He grins. “Michael, like I’ve told you before, I will give you advice but I will not tell you what to do. It is your time now, time for you to grow into the man I know you will be. I have complete faith in you, your decisions, and your abilities.”
I nod. “Can we talk about the cartel?”
“Sure.”
“So Gallardi is big. I’ve done some research. Their net worth? Over two billion dollars. They are extremely powerful, and getting into a disagreement with them could cripple our family. With that being said, they not only deal with drug trafficking but money laundering, assassinations, kidnapping, extortion, and human trafficking.”
“And your concern is?” my father asks.
“Why? Why did you agree to this meetup with them in the first place?” I ask.
“You really don’t know?”
I shake my head. “I don’t see it. I mean, I know we’re not clean by any means, but drugs, kidnapping, and human trafficking? Forgive me, Pop, but that’s not what we’re about. So I ask you again, why?”
“Curiosity, son.”
“What?”
“I wanted to know what they wanted us for. They are powerful, and it piqued my curiosity that they would approach us in their endeavors. Frankly, Michael, they don’t need us.”
“Well if they don’t need us, why even meet with them?”
“Because, Michael, what have I always told you? The Gallardis are not our allies. They are our enemies.”
“And I should keep my enemies close. Yeah, Pop, I remember.”
“The only way you can find out what they are up to and what they want with us is if you are on the inside. Take the meeting, Michael. Then we will talk.”
I nod. “Okay, Pop. If that’s what you think.”
He stands and paces the room in thought. With his back to me, he says, “Now tell me about Zaira.”Fuck.The last thing I want to do is discuss Zaira with him.
“What about Zaira? There’s nothing to tell. You already know everything. We’re separated, and the divorce will be final in less than a year.”
“Michael, don’t lie to your old man.”
“Damn, Pop, do we really need to talk about Zaira?”Can’t you see the mere mention of her name shatters me?
“Yes. She’s in your head, Michael. You’ve got a lot of decisions to make, and she’s one of them.”
“She wants to go away. To Italy…” I say. “With Darius.”
“And are you letting her go?”
“Yes, but after the omertà.”
“Smart move. She needs to be here for that. Even though she is not living here, and you are both separated, she is still your wife.”
“I’m bringing a date.”
“What?”
“Pop, I’m done waiting for her to realize that everything I did was for her own good. I’m moving on with my life. In two weeks, I will officially take over this family with the omertà celebration. It’s time I take over the rest of my life as well.”
He shakes his head. “You will never learn,” my father says as he turns to walk away.
“Pop, what do you mean?” I call after him.
He turns back to face me. “Games, Michael. They are what got you here. They will not get you out.” He turns again to leave, shaking his head in disappointment.
“But…” And there it is, his disappointment.
Before I can say any more, my father calls as he continues to head back to the house, “If you piss off the Gallardis, remember, Michael, they will come after what you love most. Don’t forget that.” He opens the patio door and proceeds into the house.
