I suck in a sharp breath. "That's awful."
"What's awful was that the cops just walked away. Got off scott free, like they had nothing to do with it, until I told the old guy in my neighborhood. Next thing we heard, those cops had been—" He breaks off. "Uh. Dealt with."
I get the message.
"Anyway, after that, I swore I'd always do my best to protect my people. No matter what. Even the Bernardis, at this parley. They might be on the other side, but they're under protection while they're here, as guests. That shit has to be kept, I don't know. Sacred. You get me?" He almost looks embarrassed.
"I do." And I feel a swell of respect for this man who has seen so much unfairness, but clings to his sense of honor, of decency. It's a side of him I never expected. "Do you ever regret it?" I blurt out. "The—the work?"
"I regret some of the things I've seen," he admits. "But when I think about the brothers I've made here in the Family, no regrets." He smiles a little. "You?"
"Not so far," I hedge.
"Don't you worry, D," he says. "Those protections are yours, too, you know. Me and the guys, we'll always be looking out for you."
His eyes are like warm chocolate.
"For what it's worth," I say, "I think you're doing a good thing. Trying to keep the peace, to save lives. It's brave. Honorable."
Raffi's eyes widen, a flash of surprise, of vulnerability in them before he quickly looks away. "Yeah, well. Pedretti's away, so someone's gotta do it." But Mr. Pedretti choseyou, I want to remind him, but he's already sitting back in his chair as if to put some distance between us. "So, okay, about this first night soiree again—what are you thinking? Formal dining?"
I recognize the change of subject for what it is—a retreat to safer ground. But as we continue to discuss the parley arrangements, trading ideas and suggestions, I remind myself that beneath Raffi's tough exterior is a loyal and true heart.
A man of honor.
"Thank you for your time, Mr. DeLuca," I say at last, gathering up my papers.
"No problem."
"And thank you for being so accommodating."
He hesitates, then grins. "Truth is, Pedretti told me to ease up on you a bit."
"Then please pass on my thanks to Mr. Pedretti when you next speak to him," I say without missing a beat, and I'm pleased when Raffi gives a rueful laugh of surprise.
"Yeah, I'll do that, D."
As we head our separate ways, I find myself looking forward to the next time we'll work together. The next opportunity to peel back another layer of the enigma that is Raffi DeLuca. Because suddenly, unexpectedly, I want to knoweverythingabout him.His hopes, his fears, his dreams. The man behind the swagger and the smirk.
The man who offered me his protection so casually, promised to keep me safe…
It's a nice feeling.
I was worried about this parley before, but now I'm certain it will run smoothly. With men like Raffi DeLuca watching over the proceedings, how could it not?
PARLEY RULES
1. Neutral Ground: All participants must acknowledge and respect that Redwood Manor is neutral territory for the duration of the parley. No acts of aggression or violence will be tolerated on the premises.
2. Weapons Check: Upon arrival, all participants must surrender their weapons to Redwood Manor's security team. Weapons will be safely stored and returned at the conclusion of the parley. The security team will be the only people allowed to bear arms for the duration of the parley.
3. Limited Entourages: Each faction leader is allowed a limited number of attendants or bodyguards to minimize the potential for conflicts and to maintain a balanced power dynamic.
4. Civil Communication: All participants are expected to engage in respectful and civil dialogue throughout the parley. Personal attacks, threats, and inflammatory language are strictly prohibited.
5. Mediation: Anthony Clemenza will be present to facilitate discussions and help resolve any disputes that may arise. His mediation will be respected and participants agree to consider his suggestions carefully.
6. Confidentiality: The content of the discussions and any agreements reached during the parley are to be kept strictly confidential. Participants are prohibited from sharing information with outsiders.
