La Famiglia Read online

  “The Armenians.” Santo wiped the sweat down his face with his hand. Dominic passed him a drink. Santo looked relieved to have it. “I admit to managing things with blinders on. I knew that there was some dissention between the clans. But I never thought anyone would dare stand against you. When I found out what Mottola was up to I had plans to bring him under control.”

  Giovanni picked up his cigar. He hadn’t had one in two days. He fired it and took a drag allowing the tobacco to fill his lungs. “How?”

  “He has a weakness, sons and a nephew that he thinks he’s grooming for leadership. He even has two of them managing affairs in Chiaiano. I was going to send a message. One Mottola would understand.”

  Giovanni exhaled and stared at Santo. “Is that all? Wouldn’t that bring me more grief from the other clan bosses? Killing innocent people is a stigma I’ve been unable to shake since Calderone.”

  “I wasn’t going to kill them. I just—” Santo inhaled deeply and exhaled slow. “I needed his attention. It’s an effective method.”

  “I guess I should get up from this chair. Let you have a seat.” Giovanni chuckled. He took another drag of his cigar with a smile. Santo glanced over to Dominic who wore the same sinister smile.

  “No. Everything I do, I do for the family. I wasn’t acting alone on this. I have an ally. There’s a woman who wants to help us. Her name is Isabella. She’s travelling now but she—”

  “A woman?” Giovanni chuckled. “You hear this, Domi? Now we have a woman telling us what to do.”

  “I’m getting ahead of myself. Forget I mentioned her. What I’m saying to you is that I have a lot of things in the works for the family. I’m strengthening our hold on the Campania and I always include Dominic in the planning as it develops.”

  “All I hear you doing is talking. Talk. Talk. Talk,” Giovanni said. He stared at Santo for a long silent moment. “I thought the sacrifice you gave for the family meant you were courageous. Now I know that I need more than courage to keep this thing we do together.” Giovanni sat forward. “You will stand down. Are we clear?”

  “Yes,” Santo said, through clenched teeth. Santo sat back. “Have I ever betrayed you, Gio? Ever?”

  “A wise man once told me that loyalty is not a test of friendship, a man’s actions once proven are. That man was my father. He died after enemies pumped six bullets into his chest. And no friendship he forged in the forty years he ran the Camorra could prevent that fate.”

  “Can I have in on the Mottola visit?” Santo asked. “Giuliani is a personal friend of mine. The Armenian connection is a surprise to me as well. I might be of use in seeing this to a peaceful resolution. I’m not assured that Lorenzo and Carlo will do that for you.”

  Giovanni dragged on his cigar. He didn’t bother to answer. Far as he was concerned Giuliani was a dead man when he turned on his own blood to help Giovanni. Nothing worse than a rat, and Santo damn well knew it.

  “Grazie, Giovanni.” Santo stood. He walked over and took Giovanni’s hand. He kissed his ring. “Grazie.”

  After a single nod of his head Santo was dismissed. Giovanni watched him go. The timing for all of this couldn’t be worse. Now he had to trust Lorenzo to bring them through it. He had to trust Dominic to keep them on course. And he had to believe that his enemies would not learn how weakened and vulnerable they were. And he had to find a way to tell his wife that she had a sister he’s kept from her for months. He had little faith in his ability to do any of it.

  * B *

  Mira groaned. She turned over to her side. Rosetta brought dinner to her room. But she barely ate. Eve had been in a whiney and clingy mood so she sent her away. Now she felt discomfort all through her pelvis. The babies were wrestling with each other all morning in her uterus. Nothing she did, drinking cold water or massaging her stomach, could soothe them.

  “Donna? Are you okay?” a gentle voice spoke with concern.

  Mira opened her eyes. At first she didn’t recognize the face hovering above hers. “Who?”

  “It’s me Carmella? Ma-ma told me to come. To help. I brought you some tea.” She put the cup down. “Do you need anything?”

  “No,” Mira said weakly. “I’m a little uncomfortable. It’ll pass.”

  “I heard about what happened earlier. I’m so glad the babies are okay,” Carmella said.

