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“I need more than that,” I replied.
His eyes shifted to the door, then back to me. “Lucca has slowly molded the rules of Miami’s Cosa Nostra. Only our eldest generation isn’t too… content with the changes. Being a boss without a wife, and now letting another non-Italian into the Organization only adds more voices with the whispers.”
Huh.
“How many non-Italian are there?”
“You will be the second.” We stared at one another.
Viktor was the first.
“Like I said, ignore the whispers. It’s all they are. No one will actually speak up about it, and with time they’ll see the other changes as the cash flow only grows, making their greedy hands happy and loyal.”
“Understood.” I nodded.
“Good. Come on.” He ushered, and with his fist, he knocked.
Before we stepped inside, obscured within the mist, a shadow acknowledged me.
I was aware only the higher positions would be here, like the capos and above. For me to believe we were alone was foolish. Protection was always a priority.
With a dip of my chin, I returned the gesture and followed Arlo inside.
Our footfalls echoed the deeper we walked inside the dim warehouse. Crates scattered the place along with heavy machinery. The smell of rust and wet soil crowded my senses as the whispers grew louder the closer we got to the center of the building. I couldn’t find who they belonged to or where they were coming from.
Lucca stood in the middle, relaxed and under the lone industrial hanging light. Sal stood a few feet away from Lucca. Acting as consigliere and former boss, it spoke volumes to have his presence to those who thought of questioning my future place within the Syndicate. Like Lucca, Sal wore a three piece all black suit. His fedora sat low over his head, hiding most of his features. Even with his posture, Sal looked worn, sick, and in need of rest. But for me, he stood tall.
I stopped before them while Arlo took his position next to Lucca’s right side.
The whispers stopped the moment Lucca raised his hand. That’s when I noticed the shadows around the square balcony, giving their attention and respect to their boss.
My body stood still as I watched Lucca’s lips move as he spoke with power.
“Ilias Novak has been working undercover for us since his first day in Miami’s Beach precinct. Not only has he been first on a scene, covering some of your soldier’s asses, but yours too as they respond to you. Represent you.”
His eyes moved away from mine as his head lifted higher. As he continued to speak, he slowly acknowledged everyone. “He’s tipped us many times when the heat was close, and kept us from being in the constant radar of our local police.” The more he said, the more agreeing sounds echoed.
“He’s been valuable to our Cosa Nostra without being one of us. And I believe it’s now time for him to walk among us and become a soldier of The Moretti Famiglia.”
Taking a deep breath, I waited, knowing Lucca’s next words held importance the second he paused and the murmurs stopped with a deadly silence thickening the stale air.
“This is the only time I will allow anyone to speak their mind. Do so now, openly.”
The room stilled with its silence, and as I watched Lucca open his arms outwards, waiting, Arlo’s jaw locked. Something told me this was new, but Lucca never did anything without reason, and I had to trust the outcome.
“Anyone?” Lucca asked once more. “Then—”
“Did he kill Ugo?” The voice was loud without the need to yell his pain.
I looked up to the older man who had taken a step closer to the rail. I couldn’t recognize him with the lighting, but Sal’s expression wasn’t surprised. He almost seemed pleased.
“He did not, Anthony. But you and I both know your son betrayed me by going against my orders. Therefore, betraying our famiglia.” Lucca’s voice was stern.
Another man leaned over Anthony’s ear and placed their hand on his shoulder before retreating back to their spot next to him.
“Perdonatemi per averi fatto perdere tempo,” Forgive for wasting your time, Anthony said with a shake of his head. His tone was displeased and tired.
I couldn’t shake Ugo’s father's voice as Lucca continued speaking. It didn’t sound like a man who looked out for retribution. Only pure disappointment.
