Olivetti: Inception

by Tamilore Odimayo

  “Hmm that’s a smart way to lauder money,” Agent Weaver replied.

  “Yes! Indeed it was. The FBI didn’t have anything against him. They decided to close the case because the mob war had ended. The families were at peace. Plus the United States and state of New York wanted the profits they made because it helped the economy. The mob families didn’t mind getting a share of the legal pie. All thanks to the Olivetti Corporation. It was the perfect money laundry business that no one could prove. Then he was killed,” The Director replied.

  “By who?” Agent Weaver asked.

  “We have reason to believe it was the Sanchez family. But…”

  “But what?” Parker asked.

  “His body wasn’t found,”

  “What do you mean there was no body? Did they burn it?” Agent Weaver asked.

  “He died on 9/11, the day the twin towers crashed. He was in one of the towers. A survivor saw someone shoot him before the buildings went down,” the Director said.

  “What? It doesn’t explain why his body was never found,” Agent Parker said.

  “Well as you may know, there were many missing bodies on that sad day,” Kimberly interrupted.

  “Who was the witness?” Agent Weaver asked.

  “Danny Olivetti, first born son of Frederick Olivetti. He saw his own father being shot by one of the Sanchez family associates. He was clearly distraught. He went on a killing spree, afterwards,” The Director said.

  “And you believed him?” Agent Parker asked.

  “We don’t have any reason not to believe him. Facts check out. Log sheets and ID scans of people present in the building showed that he was actually there before the building came crashing down. He went through what seemed like a psychological breakdown before taking over his father’s empire,”

  “They are powerful. They could have planted all that information. Plus, there are several psychological explanations for Danny Olivetti’s distraught expression. Two of the most important buildings in the world came down, like a pile of cards, in front of him. If he wasn’t distraught, I’d be worried,” Agent Parker said.

  “Let’s stay out of that issue. Frederick Olivetti would be dead by now. The man had a history of hypertension and diabetes. If he was alive, he wouldn’t be a threat to anyone. Let’s focus on the current mob boss, Danny Olivetti, and his formidable brothers. The billions of dollars Frederick Olivetti left his family didn’t affect their illegal lifestyle. Those Cigars found with Damon were not Cigars. It was heroin and cocaine disguised as cigars,” The Director said.

  “It doesn’t make any sense. You’re trying to say the Olivetti’s own those drugs? And that’s why Damon is dead? Why are billionaires involved in petty drug trafficking?” Agent Parker asked.

  “That’s what we have to find out! Billy De Sanchez and six of his men were found dead! Damon died after mentioning “Olivetti” in an interrogation room and more people will be dead if the Olivetti vendetta continues,” Mark Shaw replied.

  38

  “You did well, Tom. I know your father doesn’t approve, but you’re a natural and I think everyone should respect that,” Dean said to Tom, but there was no response. His eyes were fixated on the computer screen, distracted. Dean had something on his mind, but was reluctant to bother Tom. He turned then made his way to the door. He looked back at Tom, unable to walk out of the room.

  “There’s something that’s been bothering me, boss. Why did Roberto Puccini let her go?” Dean asked. He finally got Tom’s attention. Tom looked back at Dean then sighed, “I don’t know, but I am happy it’s all over,” Tom said.

  “Not quite. It’s not over until they’re all dead. You know that,” Dean replied.

  “Well, I have been thinking about that too. I need to walk away from the family. The Decatur mob will be after me, soon. They aren’t going to forget their six million dollars. The farther I stay away from the family, the better. I need to fix this so no one else gets hurt,” Tom said as he shifted his gaze back to his computer.

  “What can I do to help?” Dean asked.

  “I’ll let you know,” Tom said briefly. Dean nodded then walked out of the room. Shortly after, Nina walked into the room with a towel on her head, wearing Jean shorts and a loose t-shirt. Tom turned towards her.

