“Like I said, we can’t rule anything out. We may be enjoying unprecedented peace within all Italian Americanfamiglie,but that doesn’t mean everyone is content. Power corrupts, and dons have been known to change their allegiances.” Massimo sits up straighter in his chair.
“Maybe we should accelerate the plans for adding more members to the board,” I say. “There is strength in numbers, and it would foster good will.”
The plan is to move from a six-person board to a ten-person representation. Four seats will be opened up to member dons outside of New York for the first time ever. We have discussed using a voting system, to try to keep it fair and unbiased, but the truth is we need to retain the right of veto because there are several dons we would not welcome onto the board, for various reasons, and we need to preserve the integrity of The Commission.
“We could end up voting a traitor onto the board,” Ben says. “I’d prefer we find the rat first.”
Fiero stretches his arms up over his head before lowering them back to his sides. “What if we used these impending visits to discuss our ideas for The Commission with the other dons? We don’t have to commit to anything, but it would give them a heads-up, they’ll feel included, and we’ll have an idea of which dons might apply.”
We all nod our agreement.
“Okay, that’s decided,” Massimo says. “Let’s wrap things up. We’ll meet again after Thanksgiving unless there’s a need to meet beforehand.”
“I don’t like it,” Caleb says thirty minutes later as we eat lunch with Cristian at one of our favorite restaurants in Manhattan. “I think the board is too complacent.”
“You mean Maltese, Mazzone, and Greco.” Cristian smothers his burger in ketchup before popping the bun back on.
“This entire situation reeks, and their lack of action could cost all of us.” Caleb bites a chunk of his burger.
“I don’t disagree, but I understand Massimo’s cautionary response. If we go after the Irish without O’Hara’s approval, we risk making an enemy of them, and it seems like we’ve got enough of those right now.” I cut my grilled chicken into even pieces before popping one in my mouth.
“Sometimes I wish it was the old days. When made men took action instead of fucking discussing every angle like damn politicians.” Caleb swigs from his beer. “The others have lost their appetite for violence. They’re too old and too set in their ways. They’re glorified businessmen, and that’s where their true interests lie.”
“We’re all businessmen these days because it’s the only way to survive. The RICO laws are no joke, and our contacts in authority can’t save us if there is evidence that can’t be disputed.” I pause eating to level my brother with a warning look. “That’s why we can’t run around the streets killing people.” I glance around and lower my voice. “Do what you must to send out a message, but you have to be discreet, Caleb. Stay under the radar.”
“I’m not an idiot. I just think Don Greco is making a mistake. You can send a clear message without conceding anything we’ve built or compromising our ally.”
“I agree. We seem to be ten paces behind, and I sense big trouble brewing.” Cristian dabs at the corner of his mouth with a napkin.
“You may get your war after all, brother,” I deadpan before popping another piece of chicken in my mouth.
We chat casually over the rest of lunch, and I’ve just paid the bill when I get a call from the guy shadowing Gia today. “Boss, we have a problem.”
I’m immediately on guard. “What’s wrong?”
“She’s at the Chelsea food market, and I’ve just spotted her talking with Elisa Salerno.”
I close my eyes for a brief second. What the fuck is Gia playing at? She knows it’s risky meeting anyone she knows in public. “Does Liam have anyone on her?”
“No, boss. She wasn’t followed.”
I find it strange Liam wouldn’t vet his potential girlfriend. Perhaps he’s satisfied with his background check and Gia is doing enough to convince him she’s trustworthy. Still, she can’t afford to take risks. “Okay, keep eyes on them. We’ll be there shortly.” I already know my brother will want to come with.
“What’s up?” Caleb asks, throwing an extra fifty down on the table for the waitress.
“Gia is with Elisa,” I explain as we exit the restaurant.
His face turns thunderous as he curses under his breath. “I’m coming with you.”
“I figured.”
“Good luck handling those two,” Cristian quips, saluting us before he walks off toward his office building.
Chapter Fifteen
Joshua
We meet our guy outside the front of the market, and he gives us directions to locate the girls. “Alesso will freak if he finds out Elisa did this,” Caleb says as we stride through the main concourse heading toward the wine bar.
