The idiot was either going to be pistol-whipped or fitted for concrete shoes. It depended on how important he was to the organization and how pissed off his boss was.
From Don Camerota’s tone, I’d say Maurizio would be smart to catch the first flight to Thailand.
Or maybe Antarctica.
“Good,” Dario said in a clipped voice. “Then our business is concluded.”
“Agreed. Ciao,”Don Camerota replied, and hung up.
We all sat there in silence for a couple of seconds.
Then I said, with faux cheerfulness, “Well,thatwas exciting!”
“Fucking asshole,” Adriano snarled at the phone.
“I wouldn’t judge himtooharshly,” I told Adriano. “After all, he just got butt-fucked on a conference call.”
“You’re going to let him get away with that ‘I won’t see you in Rome’ bullshit?” Adriano growled.
“I’m trying to delicately tell you not to go off half-cocked,” I said with a smile. “Thank you for your help, Giorgio. And now, everyone, if you’d give us the room, I’d like a private word with the Don.”
Adriano looked over at Dario for confirmation.
It annoyed me that Adrianostilldidn’t treat me as his immediate superior, which Iwas–
But I let it slide. Adriano was already riled up over the phone call, and I had no interest in getting into yetanotherpissing match with him over chain of command.
One fact was immutable, though: our oldest brother was the final word.
As soon as Dario nodded, Adriano got up to go.
Giorgio and Sofia stood and followed him out.
Once they were gone, Dario asked, “Well?”
“I think the matter is settled,” I replied. “Of course, we should still keep an eye out… but I don’t see Don Camerota launching any reprisals over this. It’s a single fucking foot soldier, and one who made him look bad. In all likelihood, this Maurizio fellow is probably going to be dead by nightfall.”
“That’s what I think,” Dario agreed. “Don Camerota is the kind of man who enjoys making an example to keep his underlings in line.”
“So, it’s agreed, then – I give the all clear? Bianca can go back to Florence?”
“Yes… but stress that Adriano should keep a guard around her at all times. Just in case.”
“Just in case,” I agreed, and got up to go deliver the news.
Dario remained seated.
I gestured towards the door. “Are you coming, or…?”
“I think I’ll stay here. I have some things to ponder.”
“Anything you need advice on?”
“Not yet.”
“Alright,” I agreed, and turned towards the door.
“Niccolo.”
