Olivetti: Inception

by Tamilore Odimayo

  “So, why do you have men following you around?” She asked as she observed Dean and Sylvester from a distance. Tom sighed.

  “It’s difficult to explain,” Tom said, looking into her eyes, wishing he could tell her. He didn’t have a problem trusting her. However, he didn’t know how she’d feel about him after he told her everything. The thought of Nina fearing him scared him.

  “It is okay,” she said as she held his hand. He felt a slight tingle of electricity. Her hands were soft and warm. She looked away.

  “My family is complicated. We inherited all our enemies and now, I’m trying to keep everyone I love, safe. I’m scared. I’m scared you might be affected too,” Tom said to her then paused. There was a long pause. She couldn’t explain the feelings she was having. She realized how important he saw her.

  “That must have been hard to say. I’m flattered!” she joked. Tom looked at her strangely.

  “Flattered why?” he asked.

  “Because, you just indirectly admitted that you’re madly in love with me,” she said as she blushed slightly. Tom smiled back.

  “You didn’t tell me you liked me that much,” she said, with no hint of doubt. It wasn’t a question. She was certain. Tom was lost for words.

  “Well, I didn’t feel man enough until hours ago,” he said sincerely. His uncle had just made him a real part of the family by giving him the chance to prove himself.

  She laughed.

  “Oh really! In that case, I didn’t feel woman enough to tell you I liked you too,” she replied.

  “Hmm why?” Tom asked curiously.

  “Oh why do you get to ask why?” she replied

  “You’ve been asking all the questions tonight,” Tom replied.

  “Well, my questions were about you and your family. Why don’t you ask me about my family?” She replied. Tom couldn’t help, but look into her eyes. She was too real and yet he felt like he was dreaming.

  “Well, I already know what I need to know,” Tom replied.

  “Thought so,” she said without looking surprised. “You’re still stalking me huh?” she asked with humor in her tone.

  “No not me,” Tom joked. “I know. You’re using your influence to gain an advantage with me,” she replied with a smile.

  “How else can a man as ordinary as me stand a chance with a woman as extraordinary as you!?” he replied. It was getting easier to be straight forward. He no longer felt the need to hide his feelings. His worst fear had occurred. He was becoming vulnerable.

  “Well Mr. Olivetti, I like you because…” she paused for a long time. It was difficult to explain. “I don’t know. I guess you’re the only guy that has ever thrilled me,” she added.

  “Just me? What about Eric, the Greek god of High school?” Tom replied sarcastically.

  “You’re even better informed than I thought. Well, Eric and I never even dated,” she replied.

  “I know, just making sure,” Tom replied. She pushed him a little bit, teasing him. “Stop screwing with my mind, Tom!” she said.

  “I’ll try,” Tom laughed.

  “So what are you doing this weekend?” she asked.

  “Are you asking me out?” Tom asked

  “Well, yes! Since you won’t, I’ll wear the pants,” she replied in utmost confidence.

  “Hmm. I would love to spend time with you, but I have my uncle’s funeral to attend,” he said. Her facial expression changed.

  “How did he die?” She asked. “He was shot. Twice, in the head,” Tom replied as he let go of her hand.

  “I’m so sorry!” she replied, trying to sympathize with him.

  “Yea. I would invite you, but a funeral is no place for a first date,” he said. She paused.

  “I would love to be there. For you! I’m sure you might need me for emotional support,” she said with warmth. He glanced at her. What are you? She was beautiful inside and out. Nina was the only person who made him forget the sad things that bothered him.

  “I can tell I have an effect on you,” she added again.

  “You have no idea,” he replied with humor in his tone.

  “I’ll pick you up,” he added.

  “Alright, I’ll see you later! I have to rush in before my nosy neighbors call my parents. Your guards will not be able to save you from my father,” she replied as she stood up. Tom stood up. They glanced at each other for what seemed like forever. The energy was strong. The feelings they felt were real.

  She walked back to the door as Tom observed her flawless grace. She turned back towards Tom.

  “I’ll see you when I see you,” she said then closed the door behind her.

