was walking into the kitchen, where a cook made breakfast and a housemaid laid everything on the table. Luca sat with his son; his demeanor was completely different. It was the only time you’d see my brother look at peace. When Antonio was born, Luca knew his fate was already set out for him. Being a son to a Don was a huge responsibility, and he had to be the successor to the family. Luca sacrificed his happiness to ensure the family was cared for and never had troubles. He wasn’t just a Don to us; he was the patriarch of this family, and we all leaned on him. I watched Luca and Antonio interact as I made myself a cup of coffee.
“Your plans this weekend are to stay home,” Luca told Antonio.
“Dad, come on! The soccer team is throwing a party; it will look bad if I don’t go. They already hate on me being a freshman for making varsity.”
“You’re a freshman in high school; what are you doing at a senior party?”
Antonio didn’t answer, and as his favorite aunt, I had to swoop in to defend him.
“You never listened to Mother when she told you to stay home,” I smiled as I sat at the table with them.
