Except his daughter. I loved my father with all my heart.
Maybe that was why I was so angry in hearing some horrible man attacking him. The accent. What kind of accent did he have? I inched closer, trying to remain as quiet as a church mouse.
“There will be no alliance with your Pakhan. I am not interested.” My papa was clearly angry, his voice shaking more than I’d heard in a long time. Who was he talking to?
“Father. You need to reconsider,” Marco said. I could tell easily tell how unhappy he was with my father’s decision.
“You will be sorry you did not take our offer, Don Scavullo. You will have forty-eight hours to reconsider,” the gruff man with an accent said.
“And the answer will be the same.”
Hearing movement, I rushed toward the small half bath, moving into the darkness and holding my breath. Footsteps stormed by, two men taking long strides. Peeking out, I watched them as they walked away. Both huge men. Both heavily armed.
For some reason, a trickle of fear skipped down my spine. I waited to ensure they’d been alone before returning to my father’s door, which was already closed again.
“Jesus Christ, Papa. The plan was the only one we have.” Marco was clearly frustrated. “What if the Camorra regain power? They will crush us.”
“Enough, Marco! I am the Don of this family. You are not. I can handle the Camorra.”
The silence was terrifying. The Camorra. I’d heard about them growing up. They were true monsters according to my papa, a brutal crime family who’d once controlled all of Italy.
“Don Scavullo. May I speak freely?”
It was Luciano, my father’s Consigliere and best friend. What was he doing here? I hadn’t seen him arrive.
“Yes, of course.”
“To ignore the alliance could prove detrimental. Accepting the offer could mean additional power and control over the other families as well as continued success in business. Plus, the Camorra wouldn’t dare challenge you again. Given everything you’ve been through, Marco is correct. It’s the only logical choice. Imagine the future and the position you’ve always wanted.”
“The position means nothing if I betray my family, Luciano. I am many things including a family man. Everyone knows that. Irefuse to allow an arranged marriage. The alliance with the other families stands as is. Any betrayal to them will not be tolerated.”
My brother? Who was he supposed to marry? I didn’t even know he was in love. Wait. Arranged? I shook my head. I knew what the arrangement meant. My mother’s words burned into the back of my mind.
“Just remember you’re only good for this family for one thing. When you’re old enough to spread your legs.”
Unwanted tears burned my eyes.
“You are not seen as a strong leader, Father. The others could challenge you for the throne. They could ruin my future as head of the Five Families.”
“I told you to leave it alone, Marco. I know what I’m doing! My decision is final.”
Luciano sighed. “I hope you know what you’re doing. The Pakhan is known to be a brutal man.”
“Quest’uomo non è altro che un selvaggio.”
When my father was furious, he resorted to our native language. I almost laughed at hearing his answer.
The man is nothing but a savage.
“I know, Francesco. I do understand, but additional protection will be needed. The Russian does not take no for an answer.” Luciano’s voice was also strained. “As the head of all the families, your power will be unequaled.”
“The Pakhan can go fuck himself,” my father gritted out. “Italians do not need anyone.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll let the others know.” Luciano sighed. “Don’t forget your father is unwell. There are those who wish to put a bullet in his brain.”
“Shut up, Luciano. I am aware of the recent threats. One thing has nothing to do with the other.”
“With all due respect, Don Scavullo, that’s where you’re wrong.”
