CHAPTER 16
FRANCIS
“Boss, the plane is fueled and ready, Arturo is waiting out front, and Castel Dell’ovo is set for the meeting,” Paolo announced.
“Bene. Andiamo,” Francis replied as they exited the villa.
As Francis strode toward his car, he counted six other vehicles that were there for the purpose of securing his safety. He thought about the dynamics of his life and what it would mean for Tracy and his unborn child.
Francis wanted nothing more than to make the world safe for his new family. Unfortunately, the world and the people of the world were not all good. Sometimes, it took a little bad to ensure the good. In his heart, Francis knew realistically that he couldn't delete his so-called “bad side”. To do so would leave his family vulnerable. He couldn't erase the past. In order to keep his family safe, Francis would have no other choice but to retain his seat at the head of the table.
With Paolo close behind, Francis entered his beloved Maybach. Since he’d been spending so much time between France and the United States, he hadn't had the pleasure of driving it in ages.
“No, capo, not that car,” Paolo informed. “Arturo says that the air conditioner isn't working properly. We’ll take this one,” he said, pointing to a waiting Land Rover. Francis, somewhat disappointed, nodded and without question, followed Paolo into the SUV. Once inside, he pulled his cellular from the inside of his jacket pocket and called Luca.
“Buongiorno,” Luca answered.
Even though Luca was in Chicago, he knew that it was morning in Italia.
Buongiorno, cugino,” Francis responded. “Have you been looking after my donna?”
“Si, capo, I have, but she works nonstop. This cannot be good for her and your bambina.”
Knowing that Luca was undoubtedly telling the truth, Francis smiled. Tracy was a workaholic.
“I see that my woman has corrupted you. You refer to my unborn as a girl,” Francis said with a chuckle.
“It’s a feeling,” Luca admitted. “How were the talks?”
“As expected,” Francis admitted.
“Ahh…I figured.”
“How are the wedding plans?”
“I have no fucking clue,” Luca admitted with a chuckle. “I just nod and smile when expected. Weddings are not meant to be planned by men.”
Luca’s response earned hearty laughter from Francis. He was right. No man cared about cakes and seating charts. Most men only cared about possessing their heart’s desire, saying I do, and then placing his heir into their precious wombs.
“You're headed to Naples, si?”
“Si, I’m en route to the airport. I will call you when I land. Look after my donna and give your beautiful Tammy a kiss for me. I will be back in America soon.”
“Si, capo, I will,” Luca promised. “Keep your eyes open.”
“Sempre,” Francis assured. “I always do.”
Francis ended the call and relaxed against the back seat. He looked out of the window, admiring the beauty of Calabria. On one side, there were old-fashion villages with small villas. Rugged mountains served as a serene backdrop. On the other side, was the dramatically beautiful coast line.
Francis loved Calabria. He reminisced of being a young boy, running through green meadows. His parents, Luciano and Rosa, would bring him, along with his older sister Teresa, and his baby brother, Vincenzo, to their vacation home that was surrounded by miles of vineyards and fields of white lilies.
The coast line was where Francis and his siblings would spend the majority of their vacation. They loved the water. Swimming, fishing, and all around mischief was the extent of their holidays in Calabria.
Thinking of Vin and Teresa caused Francis to be even more excited about his trip to Naples. Because of their careers, they had moved to the crowded city years ago.
Teresa, Francis’ older sister, was a forty-five-year-old nurse that worked in NCH Baker Hospital. She was married to Carlo Rosati, a high-ranking police official, who had conveniently served the Savelli family well. His brother, Vincenzo, was thirty-six and unmarried. He worked as a customs supervisor. His role was to ensure that weapon shipments, either by air or sea, entered and left the country without incident. Between Francis, Luca, Carlo, and Vinnie, weapons dealing was a family business.
Francis was excited to see his family. He hadn't seen them in at least eight months. There had been a lot going on with his American side of the family. His siblings were aware of the turmoil that had gone down in the United States. They’d been informed via telephone conversations. And though they were ready to step in, Francis wanted them to stay in place in order to maintain their anonymity. He needed his family to stay legit.
