Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 77998 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77998 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
My sources tell me she also smokes weed with Mario, takes her coffee—and lots of it—black, carries a flask, and she’s also an excellent shot. That doesn’t matter, though. She won’t be allowed to hold a gun. There won’t be a need, and I won’t give her a chance to turn it on me.
She might think about it.
She may not be who I would’ve chosen for a wife, if I’m honest. I imagined myself with someone more influential, or at the very least someone more docile. But she made this bed, and I don’t have the time or the interest in shopping around. I know my next move, and once I do, I never hesitate to make it.
Ever.
No one makes enemies of the Rossi family, especially since they’ve united with the Montavios, but I know exactly how to play this. I’m not afraid of Romeo Rossi. Some say he’s the most powerful Don in all of New England.
Works for me.
I don’t live in New England.
He can keep his domain and I’ll keep his sister.
Romeo Rossi and his band of brothers can rule these states all day long. My home’s far south of here, and as long as we respect one another’s boundaries, we’ll get along just fine.
“Park here.” My observation tells me the security gate by the Rossi home is newly installed, and when I go to corroborate this, I find it to be true. Before I went to the big house, the Rossis were known for having ruthless Rottweilers and no security gate, one of the few families that didn’t find it necessary. Interesting. I wonder what precipitated the change. I’d guess it had something to do with the extended family being added every year—wives and husbands and grandkids. The more the vulnerable and innocent among them, the more they’d need to up their protection.
I never enter a place unless I know as much about what I’m going into ahead of time as possible.
I exit the car and observe everything. Blooming roses on vines by the front door, their bloodred, velvety leaves reminiscent of the Rossi family symbol that each wear on their forearm. Rhododendrons stand, sturdy and well-maintained, in a border around the walkway that leads to the main entrance.
Something on the ground catches my attention before I get to the doorway. Frowning, I bend to investigate. A shiny golden moon, as delicate as spun glass, hangs on a thin golden chain. I pick it up and slide it into my pocket. Finders keepers.
I wonder if it’s hers. Looks like the kind of shit she’d be into.
My bodyguards flank me on either side, armed and ready, though any mob worth their salt will demand they check their weapons at the door. Still, I don’t like going into a confrontation without a well-armed guard. Romeo probably won’t give me shit, but his mother…
The door opens before I ring the bell. None other than Romeo Rossi himself answers the door. His poker face betrays nothing.
“Capo,” he says with a nod. “What’d you do to get outta the big house early, brother?” Ah, so we’re playing that angle. His handshake is firm, a warning and a promise. “Heard you got sentenced to life.”
I shrug and follow him into the house when he beckons for me to enter.
“My uncle knows people.”
He grunts in response as we enter the hall. “Good to know people on the inside.”
I don’t see his other men, but I feel them nearby, armed and ready. I’m not here to fight, but if someone wants to attack me first, they’re fair game. I’ve got three men with me. We’re outnumbered, but my other men are nearby. Whenever two mob leaders are together, no matter how friendly they are, it’s always a matter of two predators circling each other. There are no real friends in this war.
“We’ll go to the reception room. Can I get you a drink?”
“Espresso, please.” It’s been a long day, and I know if anyone’s gonna give me a good cup of espresso, it’s the Rossis. I came with my guards and have my inner circle a phone call away, so I trust Rossi not to pull any poison bullshit on me. It’s not his style anyway.
Our footsteps click on the gleaming floor. I wonder if he’ll still want to offer me espresso after I tell him why I’m here. I’m ready, no matter what.
I quickly take in every detail. Main reception’s circular, with a matching circular staircase to the right, and to the left, a lobby. It’s magnificent and regal, impeccably clean, and well-appointed.
Romeo nods to a small side table. “Check your weapons, brother.”
It’s a reasonable request, and I was prepared for it. I take out three guns and a knife and slide them onto the table. Romeo raises an eyebrow. I wink at him as I take the final gun out of the hidden harness at the small of my back. He doesn’t trust me, though, and nods to one of his guards to pat me down.