by Anna Widzisz
The man wanted to propose that Elio Conte'd answer directly to the Capo dei capi. That wouldn’t be such a surprise by itself, if not for the fact that Noah didn’t trust anyone in Conte’s family. They were considered guilty of Gastone’s crimes by default. The whole operation, Inéz’s task and their careful planning could have been for nothing. One wrong move and many people would die. If not the Capo himself.
"Not necessarily. If Elio is a part of Gastone’s betrayal, he will gladly agree to it, because that means his son will be close to our business and give him an accurate description of all our actions. Otherwise, we can count at least one of the twins out of the conspiracy, and to make Gastone change his mind, we will give him the possibility to enlarge his reach. Just like he wanted. One less soldier won’t hurt him. Especially someone who is being given the most ridiculous of tasks when taking into account his birthrights," Noah said.
It was clear, with the dark bags under his eyes and exhausted appearance that he had spent most of his night weighing the pros and cons of his idea. After the talk he’d had with Elio yesterday during the engagement party, he became more and more convinced that doing this could change a lot for the better. Maybe even speed up the process of discovering the intricacies of the plot against him.
Flavio sighed, shaking his head. He was still unsure whether it was actually the right thing to do. "It might bring destruction, brother."
"I was born with an insatiable appetite for destruction. Let it be," he said, smirking. Now it was certain that the Capo only consulted his Underboss as a sign of respect. His mind had long been made up.
"Just don’t go as far to offer Elio the position of Consigliere. That would be pushing things too far even for you. Besides, Elio needs to learn in the event that he is genuinely in the dark with Gastone’s plan."
Noah nodded. "I wasn't even considering it an option."
After the ordeal with the man who had been his father’s Consigliere, he had promised himself to only ever give the position to a person who had proved themselves as trustworthy. Elio hadn’t. Not yet. Maybe not ever. It felt like he was betraying his own principles in order to keep his Famiglia safe. And although it seemed like a necessary sacrifice, he hated changing what he had decided four years ago.
"Suggest becoming a soldier directly under your command."
"He told me that he wants to earn whatever he has rather than being handed everything on a silver platter."
Underboss agreed. "That’s probably true, but I believe this kind of thinking only evolved once Fabro was more involved by Gastone into the business. Some coping mechanism on Elio’s behalf."
There was no arguing with that. Hardly anyone refused power if they had a possibility to get it without having to work. Only fools did that.
And Flavio, who had never fully engaged in the Famiglia when Marco had been Capo, understood that very well. After being kidnapped by Severo Selvaggio, he turned down all opportunities to become a true Made Man. Even though he never openly admitted the reason for it. Naturally, the Capo had been furious but had written it down to the boy being too young to realize what he truly wanted and had given him time to come to terms with his situation. Years had passed and both Falcone brothers wholeheartedly believed that if their father hadn’t been killed, he would have eventually grown tired of waiting for Flavio to come around. He had been fourteen already and should have at least started taking part and learning all about the mafia business. Without a doubt, Marco would have gotten him murdered for refusing to participate. His death had been a blessing in disguise.
Noah was better at understanding his brother. Mostly because Sienna’s death changed him, too. Made him realize just how screwed up and dark their world really was. They never talked about everything that had happened at that time, just a few words here and there. Flavio had closed himself off to all the emotions and memories of those occurrences. He’d let go of his hatred towards the Famiglia as well. But he never abandoned his rationality.
"There’s one more thing. I was in charge of the shipments which were supposed to come through Sicily to us. So, I asked Lorenzo Accardi to supervise the operation. He told me that he is sick. Stage three cancer."
The Capo frowned. His mind darted to the man’s son. His friend. "Does Nicodemo know?"
Out of all elders that Noah had the opportunity of meeting and getting to know, he always liked Nicodemo’s father. He was a cruel bastard as far as the mafia business was concerned, but also a good man - to some extent. He had raised his children with an iron fist, but also in a loving atmosphere. The Enforcer never said a bad word about his father, and always deeply respected him. Which the older man certainly deserved.
"He promised to tell him today, but before that, he wanted to ask whether he had your permission to ask Nico to come back to Sicily and take over his business."
Judging by Flavio’s expression, he wasn’t pleased with this request. Nicodemo was one of the best soldiers they had in Las Vegas, and both brothers trusted him. So, the thought of losing him was almost unimaginable. The Famiglia’s structure would have to change once again.
With reluctance, Noah complied. "I cannot forbid him from doing what honor dictates. Nicodemo has always been the most likely man to take over as Capodecina after Lorenzo. If that will be his wish, I will grant it to him." The words were hard to swallow. "But let me call Lorenzo and tell him myself. I need to offer my best wishes."
And that’s exactly what he did once Flavio left for a meeting in one of the drug labs. He talked to the Capodecina for a few minutes, making sure that there wasn’t anything else that he could help with. Not many people could pride themselves with being approached by the Capo in such a manner because Noah rarely did that. However, Lorenzo Accardi deserved this wholeheartedly.
