I wouldn’t be too sure about that, and he’s not the only threat.
Somehow, Renzo escaped from the safe house last night. He killed four of my men, and this morning, I gathered everyone and formally announced that Renzo Dutti is a traitor and no longer my underboss. Massimo and I are accelerating our plans to link our organizations together. We are agreed that Dario will remain asconsigliere,but we need to appoint a new underboss and decide on the structure between both sets of capos.
Ben’s gaze dances between us, pulling me out of my head and back into the moment. “The Commission would like to formally thank both of you for the work you have done in smoothly transitioning the transfer on the streets. We know it came at significant risk.”
It’s hard to maintain eye contact when he believes the Bratva came after us because we run the street trade and they are desperate for an in, but we must. I hate lying by default to Bennett and his family. It feels wrong because they have all been so welcoming and it seems like he might want to take Massimo under his wing. However, we can’t admit the truth without risking everything.
“What about Vegas?” Massimo asks. “When are we attacking, and who is going to run it?”
“That is the other thing I wanted to talk to you about. We will need some Grecosoldati.We want this to be a true Italian American operation, involving all five families of The Commission andsoldatifrom neighboring states. It’s important we strike hard and fast and show them the true might of our organization. That is why we plan to attack this weekend. You are both invited to a meeting tomorrow where Leo will outline the strategy.”
“We’ll be there,” I confirm.
“Whatever you need from us, you have it,” Massimo adds.
Ben nods and smiles. “The Bratva may have wised up on several levels, but they will soon learn that retaking Vegas was a dumb move.”
We raise our glasses to that.
“As for the leadership in that region, it has been decided that Cruz DiPietro will become Vegas don. I need Alesso here, and he wasn’t keen on uprooting his family. At least, not at this time.”
My brows climb to my hairline in surprise. Not that it wasn’t a potential option, but after what Cruz said at the funeral, I doubted this would happen.
“That surprises you,” Ben says, looking at both of us.
“Cruz hasn’t hidden his ambitions,” Massimo says. “He wants the presidency too.”
“I am well aware.” Ben takes another mouthful of his expensive bourbon. “He would not be my choice, but his father pressed for Vegas because he believes it will give Cruz an opportunity to show what he’s capable of.” He clears his throat. “I also have personal reasons for wanting both of them out of New York.”
I am guessing he wants Anais away from Caleb, and it’s evident Sierra doesn’t like or trust my sister. I honestly cannot say I blame her. Anais spotted me at the table with them at the funeral, and she’s refusing to speak to me now. That could in part be because Cruz has said something to her. I don’t know because she won’t answer my calls. I am concerned for my sister and worried about what Cruz might do to her when she’s out of sight. “I assume Cruz’s appointment is reliant on Anais remaining his wife.”
“You are correct, and that point has been made to him.” Ben sits up straighter. “Do not worry about Anais. Alesso will be visiting regularly and remaining in constant contact with her.”
A layer of stress lifts from my shoulders. I know Alessandro will not let anything happen to his cousin. Cruz knows it too. For now, this maneuvering secures Anais’s safety. Perhaps in the long run, this will be a good thing for everyone. Removing Cruz from New York will smooth the way for Massimo to put his succession plans into place, and it will help to avoid confrontation.
I am guessing Cruz has his own plans, but we will anticipate them and react accordingly.
Yes, this is a good thing.
“Does that mean DiPietro will not retire now, or is he appointing Cristian to replace him in New York?” I inquire.
“I am unsure,” Ben says. “But I will be strongly advising against appointing Cristian at this juncture for the same reasons I didn’t want the twins taking control now.”
“It seems like there are interesting times ahead.” Massimo drains the last of his bourbon.
“Indeed.”
Reading between the lines, it seems like Massimo is the only horse to back in the race, and Ben taking us into his confidence like this is the first strategic move on the board. It will align perfectly to our goals when we are ready to reveal Rinascita and who our main supplier actually is. For now, everything is running smoothly. But we want things fully settled and to have at least six months behind us before we approach The Commission with the truth.
Ben finishes his drink and stands. “I will let you get to your celebrations. I have a few calls to make, but I’ll meet you downstairs in the ballroom in due course.” He turns his head to me, wearing a smile. “Please remind that wife of mine it’s her turn to get up with Rhys tonight and she should go easy on the bubbly.” He grins. “It will probably go in one ear and out the other. Sierra knows I’ll do the night feed, and I don’t begrudge her a few drinks, but she always drinks too much and then whines about never drinking again the next day while nursing a baby and having a hangover.”
Massimo chuckles as his arm automatically winds around my waist, and he instinctively pulls me in close. “Sounds like fun times.”
“Just wait until it’s your turn.” His grin expands.
Knots twist in my gut, and I have to force the smile to stay on my face.
“We’ll let you get to it,” Massimo says, turning me around as he rides to the rescue. “See you downstairs, and thanks for the heads-up on everything. We appreciate it greatly.”