  23

  Nurses paced in and out of the hospital room as they struggled to keep up with the Doctor’s demands. The hospital machines beeped excessively.

  “Her vitals are stable, but she needs immediate help,” the Doctor said to Peter, who had rushed her to the hospital after finding her on the floor, in the living room.

  “Are you family?” the Doctor asked.

  “No,” Peter replied.

  The doctor stared at the other two men who shook their head in response.

  “A family member has to be here to give permission for surgery. She seems to have been poisoned and her liver is in critical condition,” the doctor said.

  “Do you live with her or something? We need to find out what she has been consuming,” the doctor added.

  “Yea I live with her,” Peter said.

  “Friend of the family?” the doctor asked.

  “Uhm no gardener,” peter replied. They glanced at each other, surprised by Peter’s response.

  “So you are all gardeners?” the doctor asked, suspiciously. They all nodded.

  “And you happen to be in the house when she fell?” the doctor asked as they nodded in response again.

  “Well, If you know any members of the family we can contact, please contact them as soon as possible,” the doctor added as he left the room.

  Walter Olivetti was terribly distraught. His mother’s critical condition was perplexing. Everything seemed to be going bad at once. First, his brother died and now his mother was in the hospital. Anger boiled inside him like a pot of hot Italian sauce.

  He was desperate to kill whoever killed Stanley Olivetti, but the goodness in him wanted peace. His mother had been transferred to New York via helicopter for private medical help, at his house.

  “It’s happening fast,” he thought as he took a sip of Tequila. Even though it was a Mexican drink, it served the purpose of drowning his sorrows. “She has always been a healthy woman, something’s wrong.” His phone rang.

  “Hello Mister Olivetti, this is Doctor Wilson,” the voice on the phone said.

  “Hey Doctor, any updates on the toxicology test?”

  “Uhm yes she has a severe dosage of poisoning, it doesn’t look like a onetime dosage. From the damage, it seems continuous,” Doctor Wilson replied.

  Walter paused for a long time.

  “Mister Olivetti? Um I also took the liberty of recommending that all drinks and food implements in her fridge be checked by a toxicologist,” the doctor added.

  “Ok good. Please do all you can to help my mother. Money is not a problem. You will be compensated accordingly,” Walter said.

  “Okay. I already told the gardeners to help get me samples of the drinks,” Doctor Wilson replied.

  “Gardeners?” Walter asked, confused. “Uhm yes. Peter…” the Doctor replied. “Oh…”

  “I’m surprised her gardeners are that loyal,” the doctors said. “I know. Call me if you need anything,” Walter said then hung up.

  “She was poisoned?” Tom asked, appearing from nowhere.

  “What are you doing here? You didn’t knock on my door. Where’s the respect?” Walter said in a state of anger. “I’m sorry, father,” Tom replied. Walter took a deep breath then sighed.

  “Come have a drink with me, boy!” Walter said, gesturing to Tom. He handed Tom a glass
cup then poured a bit of liquor into it.

  “I know you drink so don’t act surprised. America has a crazy way of putting an age on everything. Where I’m from, drinking soothes pain,” Walter said with a bit of humor. Tom smiled back lightly.

  “She was poisoned?” Tom asked again.

  “Let’s hope not,” Walter replied. “It might just be expired medication. Who knows?” Walter added with a half hopeful facial expression.

  “Hmm good to know,” Tom said. Purio Maccuzo had something to do with it. He felt it deep inside. Walter took a second look at his son. His forehead lifted in curiosity.

  “What have you been up to lately? I hear you’ve been paying more visits to your uncle?” Walter asked, trying to probe a response out of his son.

  Tom cleared his throat. “You know Uncle Danny. He likes to give me extra money,” Tom lied.

  “Really! I want you to limit your visits to your uncle,” Walter said.

  “Why?”

  “Don’t ask me why, boy. Just do as I say. You’re my son, not his,” Walter replied bluntly.

  “Alright, I’ll do as you say, father,” Tom replied. Walter didn’t say a word. He felt guilty for not giving his son a reason.

