“Barretta is growing restless already.” He gets up to refill his glass.
I frown, sitting up straighter. “He was the one who insisted he be instated as acting underboss-slash-don. What am I missing?”
Ben drops some ice into his drink before turning around. He walks over, leaning against the side of his desk. “I thought he was invested. Assumed he’d take the crown permanently, but he’s saying now he only did that to smooth the transition. He asserts if we’d stepped in and appointed Gino as acting underboss we’d have met strong resistance. I don’t disagree with his assumption, but now it seems he has cold feet, and he has made it clear he wants out.”
“Why? What’s changed? It’s barely been three months.”
“I don’t know. He was acting a little cagey today. We had asked him and Gino to attend our session to provide an update on the situation in Chicago because progress is grinding to a halt, and we’re concerned.”
“Perhaps you should switch their roles. Make Gino acting underboss and reinstall Barretta asconsigliere. He might be more comfortable if he’s not in the main driving seat.”
“It’s too early to make any big moves. Gino has not won the trust or respect of the men.”
“Yet.” Accardi is a decent don and well respected by his men in New York. He’s been in the game a long time, and I’m sure he’ll turn things around. Unless there’s something I don’t know.
Ben sighs and returns to his seat, glancing at his watch. “I’m not sure what is going on with Gino, but Barretta wasn’t the only one acting cagey.”
“Well, shit.”
“Exactly my sentiments.”
“What are you going to do?”
“There isn’t much else we can do. We need to let this play out in Chicago for the initial six months as planned. Making any bold moves would only serve to worsen the situation. The Commission made our position very clear today. Both men went back to Chicago understanding they have committed to their roles for six months and we are relying on them to restore peace and order. It’s been agreed that I’ll head to the Windy City once a month to keep an eye on things, and they’ll provide reports to me there, rather than having them fly out to the city to update us. Right now, our main priority is regaining control of Vegas in Salerno’s name and finally consolidating The Commission’s position as the sole governing body ofCosa Nostrain the US.”
“I doubt you’ll get much resistance from Salerno. He’s champing at the bit to return home and destroy Gambini for his betrayal.” Gambini was Salerno’s underboss for years before he sold him out to the Russians. They seized his territory and have been lording it over Vegas ever since. I can’t wait to wipe them from existence.
“Saverio is itching for revenge. The challenge will be restraining him and making him stick to the plan.” Leaving his half-empty glass on the desk, Ben strides toward the door when someone knocks. “We’ll leave first thing in the morning,” he calls out over his shoulder as he opens the door to Ciro.
“Dinner is ready,” Ben’s grumpy bodyguard says, and I finish my drink and stand.
* * *
“This is divine,” I say, cutting into my chicken parmigiana. “Do I detect a Mazzonefamigliarecipe?”
Sierra nods. “Natalia has been giving me some of her mama’s recipes, and Rena and I are slowly mastering them.”
Natalia is an amazing cook, and I look forward to the weekends she stays with the twins as much as Leo does. For different reasons though. It’s obvious Leo has a real hard-on for Ben’s married sister, and I feel for the guy. Natalia is married to Gino Accardi, and there is nothing Leo can do to change that. I have some understanding of what it’s like to pine for a married woman, but my situation hasn’t changed even if Serena’s marital status has.
She’s as closed off to me as ever.
But I’m a patient guy.
I can wait.
She’s worth it.
“I can’t claim much credit,” Serena says, picking at her food. “I only made the salad.”
“You were bathing the kids. It was a team effort.” Sierra is so loyal and protective of her sister. It’s lovely to see.
“That kids show on Broadway has opened to rave reviews,” Ben says, putting his silverware down on his empty plate. “I thought we could all spend a weekend in the city next month. We’ll ask Nat and the twins and Leo too.” He laces his fingers in Sierra’s. “Take the kids to the show and out for pizza and ice cream, and then we can head out for the night. I think we could all use a break. What do you say?”
Sierra squeals and bounces into his lap. “I say I love you.”
Ben chuckles, but his laughter is muffled when Sierra plants a firm kiss on his lips.
Those two are couple goals for sure. My eyes wander across the table to Serena’s, as they often do, and I catch her watching me. A blush spreads across her pale cheeks, and it does funny things to my insides.