§ § §
A few minutes after three in the afternoon, Noah heard knocking. He invited Elio in, realizing that it was him at last. The soldier appeared in the threshold, looking confused as to why exactly his Capo had requested to see him. Never before had he needed anything from the man, especially since he answered directly to his father.
"Sit." Noah pointed towards the chair on the other side of his desk.
Even though they were only a year apart, as far as business was concerned, their relations had to look a lot different than a usual encounter would. More professional and distant.
Elio took his place, not losing his confusion. The older Falcone wondered whether he told Gastone about this meeting, or chose to keep it to himself. He didn’t care either way, but he was still slightly curious to know.
"I still have a few other things to take care of today, so I’m going to go straight to the point," he began. "I want you to answer directly to me."
The bewilderment on Elio’s face was immediately replaced by pure surprise. He hadn’t even dared to consider such a possibility. Nothing had indicated that Noah would ask that of him. Especially since his duties as his father’s soldier weren’t anything challenging or greatly admired. The proposition came out of the blue.
"Why?"
"Because you told me that you’d prefer to earn your position. And I need people with that mindset. You have greater opportunities ahead with me as your supervisor. But I’m telling you now that it means you’ll have to do whatever I want, even if it clashes with Gastone’s orders. I am to become your first priority."
"Is it just me, or are you certain that I’m going to agree?" he asked, suspiciously.
On one hand, many Made Men had already got used to Noah changing things up in the Famiglia, however, it still came as a surprise whenever he did something out of the ordinary. And since the Capo’s intentions weren’t entirely pure, the twin had every right to be cautious before agreeing.
Noah knew that he would sooner rather than later, because it was a proposition that no one in their right set of mind would turn down. Nevertheless, the man had a choice. Pressuring him wouldn’t have the desired effect.
He nodded. "Yes, you have n
o reason not to. I’m not giving you a position that is different from the one you already have. The only thing that would change is who you would answer to." Elio was still reluctant. "It’s your call. You can refuse if that’s what you want. It’s not an order on my behalf."
It was an order, but he didn’t have to know that. Manipulation was Noah’s favorite tool, and it had never failed him before. There was nothing that suggested it would start now.
"What about my father? I can hardly see him being alright with this arrangement."
"I will handle your father. There are things he has asked of me before. It will simply be a matter of exchange," Noah guaranteed. "So?"
A moment of silence in which Elio analyzed the Capo’s offer extended. It was meant to prove that he wasn’t sure which way to go. But he was. He just didn’t want to make it seem that way. And it would have worked, if Noah hadn’t known him for a few years already. The man had always had his priorities straight, and although he had never considered joining Noah in his business, there was no greater honor than being one of the people closest to the Capo. Someone he relied on.
Elio agreed, getting up from his chair. "It would be an honor," he said, shaking the man’s hand. Pride was visible in his eyes, and for a moment Noah felt like perhaps he hadn’t found a new pawn in his plan to destroy Gastone Conte, but another reliable soldier.
"I will talk to your father this evening. Don’t say anything to anyone before. I will most likely come to the club."
"Of course."
CHAPTER 33
If there was ever any indication of when Gastone Conte was in a foul mood, it would most likely be today. He barked at any person he laid eyes on, even if they didn’t even talk to him at all. That was the reason why all the dancers scurried out of his way when he came out of his office after a long and loud shouting match. The Capodecina was rarely openly angry. That was a trait he shared with Noah. However, something had happened that unhinged him. And Inéz had to find out what that was. Because maybe, just maybe, it would somehow help her. So, with a heart almost up to her throat and shaky hands, she approached the man, who was now signing some papers in his usual booth. With flair, he ripped almost all of the sheets, making the girl even more hesitant about going near the man.
Gastone’s eyes moved up as he picked up on the sudden movements near him. His expression was hard and he scrutinized her with cruel and dark acknowledgement. Terrifying. Inéz prepared herself to get yelled at just as everyone else had.
He didn’t make a sound. Merely kept on rifling through files.
"What do you want Layla?" he asked after a minute, seeing as the girl hadn’t left.
Ignoring the hurricane of insults addressed to herself that rang inside her head, the girl moved closer. Could her level of stupidity increase or did it reach the absolute top? Frankly, she was scared to know the answer to that question.
"I just wanted to see whether you are alright," she whispered, not brave enough to say it louder. Thankfully, there was no music playing in the background so the Capodecina heard her. But he didn’t seem eager to answer and simply took his time checking her out.
Inéz had a pair of leggings and a t-shirt on so nothing special. Even during her performances, she tried to dress in the most modest things that she could find, which were still a far cry from her comfort zone. She could only count the days until Alberto would make her wear more revealing clothes. Especially since she saw his irritation whenever she walked out of the dressing room each day. Judging by Amanda’s warning as to what kind of person the Made Man was, he should have already reacted, and in a depraved way too.
She pursed her lips, thinking that this must have been a really bad idea.
"It doesn’t take advanced knowledge of quantum physics to realize that I’m not, Layla," he hissed.
"Is there something I can do to help?"