  “This was the only thing that fits,” Nina said. She glanced at each item in the room. It had a gaming corner—a typical teenage boy’s dream. It had a neatly laid king sized bed—a sign that Tom either didn’t sleep much or his maid was doing a good job. His walk-in closet was loaded with every possible clothing item.

  The computer corner was fully loaded with two large computer monitors, speakers and an advanced looking CPU. The best part of his bedroom was his mini living room. It seemed superficial and impersonal. The only pictures in the room were that of his father and grandfather.

  With a room like that, it was easy to detach from the family. Nina walked to the nearest mirror. She removed the towel on her head. Her hair fell gallantly on her shoulders. She could feel her hands tremble. Her body was still reacting to the fear she had experienced. Now, she was standing in front of a mirror, in a house owned by a notorious mob family.

  She remembered the conversation she had with her mother, earlier. She wondered if her mother knew she was lying. She imagined the numerous amounts of lies she will have to tell people, in the future, to protect the secrets of the Olivetti family.

  She couldn’t imagine a life without Tom. Tom walked up to her then cleared his throat to gain her attention.

  “Why do you look at me like that?” She asked. “Like what?” he replied. “Like you would jump in front of a bus to protect me?” She responded immediately.

  He sighed. “I will. You’re a remarkable person. I just wish I didn’t put you through all that,” Tom replied.

  “It’s not your fault, Tom,” Nina said abruptly. “I know you had to lie to your family. It must have been difficult,” Tom replied. She nodded.

  “I’m scared, Tom. I’m having these strange feelings for you…I—I can’t explain it. You are a really great guy, but you have a fucked up family,” Nina added bluntly. It caught him off guard a little. Nina laughed to cover up her anxiety. He held her trembling hands.

  “I know you’re scared. I’d be scared if I were in your shoes,” Tom replied.

  “That’s the problem. You should be scared too, but you have no ounce of fear. You have no emotional reaction. It’s like you’re used to it. Or maybe it will take more than flying bullets to scare you,” Nina said. She was saying the honest truth. He had gotten too used to chaos.

  “I can’t go back home, Tom. I don’t want to endanger my family’s life,” Nina said. Guilt filled Tom’s face.

  “Like I said, I’m sorry. I have a plan,” Tom said.

  “Does it involve guns?” She said, looking into Tom’s eyes. Tom admired the sincerity of her question.

  “No guns. I just applied to the University of Miami. If…” Tom said, scared to ask his question.

  “If what Tom?” Nina asked, looking into Tom’s eyes. Tom sighed.

  “My father has practically exiled me. I want to leave all this behind me and start afresh, but I have to make sure you’re safe. Do you want to… come to Miami with me?” Tom asked unsure of her response. Nina exhaled deeply and turned away. It was the perfect opportunity to protect her family.

  “I thought about it. You can stay with your family, but I don’t want to leave you behind with unsafe hands. Miami is an easy place to get lost. There are tons of private locations. I’ve registered you for courses at the University of Miami,” Tom added. Nina was surprised.

  “Me!? I can’t afford that. I don’t even know if I’ll be accepted,” Nina replied.

  “You have been accepted already. My family donates large amounts of money to the university. You wouldn’t need to lie to your parents. Just tell them you’re going to school in Florida. Simple,” Tom said, trying to sell the idea to Nina.

  Nina exhaled
. It was a lot to take in. She had been a New York girl all her life and always thought she’d someday raise a family and die in New York.

  “And you’re absolutely sure no one will come after us in Miami?” Nina asked.

  “I don’t know. There’s going to be a war in New York, between all mob families. I’m sure their focus will be in New York. We will still have protection. We can change our looks if you feel more comfortable with that,” Tom said.

  “I don’t know. I need to think about it,” Nina said.

  “Take all the time you need. Uh, I don’t mean that literarily,” Tom joked.

  “I know. I have to think about what color to change my hair to. It’s a hard choice,” Nina joked to lighten the mood. She then sat on the couch.

  “You know what I realized?” Tom asked.

  “What?”

  “I haven’t asked you out,” Tom replied. Nina laughed, crossed her legs then turned on the TV.