  “She’ll be okay,” Tom said as he approached the door. He knew his father was stressed. Walter gazed at his son.

  “I mean Grandma. She’ll be okay,” Tomadded as he left the room.

  24

  Saturday afternoon. Stanley Olivetti’sfuneral. More than thirty black Cadillacs made their way to the cemetery. The cars followed each other on a linear plane. Stanley Olivetti’s wife and daughters were in the first two vehicles. They mourned bitterly at the barbaric way Stanley, their father, was killed. Stanley’s death served as a reminder that the threats were real and not imagined.

  The battle between the Sanchez, Cruccifixos and the Olivettis had just begun. The men in the family moaned discreetly as they eagerly waited for their chance to retaliate. Their thirst for vengeance had just been increased.

  There were no sounds. No side talks. Besides the sound of footsteps and wailing women, the cemetery was quiet. They were stuck with the memory of a beloved father, uncle, and brother in-law.

  They walked slowly to the pile of sand that was dug for the coffin. There were four men carrying a blue coffin, containing Stanley. They walked uniformly ahead of them. Don Olivetti was in the fore most front. The rest of the family followed behind. All were dressed in black.

  The only absent member was Tom and Cecilia.

  Damon and John Baker were seated in a van, heavily loaded with weapons.

  “Sure it’s going to work?” John Baker asked.

  “It definitely will. We just need to scare his family, he’ll eventually show up,” Damon said as he puffed out a heavy cigar smoke.

  Vans pulled over in front of the cemetery, containing Damon and his men. All were armed with heavy artillery. John Baker looked through his binoculars.

  “They all look alike,” Baker said. “What?” Damon asked. “They’re all dressed in black,” John Baker replied.

  “Well, can you identify Tom?” Damon asked impatiently

  “No,”

  Damon snared. He kissed his teeth as he grabbed the binoculars from John Baker. He gazed at the funeral ceremony through the binoculars. Tom wasn’t present. He scoffed.

  “You’re right it doesn’t look like he’s here. They are heavily guarded too,” Damon replied.

  “Are you sure they have guards with them? They might all just be family,” Baker replied. Damon exhaled heavily.

  “Let’s just wait till he gets here or we’ll have to shoot them all for no reason,”

  Tom walked up the steps to Nina Owen’s door. He was wearing a black suit, black shirt and black tie. He knocked on the door. He barely waited. The door opened.

  “Hi. Sorry I’m late,” Nina said with a smile that struck Tom.

  “Hi,” Tom managed to reply, noticing Nina’s fantastic taste in fashion. Even though she was going to a funeral, her countenance was enough to cause an earthquake in his mind. Her shimmering black dress hugged her figure perfectly and her heals made her slightly taller than she was. Her beige sweater complimented her skin tone and her dark hair sat firmly on her shoulders.

  Tom was awed. “Let’s go. Wouldn’t want to be late,” she said with a smile as she walked to the car. She saw the way he looked at her and she couldn’t help but blush.

  Sylvester hurried to open the car door. He nodded with a smile. Nina smiled back then swiftly sat in the car. Tom followed as Dean sped off.

  “You never cease to amaze me,” Tom said with his mouth still open. He wished he had gotten to spend more time with her before the funeral. She deserved better.

  “You look good too,” Nina said, ignoring Tom’s comment. Tom chuckled.

  “I’m seriously sorry that we have to go to a funeral on our first date,” Tom replied. “Family first,” Nina replied firmly. Tom nodded, extremely lost for words by the decency of her words.

  “I’ll make up for this. I promise,” Tom replied. “It’s okay. I’m here to support you, during this terrible tragedy,” She held his hand. Once again, he felt a sudden surge of energy. He couldn’t explain it.

  “We’re here boss,” Sylvester said, before Tom could reply Nina. Tom nodded to Sylvester as Sylvester got out of the car to open the door for Tom.

  Tom got out of the car, adjusted his suit then helped Nina out. Her legs were perfectly toned. She looked up at him. No one had ever gazed at her the way he did.

  Dean cleared his throat as he walked ahead with Sylvester. Michael and Pierro, Tom’s other guards, walked behind Tom and Nina.