  Mira slipped her a look. Though Carmella didn’t appear to be mocking Mira something in her tone made her feel as if she were. And the anxiety she thought wouldn’t return did with Carmella hovering over her while she was in such a vulnerable state. “Where is Catalina? Rosetta?”

  “Last I saw everyone was gathered downstairs. Why don’t you try this tea? I insist.” Carmella pushed the mug toward her.

  “No thanks. I want you to leave,” Mira said.

  “But I can—”

  “Leave. Please. I’m fine,” Mira said.

  When Carmella stepped away she took the cup of tea with her. Mira immediately felt better as she watched her go. Catalina walked in just as Carmella reached the door. She paused. “I didn’t know you were here?” Catalina said.

  Carmella smiled and gave Catalina a brief hug. “I came back to help while Ma-ma sees to her sister. I told Antonio to take some time off. He needs to be around his friends at his age. Not working. I can handle things.”

  “Oh good,” Catalina smiled.

  “I was just checking on the Donna. Do you need anything?”

  “Some of that tea would be good.” Catalina reached for the pot.

  “No. Not this tea. I need to make some more. I’ll bring you a fresh cup. Excuse me.”

  Catalina closed the door behind Carmella. Mira put a hand to her forehead. “I can’t wait for Zia to get here,” Mira sighed.

  “How do you feel?” Catalina asked. She climbed in bed with Mira. She put her hand to Mira’s belly and gave it a kiss.

  “I was a little uncomfortable but I’m getting better,” Mira smiled.

  “It’s been a crazy day,” Catalina said. “Nothing is making sense. First Lorenzo and his mail order bride, then you and the babies, and now Domi.”

  “What about Domi?” Mira asked.

  “He broke up with me.” Catalina rested her head on Mira’s shoulder. Before she knew it she started to cry. “And it’s all my fault. I lied to him. He can’t forgive me.”

  “Oh, sweetheart. It can’t be that bad. Domi loves you. We all know it,” Mira reassured her.

  “I took his pride. He’s trying so hard to get Gio to respect him and I went behind his back and told Gio that I don’t want to be married,” Catalina confessed.

  “You did?” Mira asked. “I didn’t know that you changed your mind on getting married.”

  “Me either. It’s like the past four months I’ve been seeing things differently. Not my love for Domi, but myself. Domi and I had our life all planned out when Franco died. My life was to be about our love. And kids. But I don’t want to be a wife and mother right now. I want to be a designer. Like you.”

  Mira opened her arm to Catalina. She tried her best to bring her in closer and comfort her. Catalina rested her head against Mira’s breast. “That’s to be expected. You’re so young. Giovanni and I have talked about this. How important it is for you to have a chance to strike out on your own. And look at you. You make me so proud.”

  “Fabiana would be proud too.” Catalina said and wiped her tears away from her cheeks. “She used to whisper to me when you were making my dress and I was getting ready to marry Franco that whatever happens on my wedding night, make sure it ends with me on top. You know, riding Franco when he lost control and had an orgasm.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me, “Mira chuckled. “Sounds like advice she’d give.”

  “I never understood before now why she said it. I guess she wanted me to be in control. She never got a chance to explain,” Catalina said.

  Mira stroked Catalina’s arm. “It could have been her way to tell you to not give up all of your independence
. Fabiana believed in love, marriage, and family. She told me constantly that a woman should have it all. She taught me to believe in family too,” Mira said.

  “So I shouldn’t fear getting married? I should do it all?” Catalina asked.

  “You need to listen to your heart, what it tells you. I can’t make that decision for you. And Giovanni and Dominic shouldn’t either. You have to ask yourself, Catalina, what it is you truly want.” She lifted Catalina’s chin to look into her eyes. “And then be brave enough to go after it. Even if it means letting Domi go.”

  “But Domi is special, Mira. I don’t want to lose him. He deserves a family of his own. He loves kids, Mira. You’ve seen him with Eve. He had a really bad childhood until he came to live with us.”

  “What happened to him?” Mira asked.

  “Abused, beaten, tortured. His father forced him to sleep on the floor and play in a shed with the animals. In the winter fed him frozen food, in the summer fed him rotten food. Treated him worse than a dog,” Catalina said.

