Olivetti: Inception

by Tamilore Odimayo

  “I can’t let you go on your own. It’s not safe,” Dean yelled, trying to hold Tom down. With sudden quick reflex, Tom flipped Dean to the ground, effortlessly.

  “You knew!” Tom said, holding Dean to the ground. Sylvester was confused. People gathered on the streets to observe the scenario.

  Dean surrendered, realizing what had just happened. He had protected Tom since he was a kid. He knew Tom was Pablo, but was sworn to secrecy. Betraying Don Olivetti’s trust could have gotten him killed. Tom panted heavily. He glanced at the curious observers then adjusted his Jacket.

  Dean stood up, embarrassed by Tom’s quick reflexes. Tom walked into the car. Sylvester attempted to run after Tom.

  “Leave him be,” Dean said to Sylvester as Tom drove off.

  Tom sped through Central Park west, trying to get home as quickly as possible. He hated the deception. Who else knew about it? Tom could remember how shocked his father was. And Catherine—his true birth mother, how did she feel about it? What is she going through? Tom was angry, but that was the best way to deliver the news, with all parties involved.

  Rage brewed within his chest. Was the brotherhood strong enough for Walter to let go of his brother’s deception? What about Don Cruccifixo, his new or rather, old grandfather? Don Cruccifixo was part of Tom’s kill list. Tom was relieved. If Don Olivetti hadn’t said anything, he might have killed Don Cruccifixo at first glance. Tom drove into his compound then stormed out of his car.

  The only person he wanted to see was his grandmother. She was the only one who could make things clearer. Everyone said Pablo was special. That means he is special. What does that mean? He ran into the large living room and was about to run upstairs when Bernard the Butler stopped him.

  “Sir! You have a guest,” Bernard said, half afraid. Tom gazed at Bernard then glanced at the door to the guest waiting area.

  “Who?” Tom asked, turning towards Bernard. Tom’s tall stature and fierce blue eyes provoked fear.

  “Sir! I think you should see for yourself,” Bernard said. Tom slowly walked into the room. There were three girls and a baby. It was Donna. She was barely recognizable.

  “Oh if it isn’t mister fancy pants,” Donna’s sister said in an annoying New York accent. Her outfit screamed low-life tramp. Bernard left the room. Donna frowned. Her sister got the message to stop talking.

  “Aren’t you going to say hi to your baby?” One of Donna’s sisters said.

  “Leave. I want to speak to Donna alone,” Tom commanded with looking at them. Donna’s sisters hesitated. Donna nodded.

  “If you need anything, we’re outside,” Donna’s sister said to Donna as they walked out of the room.

  “Tom!” Donna said in an innocent tone. She tried to hug him. “Don’t!” Tom said.

  “Why haven’t you replied my calls or texts?” Donna asked. Tom didn’t reply. He walked up to the baby then picked the baby from the car seat. Part of him was proud to have a son and part of him was unsure it was his son. The timing didn’t seem right. He observed the baby. He could see Donna’s eyes, but none of his own features.

  He carried the baby gently then began to walk slowly around the room. The baby softened his mood a little.

  “So what’s going to happen?” Tom asked.

  “I don’t know. Maybe we can raise the baby together as…” Donna paused then gently placed her hands on his shoulders. She couldn’t explain her obsession with Tom. She loved him and knew he didn’t love her, the way she wanted.

  “As what?” Tom asked in a stern voice. “As uhm you know…uh,” she said timidly.

  “No! I don’t think so,” Tom replied Donna before she could complete her statement. “No, what?” Donna asked, hurt. Tom placed the baby in the stroller.

  “No we can’t be together. I mean…” Tom paused. His life had become a bundle of complications. He didn’t want his child raised in different homes. At the same time, he couldn’t stand the idea of marrying someone he didn’t like just because of a baby.

  “I mean, you’re sure he’s my son?” Tom asked. Donna felt insulted. She slapped Tom. “How dare you!” she said. Tom was distraught. She was upset and he couldn’t blame her. The only person he could think of was Nina Owen. He thought about what she will say. She had already been through a lot with him.