  “I’m hungry!” she replied.

  “That’s a yes then?” Tom asked.

  “I don’t know, it just means you should buy me dinner,” Nina replied with a smile.

  39

  “Are you sure you want to meet little Pablo?” Don Olivetti asked Walter. He didn’t feel comfortable divulging his big secret.

  “Do I want to meet my son? Of course I want to meet my son! Catherine deserves to know too,” Walter said defensively. Both were on their way to Trump Tower’s where Catherine was.

  “If you want to know, every party involved must be present,” Danny Olivetti said.

  “I don’t care who’s involved. We have to know, today!” Walter replied.

  “Sure!” Danny said. Don Olivetti’s phone buzzed continuously with calls and texts. Finally, they arrived at Trump Towers. He couldn’t wait to meet his long lost son. He could imagine the look of satisfaction and ease on Catherine’s face.

  He worried about his wife’s reaction. He knew she would eventually learn to deal with it, but what about his kids? How will Tom react when he finds out he has a brother? How will his daughter’s react?

  Catherine’s new guards opened the door for them. The walked in. Walter was shocked to see Tom.

  “What are you doing here?” Walter asked in anger. He was running out of patience with Tom’s incessant need to get involved with family business.

  “Uncle Danny asked me to meet him here and here I am!” Tom replied negligently. He was seated on the white sofa. The large windows brightened the room’s white floors and Tom could see every expression on his father’s face.

  Walter looked at Danny, but Danny refused to return his gaze.

  “How are you doing today, Catherine?” Don Olivetti said as he kissed Catherine on both sides of the cheek.

  “I’m good…” Catherine said half maliciously.

  “I hope you feel comfortable here! I’m sorry Walter couldn’t do better,” Don Olivetti joked to ease the tension in the room.

  “Want anything to drink, Tom?” Catherine asked. Tom shook his head. “Walter?” Catherine asked. Walter shook his head.

  “Hmm seems no one wants anything to drink,” Catherine said fully anxious. “I want a drink!” Don Olivetti said as he shifted his gaze to the mini bar. Catherine was about to grab a drink, but Don Olivetti interrupted her.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll help myself,” Don Olivetti said. Just then, Beatrice Olivetti walked into the Penthouse. She was half afraid. It all felt strange. Tom was in a corner, Don Olivetti was pouring himself a drink and Catherine and Walter were standing close to each other, awkwardly. It was the first time she had set her eyes on the woman who had her husband’s heart.

  “What’s going on, Walt?” Beatrice asked, entirely confused by the whole picture. Tom’s presence made the scenario more complicated. Walter couldn’t respond. He too was confused.

  “This is the family penthouse and it seems Catherine here is staying in it. What does that mean, Walt?” Beatrice asked, already imagining the worst.

  Don Olivetti nodded. The guards left the room. “What are you doing?” Walter asked Don Olivetti. He hoped it wasn’t a sick twisted game.

  “Relax, Beatrice!” Don Olivetti started. “I told you everyone involved must be present,”

  “Where’s Pablo?” Walter asked impatiently. “I’ll let you know where he is soon,” Don Olivetti replied as he took his time to drink his wine.

  Tom was alert. He couldn’t wait to meet Pablo, his brother. He was grateful for the opportunity to be involved in deep rooted family issues. Don Olivetti’s trust was uncanny and it felt good to be treated like an adult.

  “Beatrice!” Daniel Olivetti began. “Eighteen years ago, Walter and Catherine had a son. His name was Pablo,” Don Olivetti added. Beatrice’s face became tense.

  Walter tried to control his anger. Catherine fought to hold back her tears. She wasn’t interested in breaking the family. She just wanted was her son back.

  “Relax, Walt. After your first child died prematurely…”

  “Stop!” Walter said. Tears emerged on Beatrice’s face. “This isn’t the way to tell Tom…” Beatrice yelled.

  “Tell Tom what?” Tom asked, confused. Walter glared at Don Olivetti.

