Page 70 of Labria

“Someone found him dead in the Mojave desert about a week ago. He was listed as a John Doe in Clark County because he didn’t have any identification on him.”

“Dead?” The only word that registered in my brain. I never thought that would be.

“I’m sorry cousin.”

“Wait. No. It can’t be. How do they know it’s him?”

“Fingerprints. He was out in the desert for a long time. We won’t know anything until the autopsy is done. I’m going to have Dr. Leoni handle everything.”

“Fuck!” I yelled out.

“It’s very fucked up.”

“Was he killed?”

“I don’t know, but he wasn’t active in the organization. There was no reason for anyone to target him. It could be a random robbery. The autopsy well give us answers.”

“Shit!” There was a gut-wrenching pain that jabbed at my side, right near my ribcage.

“Come.” Nicco extended both of his arms toward me. I took the few steps needed to hug him. The Don grabbed me by my upper arms and stared me directly in my eyes. “I promise I will get to the bottom of this.” He then pulled me close and patted me on my back.

“I can’t believe this.”

“I promise you. I will sort this out. If someone did something to Uncle Gianni, I will make them pay.”

“Thank you. Nicco. I don’t know what to say. I wasn’t expecting this. I just thought he ran off like he always does and was going to reappear hungover.”

I pushed my unruly hair back from my face. I rubbed my facial hair. My mind was spinning in circles.

“I’m going to get him over to Dr. Leoni right away. You don’t have to worry. I will take care of all the arrangements.”

“Fuck! If someone did something to him, promise me you’ll let me handle it.”

“Of course. You know I got you. Call me if you need anything. I’ll be in touch very soon. Come.” Nicco extended his arms to me and I went into them for a brief but forceful hug.

I stood there and watched as Nicco walked down the hallway and let himself out of my front door.

I really needed that whiskey. I walked into the kitchen and instead of pouring into a glass. I unscrewed the top and raised the entire bottle to my lips. I took a long, greedy swig and closed my eyes.

Viva mio padre, Gianni Bregoli!(Long live my father, Gianni Bregoli!)