  “Well, I understand that you’re upset. Things are complicated right now,” Tom replied.

  “Complicated? You know what’s complicated? Calling you every day without a response from you. I was in the hospital for hours delivering your child, waiting for the right time to come up to you and tell you, hey Tom, by the way, you ignored me for months and here I am with your baby,” Donna vented.

  “Relax!” Tom said firmly.

  “Relax? Oh! I’ve been doing that for months trying to make sure I don’t miscarry the baby. I feel insane. I feel used!” Donna said. The baby began to cry.

  “You woke him up!” Tom said, concerned. Just then, Donna’s sisters walk in. “Everything okay?” they asked.

  “It’s fine. We are talking,” Tom replied.

  “Donna, you’re a beautiful young lady. I am deeply sorry for any pain I have caused. I wish I was there when you were having the baby. I wish I can remember sleeping with you. I know we had sex, but I can’t remember any of it and I can assure you that ignoring you wasn’t intention. There is a lot going on right now,”

  “Like what? Your family’s business?” Donna asked. Tom was upset she knew.

  “Really?” Tom sighed. Soon, Donna’s face switched from boldness to fear.

  “You don’t need to be afraid. Let me make this simple. I will pay you five thousand dollars a week to take care of my child. I will arrange visits with the baby. And also, I need to do a paternity test. If the baby isn’t mine well…” Tom sighed as he shook his head. Donna was scared. It was definitely a threat. Was it Tom’s or not?

  “I really do hope he is my son. It’ll be good to have an heir this early in life. In the meantime, I’ll send you a new car…a minivan or any vehicle you need. I will also hire a maid to help with the baby. If there’s anything you need, call me directly,” Tom said as he kissed Donna on her forehead. She felt empty. She didn’t care about the money. She didn’t care about the baby. All she cared about was Tom.

  Tom left the room in a hurry. Donna’s sisters and Bernard stood outside the room with curious eyes. He ignored them as he walked up the stairs. Tom went into his grandmother’s room. She was still on life support. The nurse left as soon as he walked in.

  “Oh, Tom! I heard!” his grandmother said in a low voice. Tom was confused. He didn’t know what she heard. Did she hear the conversation with Donna or did she hear the shocking news of who he truly was?

  “I spoke to Danny. He told me they told you. I’m sorry you had to find out that way,” his grandmother clarified. Tom sighed with relief then scoffed with disgust as he moved closer to his grandmother’s bedside.

  “Yes they told me – in the most shocking way too! No one knew about it, except Uncle Danny,” Tom replied. She had a blank reaction.

  “So you knew too?” Tom asked.

  “Yes!” Cecilia replied.

  “And why didn’t you tell me?” Tom asked. “What difference would it have made?” his grandmother replied.

  “A lot of difference,” Tom replied.

  “Like?” Cecilia asked. Tom couldn’t think of any reasonable answer.

  “I always knew. You are special, Tom. There are so many things you are capable of—things that’ll blow your mind. You will know in due time,” Cecilia said.

  “Due time? Why not now? Today seems to be a glorious day for strange revelations,” Tom said sarcastically.

  “You don’t think I know that? I’m old for crying out loud and I’m being kept alive by my children because they’re afraid to let me go…” his grandmother replied.

  “I need time to stay away from all this!” Tom responded

  “Exactly, you need to stop getting involved in
family business. I know you’re good at it, but for now, enjoy your youth. Go to another state. Live life. Meet girls. Don’t grow up too fast because you have a long life ahead of you. I know you want to go to Miami. Go! Have a real life. Take your girlfriend Nina with you if you like…” Cecilia said abruptly.

  “Yes I know! She’s here! She is very beautiful and I know she has good intentions!” Cecilia replied.

  “You met her?” Tom asked, surprised.

  “Yes, Tom. This house may be huge, but I can still get around easily. Bottom line is…you’re young. You can’t keep planning vendettas. You are more than that. You remind me of your grandfather, Frederick, very ambitious, very cold and very loving at the same time. He just wanted his family to be happy, but his circumstances wouldn’t let him...” she paused.