Seriously, her last words showed that her stupidity had no limits. That question shouldn’t have even crossed her mind when speaking to any Made Man, because a positive answer would always mean trouble for her.
The man looked at her, astonished. He didn't expect the girl to act this way. And likely so, as she shouldn’t be interested at all. Gastone wasn’t foolish so he could interpret her concern for exactly what it was - getting some sort of job done. Alberto had looked into her life and hadn’t found anything, just as Isaac had intended when he’d created her cover-up story. However, dealing with the mafia wasn’t easy. The mafioso was too careful around people, even paranoid at times. There could always be a little detail that betrayed her real intentions.
"Take the time off from dancing and join me in the main VIP room around midnight," he stated and, without waiting for a response, got up, walking towards his office.
Inéz took a deep breath, knowing she had just gotten herself in way too deep, but at the same time, she might be able to finally find something out. Gastone was used to having meetings in the VIP room, so this could go two ways. She could only hope that they were not going to be alone and that he would be meeting up with one of his soldiers.
§ § §
Eleven thirty.
She counted the minutes as if they might be her last ones. And for good reasons too. Her dancing was cut short as she went to the bathroom every other song to calm down. Many times, Inéz considered calling Noah and letting him know that she quit before it was too late and she had to do something she would regret the rest of her life. But she was bound by duty. With her initiation, she’d become a part of the Famiglia, and her success was what was needed for the Famiglia’s wellbeing.
And would Noah even react? He wasn’t indifferent as far as she is concerned, but his consideration towards her had to be restricted. As Capo he had a duty and no one, not even her, would change that. The Famiglia came first. Always.
Besides, what would happen to Drew and Isaac? They would have to stay, and there was no way in hell Inéz would leave them. Ever. They were her family no matter what.
"Are you out of your fucking mind?" she heard a loud voice coming from outside the changing room.
It belonged to Fabro Conte. And it seemed like more than one member of the family was in an awful mood today.
Inéz moved to the door to hear better, however, Fabro probably didn’t care to be quiet.
"I’m perfectly sane. It’s an opportunity that I intend to take," Elio answered. "It’s not like father needs me anyway. He has you to take over his business later on. I’ve never wanted that. So why are you so fucking mad that I am going to work under Noah Falcone?"
Blood rushed through her face, realizing why the Conte family had been seething most of the day. Noah must have proposed a switch of supervisors to Elio. But why? The Falcone had never liked teaching people himself. His soldiers and enforcers answered to him, but they were there simply to take care of the Capo’s matters. And it sounded like Elio was not only going to become such a person, but also change loyalties. He would have to put Noah first, above his father and brother.
Fabro laughed. "If you’re naïve enough to believe that there is no hidden agenda, then I’m not surprised father wants me to take over."
"I don’t care what he wants, as long as I can prove myself. Dealing with extortion is no way of doing that."
"Then fucking stand up to your Capodecina, don’t sell your loyalty." Fabro was furious, and it wasn’t that surprising. He was Elio’s brother and they would soon be on different sides. Especially since it sounded like Elio was in the dark as to what his father was doing.
Relieved, Inéz wanted to tell Noah all she’d overheard because she didn’t believe the twins were acting in the slightest. They weren’t aware of her listening to them. The talk was real and honest.
" has already agreed. It’s a done deal. So fucking get over it."
There was the sound of a smash, followed by a pained groan. Without seeing it, Inéz was certain that Fabro had pinned his brother to the wall, and she even considered leaving the room. If a fight was to break
out, it could end very badly. But that would entail giving up her hiding place, and they might realize that she had heard them talk.
"Let me go. You trying to beat the shit out of me won’t change a thing. It was my decision, and I will live with the consequences if needed."
Then the talking stopped, suggesting that the men must have parted, leaving their conversation unfinished. Waiting a few more minutes, Inéz left the dressing room with a heavy heart. As she was about to go back dancing, she felt a sharp pull of her arm and her back crushed to the wall, pain erupting through her spine.
Elio’s green eyes burned into her. His expression inquisitive. "Having fun listening to people?"
Blood drained from her face. Had it all been for show after all? Did the twins know who she really was?
She shook her head expressively. "I don’t know what you’re talking about," she said immediately, lying through her teeth.
"Is that so?" he smirked, confusing the girl. Was he mad, or not? There was no way for Inéz to tell the difference.
His hand went up to her face, lightly stroking her cheek, the other one still tightly gripping her arm. It didn’t hurt as much as the jolt a second ago had. Bruises might appear there later.
"Then what were you doing in the changing room when you were supposed to be working?" he leaned in, whispering to her ear.
A wave of terror blazed through her, making her mouth dry and eyes water. With a deep breath, she tried to reign it in. "I’m not feeling well today."
Elio slightly loosened his hold of her but didn’t seem convinced that she was telling the truth. Rightfully so.
They heard Amanda’s voice coming from behind, and their eyes darted in that direction, making the man take a step back. The dancer showed up in the threshold of the backroom. Her brows drew together, seeing the two of them. "There you are. I was starting to get worried you might have passed out in the bathroom," she said, ignoring the man, and came up to the girl, examining her closely.