AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Slowly, he reaches to lift the crystal glass. As the spirit moves, I get a scent of it. Bourbon. Elijah Craig, I would guess. His top lip curls as he takes a slug off the top.
My nails dig into my palm.
“I have to say you’ve done well, on the whole. Your family businesses are all in pretty good shape for the future, as far as we can see. It’s been a commendable effort. Seven out of ten. Maybe seven and a half, even. Good work, Ms. Lucia.”
It feels like I’m sat in front of the principal for him to give me my end of year report.
He looks me up and down. Several times. While I’m breathing with calm, slow discipline to keep my face as cool as white porcelain, I’m still managing to resist slinging his drink all over him and grinding the crystal glass into his teeth.
I blink and take a breath and start, “I was expecting…”
He laughs. Right away. “What, a striped suit, big shoulders, and lapels like wings? Wide lapels like they’re off a sailboat? Maybe a big necktie and a ruby pin. Chewing a short, fat Cuban cigar? How about some metal teeth? The Chicago mobster.”
He’s clearly very impressed with himself. I bet he would be outraged if I pointed out that I’ve started two sentences so far, and he interrupted me on the second one and cut me off after three words.
He’s still laughing as he goes on.
“I can’t blame you. The movies ain’t always been kind to us. But these days I guess on screen it’s more likely to be lounge suits and jogging pants.”
“That’s more a gag about the New Jersey style, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, I s’pose it is. Maybe Hollywood has forgotten us. And after we did so much for them in the early days.” His eye clouds and he shifts in his chair. “You know, your father was a great man in his day. A visionary. An innovator. He had heart. A man of great character and determination. He got a lot of respect in the windy city. He was the first man to make us think of extending the franchise to Seattle.”
“Have you been to visit him while you’re here?”
Paid your respects, as these old-school mobsters love to say.
“I understand that you’re running his affairs now and he’s in retirement.”
I tilt my head. “That’s true.”
“So, I thought it more respectful to see you first.” After you first huddled with Alessio and dropped whatever hallucinogen it was you wormed into his ears. He says, “Maybe I can pay my respects socially later in the visit.”
He wants me to play chase and catch-up, but I know he has a purpose for this meeting. I’m going to wait him out.
His eyes narrow. I think he’s considering more small talk. His lips twist, so I guess he’s given up the idea.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
He blinks as he tells me, “In Chicago, we think it’s surely time that the Seattle families were welcomed into the fold.”
“What kept you?” Why now, is what I’m really wondering.
“It’s time. Many would say it’s long overdue.”
I cock my head to one side. “And the Commission?”
He leans forward, confidential. “You know they can’t even meet now. They have to communicate by clandestine means and through intermediaries.”
“But they are still your ruling body.”
“The final authority.” He makes it sound important.
I add, “For all of you.”
“All of us.”
I shake my head. “All of you. Not us, here.”