  “I know he’s in a good place. When it’s time for you to step in, you will know,” Cecilia said, coughing between sentences.

  “Okay! I’ll step away and start afresh!” Tom said as he gazed outside the window.

  “This family war will never end,” Tom added.

  “Oh it will! For peace to reign there has to be war. That’s the way life works. And your mother—I mean your real mother, please see her. She has been through a lot. She didn’t know anything about what happened. She was forbidden from seeing your father. And as for your uncle, you have to find it in your heart to forgive him. I know he has good intentions—intentions that you may not understand yet. One day, you will understand…” Cecilia said then paused. She talked like she knew she was never going to speak to him again.

  “Are you okay, Grandma?” Tom asked.

  “Never been better,” she replied, still coughing intermittently. She was a tough woman. “I’ve lived a long happy life; some sadness here and there, but all for a good cause. People may say I was stupid for staying in a marriage with a mob boss, but I couldn’t imagine my life any other way,”

  “Why are you telling me this?” Tom asked.

  “Well you’re a grown man now, boy…” she jokingly said.

  “Your grandfather is the best thing that ever happened to me,” she added, coughing again. Come couldn’t bear to see her in pain.

  “I know. I think you should rest so you stop coughing,” Tom replied.

  “Mhmm I’ll have enough rest as soon as I know my family will be okay. When I’m gone, live your life and cherish every moment of it because it might only take one bullet to end it,” Cecilia said. He knew what her statement implied. His identity had changed. He was part Olivetti and part Cruccifixo. Two great mob families combined into one.

  “Thank you, Grandma,” Tom said as he walked towards the door.

  “Don’t thank me until you apologize to Nina. You can’t afford to lose her,” Cecilia said.

  “Apologize for what?” Tom asked.

  “You know what I’m talking about. And treat that child nicely even if he isn’t yours,” she added as she turned her face away. He kissed her forehead then walked away, confused by her statements, but clear about her intentions. He walked to the guest room. He knocked on the door. He didn’t hear a response. He decided to walk in.

  Nina was seated on the bed, clearly upset. Tom sighed as he sat next to her.

  “I know you know about Donna and the baby,” Tom said. Nina didn’t reply. Nina came into his life at the worst time. He was dealing with too much drama and he couldn’t hide it.

  She was not sure about anything. She could walk away, hit him, yell, cry or just stay. She felt she wasn’t allowed to get angry. After all, she and Tom weren’t officially together at that time.

  “I’m so sorry about all this. If you want to walk away, that’s fine. I’ll understand. I’ll make sure you’re in a safe place till the war is over. It won’t compromise my feelings for you,” Tom added.

  She gazed into his eyes then shifted her gaze to the wall. They sat in silence. His emotions never brought him to tears. At that moment, he was on the verge of crying.

  “Look, I know you’re going through shit and I completely understand. I also know that we don’t know each other well enough to even call each other friends but, there’s something about you. I feel like I can’t get mad at you,” Nina said. Tom looked at her, surprised by her reaction.

  “But, I don’t want to be involved in all this. I thought about it a lot and I realize we’re better off as friends. We don’t need any form of relationship to complicate things…” Nina added.

  Tom’s heart sank. Her suggestion was best. However, the idea of losing Nina disturbed him. He couldn’t imagine a relationship with Nina as just friends. He didn’t want her with someone else. At the same time, he knew that it was for the best. At least, she wanted to be his friend.

  Nina noticed Tom’s reactions to her words. He was sad and so was she. No man bears the burden of protecting his family at the age of eighteen. Yet, he seemed to be handling it maturely.

  “No please not now….” Tom sighed.

  “Not today. Today has been horrible for me,” Tom added with his head buried in his palms.

  “It’s not all about you, Tom,” Nina replied softly.

  “It seems to be all about me today; great expectations, a lifetime of deception—I just found out I belong to the family I wanted to destroy, my real mother isn’t my real mother, I might be a father of a boy and…and…now I’m losing you,” Tom replied. Nina’s countenance changed. She felt sorry for him. She had lots of question, but it wasn’t the time to bring it up. She hugged him tightly. It was comforting to know she was some sort of comfort to him. She was more willing to be there for him.