  Nina glanced back then glanced ahead of her. She had never seen so much security in her life. “What’s with all the protection?” Nina whispered into Tom’s ear. “Someday, I’ll explain to you,” Tom said, whispering in her ear.

  He laughed. “He’s here,” John Baker said as he dropped his binoculars on the car seat. The guns clicked. Damon’s men prepared their weapons.

  “Just say the word, boss. We’re ready when you are,” one of Damon’s men said. Damon stared outside the window. His ego wanted Tom to pay for his loss, but his guts said otherwise. The Olivettis were more powerful than he thought and he wasn’t willing to create any more trouble than he already had.

  “Don’t kill anyone! I just want them scared and I need Tom alive!!” Damon ordered.

  The catholic priest nodded his head as he noticed the arrival of the last family member, Tom Olivetti. He cleared his throat. Don Olivetti had insisted on the presence of every family member. Cecilia was the only absent person, due to her partial coma. The priest adjusted his robe and his rosary. He was in the midst of murderers, former drug dealers, torturers, and human traffickers. The Olivettis were everything the Catholic Church stood against. Then again, who was he to judge? The church had committed more sins than any religious faith in the name of Christ.

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the death and burial of our dear father, brother, uncle, cousin and son, Stanley Olivetti. We pray that his soul rest in perfect peace,”

  Everyone echoed, “Amen.” Stanley Olivetti’s wife and daughters wept bitterly as the other wives comforted them.

  Don Olivetti was physically present, but mentally absent. He wept discreetly, on the inside. Part of him felt sorry for his brother, but most of him felt sorry for the person who killed his brother.

  Memories of their childhood brushed through his mind. He could hear the words of the priest, in the background as he fantasized about the multiple ways he’d torture and kill his brother’s killer. His guards were on high alert, at his side, trying not to look different from the crowd.

  “Will the wife and children of the deceased come forward to pour the sand?” the priest asked. Daniel jacked back to reality.

  Ten African American armed with sub machine guns, jumped out of the van, docked and started shooting at the crowd of peop
le wearing black. They tried their best not to kill anyone, intentionally missing their main target. The crowd of people dispersed fast, too fast to control the direction of the bullets. It was almost impossible not to hurt anyone.

  “What the….” The cemetery keeper said, unable to complete his statement. A bullet went flying into his brain. In a matter of seconds, the priest was down too. The guards struggled to protect Don Olivetti and the other family members. Everyone ducked while some ran towards the car.

  Walter’s guards pushed him and his wife to the floor. They brought out their guns, ready to kill. Soon, it became a blood bath. Damon’s men were no longer shooting to miss. The Olivetti guards were trained gunmen. Damon’s men were dropping like flies. Soon, more came. Tom watched as one of the guards suffered with five bullets in his chest. The guards formed a wall around the Olivettis, shooting and falling.

  Tom lay flat on the floor with Nina beside him. She was afraid and almost felt stupid for attending a funeral of mobsters. Her heart could no longer stay in her chest. It was difficult not to panic and hyperventilate. She now understood why Tom was always heavily guarded.

  Strangely, she wasn’t worried about her life. She was more worried about Tom’s. Pierro, Michael, Dean and Sylvester, formed an incomplete wall around Tom and Nina, protecting them from incoming bullets. Dean shot two of Damon’s men. The other guards managed to do damage to Damon’s vehicles.

  Tom gazed at Nina. She had a horrific mixture of terror, excitement and worry—all at the same time.

  “Michael! You need to get Nina out of here!” Tom said. He was worried about the guilt he’d face if she died. Tom stood up and yelled to the other guards.

  “To the car!”

  Michael pulled Nina up as Tom, Dean and Pierro followed behind. The entire family ran towards the cars with guards shooting behind them. All guards surrounded the Olivetti family as best as possible. Michael shoved Nina into the car, shut the door then ran to the driver’s seat. He waited for Tom to get in. Tom glanced inside the car then glanced at Damon’s men. The shooting was moving towards his direction. They wanted him.