  “That’s awful,” Mira said.

  “He used to have these nightmares, wake up with night terrors. Giovanni made him sleep with him until he was eight years old. And Gio took care of him. He protected Domi. That’s why Domi was so overprotective of me. That’s the way it works. It’s why Giovanni has a hard time seeing us as lovers. He sees us as his children I guess,” Catalina said.

  “I understand now,” Mira said.

  Catalina sighed. “You’re lucky. You don’t have a big brother to rule your life.”

  Mira laughed. “Yes but I have your brother.”

  Catalina laughed. “Oh yes! You aren’t so lucky after all.”

  They held each other for a moment. And then Catalina spoke again. “What do you think of her? Marietta?”

  “I like her,” Mira said. “She’s different. Straight forward.”

  “She’s sneaky,” Catalina said.

  “Catalina!”

  “I just feel it. Like she’s turning her nose up to us. Like she thinks she’s better than you. She needs to show you respect,” Catalina said.

  “Oh stop. No she doesn’t. Respect is something we earn. Giovanni has earned it with me. I had to earn it with you. Didn’t I?”

  “I guess,” Catalina answered.

  “Okay, give her time. Coming into this family can be difficult,” Mira chuckled. “Besides she’s married to Lorenzo. The girl has her hands full.”

  “She sure does!” Catalina reached up and kissed Mira on the cheek. “You know you are prettier pregnant? Your cheeks are fat, your hair is bushy, and you have huge breasts.”

  “That makes me prettier?” Mira chuckled.

  “Earthy. Mother Earth! I like the change. It inspires me. Maybe we can think of doing a maternity line for the retailers in America who want your affordable daywear clothes. What do you think?”

  Mira smiled. “I think you should work on the idea a bit more.” Mira grinned.

  “Me too,” Catalina sighed.

  Mira closed her eyes. The discomfort she felt earlier eased. She felt safe and loved hugging Catalina. She loved her family.

  Later -

  Giovanni opened the door to the bedroom. He had just left Eve. She would sleep with Cecilia for the night. So he could take care of Mira. In a few days Rocco and Zia would return. He agreed with Mira, they needed them both.

  The room was dark. The windows and doors to the belvedere were drawn shut with the shutters closed. Catalina slept next to Mira. Both women were on their side facing away from him. Giovanni tapped Catalina on the shoulder. She turned over and looked at him.

  “Mmm, ciao?”

  “Go to bed,” Giovanni said.

  “Is Domi still here?” Catalina asked sitting up.

  “To your own bed,” Giovanni said sternly.

  Catalina gave him a sly smile. She kissed his cheek and started out of the room. She stopped at the door. “She had a little discomfort earlier, but she said she felt better before she slipped to sleep. I’m not going to Milano until after the boys are born, Gio. I’ll help her.”

  “Grazie,” Giovanni said.

  Catalina winked and left.

  Giovanni shed his clothes. He tossed them to the floor and eased in bed with her. He drew the covers up over them. Mira didn’t stir. He adjusted her body and pillows. She looked to be comfortable. When he was satisfied that she was, he lay behind her. He turned over to his back and stared at the ceiling. He’d spend the rest of the night watching over her.

  * B *

  Ignazio knocked before he entered the room. He took one look at Armando and froze. “What happened to your face?”

  “Me and the old man had a disagreement. Any news on Isabella?” he asked.

  “She’s not back in Rome. And our contact in China is full of shit. Another dead end. Again she disappears.” Ignazio spoke with his hands.

  “Why do you think our contact is full of shit?” Armando asked.

  “Because he says she’s under the protection of the Triad.” Ignazio laughed. “Those mean son-of-a-bitches are worse than the Armenians. They’d never do business with Isabella. What reason would they have to do so? It’s all a dead end. Personally I’d rather focus on what I heard about the Campania. Chiaiano is under Mottola’s control now. Were you aware?”

  Armando waved off the news. “I know. Mottola makes Gio his bitch. And all Gio does is hide out in Mondello under his wife’s skirt. It’s old news.”