  Life would have been easier if she hadn’t bumped into Tom at school. She wouldn’t have been kidnapped or nearly killed. She wouldn’t have to worry about her family. She would have probably been a waiter at a random restaurant, met some random guy at a club or in college, gotten married, gotten a career that pays well and settled down with her average American family. All that seemed distant—very distant and very unrealistic. She tried not to think about a life without Tom.

  “Your family is full of secrets! It sucks!” Nina replied.

  “At least come to Miami with me. I have tickets. You can stay in the dorms. Just like a normal student,” Tom replied, trying to convince Nina.

  “I don’t want to have to look over my shoulder all the time,” Nina replied.

  “I promise. My family will handle this mob war from now on. I’ll stay away from it all. I’ll finish college and get a regular job. I’m done living this life. Please, at least come with me. I don’t mind being friends with you as long as you’re there and I know you’re safe,” Tom replied.

  She let his words sink in. He seemed to truly care, but she didn’t want to complicate her life. She sighed.

  “Okay! Just as friends! If that works! A girl can’t turn down a chance to school in Miami. But, I’m not accepting money from you. I must be given a chance to live my life independent from you or your family. Once the so called mob war is over and it’s safe for me to come back to my family, I’ll be back,” Nina responded. A wide grin emerged on his face.

  “It’s a deal!”

  41

  It was Sunday March 22nd. Two private Doctors and a bunch of nurses rushed into Walter Olivetti’s house. They had medical equipment with them. Walter and Tom stood outside the room, anxiously waiting for the Doctors response. Time seemed slower and the atmosphere was tense with uncertainty.

  Walter couldn’t imagine a life without his mother and Tom didn’t know how to deal with his new issues without his grandmother. She seemed to know everything that was going on. She seemed to have an answer to every question he had. She saved him from the Decatur mob by framing them for the death of Ricky Raymond. Damon was mysteriously dead and thanks to her, he could deal with his new found identity better.

  A couple of minutes later, more members of the Olivetti family flocked into Walter’s home. Everyone was quiet. They sat in the living room, waiting for the Doctor’s response.
The hospital would have been a better option, but her safety was a priority. The Cartels could destroy an entire hospital in the name of vengeance.

  Tom ran to his bedroom. The brothers prepared themselves for bad news. Their hope was declining. Bernard walked into the living room.

  “Anyone care for a drink?” Bernard asked. No one replied. Bernard left.

  A couple of hours later, an ambulance rushed into the Olivetti mansion. The Doctors and nurses rolled Cecilia Olivetti and her medical equipment out of her room. The Olivetti brothers were alarmed.

  “What’s going on?” Walter asked, running with them, towards the ambulance.

  “She has lost stability. She’s been put on a heart pacer while we transfer her to a regional hospital for surgery,” the Doctor replied. Walter’s bodyguards got his car ready. The brothers briskly walked into their cars. They all tailgated the ambulance to the hospital.

  Don Cruccifixo walked into his living room with two of his most trusted guards. He had just confirmed his daughter’s safety and was sad he might not have a chance to meet his grandson. His luck was about to run out. Don Sanchez was coming for his head soon.

  He was somewhat satisfied. His loved ones were alive and he had a male heir—he will be more powerful than any mob boss. Sadness set in. His heir will never live a life of peace and it bothered him a great deal.

  He sat down on his chair. He remembered all the mistakes he made; breaking his alliance with the Olivetti family wasn’t the best choice. Back then, the Sanchez family felt like the best possible choice, in terms of power and safety. He picked up his cell phone, dialed a number and waited for it to ring.

  “Hello,” the voice on the phone said. Don Cruccifixo smiled.

  “Tom!” Don Cruccifixo replied.

  “Who’s this?” Tom replied.

  “Your grandfather,” Don Cruccifixo replied. There was a long silence. “Don Cruccifixo,” Tom replied.

  “No need for formalities son. I have dreamt of this day my entire life,” Don Cruccifixo started in a husky voice. “I’ve been blessed enough to have you under my blood line,” He continued then sighed.