  “They adopted you, son!” Don Olivetti replied. Tom’s heart sank. He had no expression on his face. He looked too much like his father and other members of his family. He never questioned his roots. Beatrice cried louder. Walter charged towards his brother, slammed him on the nearest wall and lifted him up to eye level.

  “You may be the family patriarch, but if you try to ruin my family, I will throw you off this building without a second thought, brother,” Walter said angrily. Don Olivetti didn’t flinch.

  “Let me go,” Danny Olivetti replied sternly. Catherine was dumbfounded by the family feud. She didn’t understand why it concerned her son, Pablo.

  “Let him go, Walt,” Beatrice said, still crying. “Tom, you were adopted. I’m sorry. This wasn’t how we planned to tell you,” Beatrice added as she tried to embrace Tom. He was lost. His entire life was a lie. He wasn’t an Olivetti. He was a no body with great ambition. Walter finally let Daniel go. Daniel adjusted his suit.

  “Okay let me go on. A year later, I had kidnapped little Pablo based on given instructions from someone high up. Remember when I told you Tom was the son of a cousin who died in Sicily?” Daniel asked.

  Immediately, everyone had an idea where the conversation was leading to. Catherine looked into Tom’s eyes. She instantly knew. Chills ran through their spine as all attention shifted towards Tom.

  He was Pablo. She felt like slapping herself for not knowing all along. Walter was dumbfounded. His mouth was open. Beatrice froze in shock, stylishly removing her grip from Tom. Tom had put the pieces together, faster than the others. He felt deceived. It all made sense. The home of the Olivetti’s was the best place to hide Pablo.

  “Tom is little Pablo!” Don Olivetti said theatrically.

  Catherine gazed at Walter, unable to believe her ears or her eyes. Walter wasn’t paying attention to her, he was looking at Pablo or Tom or whatever his name was now. Catherine was light headed. Every motherly bone in her wanted to hug Tom, but she couldn’t move. It was the craziest feeling ever. Was it relief? Was it anger? Was it happiness? Was it more pain? Walter beat himself for not knowing, all along. Catherine cried. She could see her facial features in Tom’s.

  Beatrice felt betrayed by everyone. The large condo suddenly felt smaller. She always treated Tom like her real son, despite his adoption even after having her own daughters. She realized she had been raising her husband’s lover’s son as hers. She always wondered why Tom and Walter looked slightly alike. Why didn’t she question it before? Walter had no words to say. Beatrice cried more.

  “Son!” Walter finally said.

  “Pablo!” Catherine added as she moved to hug Tom. She held him like a fragile and delicate glass. Beatrice staggered to a nearby couch. Danny observed everyone. Tom didn’t return the hug. He was
lost in thought. There had to be more to the story. That couldn’t be all. Who told his uncle to hide him in plain sight and why? Tom shrugged himself from her grip then walked out of the room in a state of anger. Catherine ran after him. Walter grabbed her. Her eyes had the look of a desperate mother.

  “Let him go, he needs time to heal. It’s too much for one day,”

  40

  A stone was stuck inhis throat or so it felt. He couldn’t believe he was Little Pablo. His uncle was a very good liar. He was the main cause of the Cartel-Mafia war and knowing that was devastating. Still, it was better than being the son of Billy de Sanchez. The poor man died fighting for a son that wasn’t even his. Tom struggled to remain calm. He raced down the stairs, ignoring all elevators. It took a long time to get to the ground floor, but time went by fast.

  He ran through the lobby then made his way outside, ignoring the curious eyes watching him. Dean and Sylvester were standing right next to his family’s black Bentley. They noticed Tom’s distraught look. It looked like he had just seen a ghost. It was unlike Tom to be bothered about anything.

  “Boss! Everything Okay?” Sylvester asked, walking towards Tom. He dropped his cigarettes on the ground and crushed it with his feet.

  “Keys!” Tom said, gesturing to Sylvester.

  “What’s going on?” Dean asked.

  “Give me the fucking keys!” Tom yelled out. Sylvester tossed the keys to Tom without hesitating.