  “Maybe. But it’s an opportunity. Giovanni is spreading himself thin with his business deals in Milano, Turin, Genoa. The Bonaduces are still looking for a way to get revenge. How long before the deals he’s making unravel? We should reach out to the `Ndrangheta,” Ignazio advised.

  “No.” Armando said. “Things have changed.” The news his father gave him on his legacy had him seething with rage. To make matters worse he’s been unable to reach Carmella and call off the hit on Mirabella. If she dies or her brats die his father would surely believe it to be him.

  Armando groaned. Even in death the old man threatened to have control. He had to be smart about this. Turn it around to his favor. He just didn’t know how.

  “What has changed?” Ignazio asked.

  “I can’t say right now. We need to appease the old man. He wants Isabella dead and right now I don’t give a shit if she lives. Find her. Put more money into the search. Do you understand?” Armando asked.

  “I don’t understand any of this,” Ignazio sighed. “But I trust you, Armando. Whatever it is between you and your father you will figure it out.”

  “I will.” Armando nodded in agreement. “I’ll figure it out.”

  Mancini stepped back from his son’s office door. He had heard enough. On his cane he started slowly back up the hall. He had little time to rethink his decisions. And he carried no guilt over it. After learning that Mirabella suffered the way Melissa did when she carried twins he knew his actions were justified. Before he died he had to reunite his children. Make this family the way it should have been all along. He failed Melissa. But he would keep his promise to protect their daughters. And maybe the saints will grant him a pardon and let him into heaven to see his darling Melissa once more.

  Philadelphia –

  “You fucking piece of shit, I will fucking rip off your head and shit down your neck!” Mancini growled with spittle spraying through his mouth and his hands clenching tighter than a vice around Capriccio’s neck. He slammed Capriccio’s head down on the concrete floor. Her refused to let go of his stranglehold. Capriccio spit up blood and thrashed about. Mancini choked him. He put all his might into choking him. Several of the Gallucci men acted. It took three of them to save Capriccios life. The hospital nurse entered the room just as they dragged Mancini cursing and shouting death threats to them all as he was dragged out of the door. Capriccio lay as still as a corpse as the nurse rushed to aid him. He had better be dead or Mancini vowed to make sure of it.

  “Calm yourself, Sicilian,” Gallu
cci said. “Calmare!”

  “Che due palle!” Mancini spat. He shook off the men holding him back.

  Donato Gallucci was short and plump in the waist. His arms and legs however belonged to a skinny man. Making his suit jacket difficult to button. “You are in America you crazy fuck! This shit will not fly here. You nearly killed him.” Galluci looked around. Mancini never took his eyes off the door they dragged him through. If he had his gun he’d shoot every motherfucker in his path to put the kill bullet in Capriccio. When Gallucci looked at him again he let go a deep sigh. “The people will call the police and haul you out of here. Do you understand?”

  Donato looked to one of his men and signaled for him to go find the nurse and make sure she didn’t report what she’d seen. Mancini wiped his hand down his face and saw his bloody bruised knuckles. The Don stepped close. “We found the negro woman. We found her in time. The babies were born and she lives. This hospital doesn’t let coloreds in. I pulled some strings for you. Show some gratitude. Eh?”

  Humility was not in Mancini’s DNA. The blood. There was so much blood when they found Melissa in that roach infested apartment. She was near death. The fact that she lived and the children did too was a miracle. And all of the blame should be laid at Capriccio’s feet.

  The Don patted his arm. “Be reasonable. Capriccio’s death solves nothing,” he said. “I won’t wack a capo over your nigger goumada. It’s not done. You know this.”

  Mancini switched his glare to the old Don. “Fuck your laws. He is dead.” Mancini drew a line across his throat to signify the slicing of Capriccio’s throat.

  The Don closed the distance between them. His eyes went dark as a serpent’s. His voice was as hard as steel. “You lay a hand on him and your father won’t be able to save you. Mi capisci adesso?”

  Mancini glowered.

  “Answer me!” The Don shouted.

  “Si, capisco,” Mancini nodded that he understood. He couldn’t speak further. The bloodlust within him was too great.

  “Boss?” Another of the Gallucci men entered. “The nurse is handled. The doctors want to meet with you and him.”