Killer Romances
Page 18
He came with a groan, his heart pounding, his breathing ragged, momentarily spent as he leaned against the creamy white marble wall of the shower. Dio, he’d fantasized about her before, but it had never been that good. Now that he knew what she felt like, what she tasted like.... He took a deep breath. He couldn’t spend all day in the shower. And he couldn’t make love to Kate right now. Maybe not for quite a while, maybe not ever again. His chest ached.
He turned off the shower and stepped out, scrubbing roughly at his skin with a towel. He was finger-combing his hair when the mobile phone on the bathroom counter vibrated. He picked it up and was greeted by a frantic voice on the other end.
Carlo had finally made his move.
As he hurriedly pulled on clothes, the mobile phone continued to buzz like an agitated bee. First Dom, then Antonio, then Ruggero, then several other reports came in, all bad. Carlo’s men had struck three times that evening, in different parts of Milan, roughing up business owners under Enrico’s protection, including the elderly and influential Giacomo Parini and his wife Marietta. Targeting the Parinis meant Carlo was serious; if they bolted from the Lucchesi family’s protection, many others would follow their lead.
Dom called again, his voice urgent when Enrico picked up. “They shot Ottavio Bottura.”
“Will he live?”
“The doctors aren’t sure.”
“Damn it!” Enrico’s mind was churning. “Where did it happen?”
“Near the others. He was checking on the Morettis. Carlo’s men were waiting.”
“Have you alerted everyone?”
“I’ve got men on it.” There was a pause, then Dom said, “You must accept Delfina.”
He was puzzled. “I thought you’d already arranged it.”
“I have spoken to Dario and Carlo.”
“But?”
“Carlo doesn’t trust you. He says you must give up the American.”
“I can’t.” He should have guessed. Carlo wanted her too.
“He says he will not have his granddaughter insulted by a public mistress.”
The anger he’d been holding at bay exploded. “Fuck him. Everyone knows he has a mistress. He takes her everywhere!”
“I’m not arguing with you. It’s not fair, but it’s what he wants.” There was a long silence, then Dom said, “So, you’re not changing your mind.”
“Either I have Kate, or no Delfina.”
“Carlo will not accept that.”
“As I said—”
“Yes, yes. Fuck him. That might feel good to say, but it won’t solve our problem. Carlo is trying to cut us off at the knees with this business today.”
“I’m aware of that.” Why couldn’t he just do the right thing? Why couldn’t he just walk away from Kate? Why was he selfishly holding on to her, keeping her in danger?
“Since you seem to be out of ideas,” Dom said, “may I recommend hard measures later tonight in each district Carlo controls around Milan?”
Enrico ignored the jab. “No. We go with a two-pronged approach starting now. Send a few men out to trash Andretti’s business clients—frighten the owners, but don’t harm them. I want them grateful it wasn’t worse. I want everyone else we’ve got hitting Andretti’s bases throughout the city. Burn them out if you have to. I want him to hurt.”
“We’ll make him suffer.”
“The families who’ve been affected—you’ve issued compensation and protection?”
“Yes. Enzo’s at the hospital with the Parinis, and I’m en route to Ottavio and his wife.”
“I’ll be there shortly.” Enrico flipped the phone shut and went in search of Kate. He found her working in the solarium. “I have to go to Milan.”
She closed her laptop. “What’s wrong?”
“Carlo attacked several of my businesses.”
“Is anyone hurt?”
“Yes. I am going to check on things. Pino and Ruggero will go with me; Antonio, Santino, and Claudio will stay with you.” He paused. “Please stay near the house.”
“Do you think they’ll come here?”
He hated the anxiety in her voice. “I do not think so.”
“He did send Vince though.” Kate took a deep breath. “This is really happening, isn’t it?”
He nodded. Seeing the terror on her face, he made a decision. “If you wish to leave, have your bags packed and ready to go when I return.”
“I don’t have a passport.”
“Do not worry about that.”
“Do you want me to go?”
“Of course not. But if you are afraid—”
“I’m staying.”
He couldn’t have been more shocked. Or more pleased. He grinned at her, his chest going warm with pleasure. “I do not know how long this will take.”
“I’ll be here.”
He turned to go. “Wait.” Hearing the desperation in her voice, he spun back to her and found her suddenly in his arms. Her hands on the back of his head urged him to her for a tender kiss. The warmth in his chest expanded, grew, as her lips met his, as she sighed into his mouth. He pulled her close, crushing her to him for an instant. Then he let her go. He had to, or he’d never leave. “Come back to me,” she whispered. It was the first passionate kiss they’d shared since Vincenzo had attacked them. Joy flooded through him. If he survived this, there was hope for them.
He stroked a few stray hairs off her cheek, then kissed her once more, letting his hunger loose for an instant. “I will return soon.” Then he turned and left, jogging to the cars out front. He passed Antonio heading up to the house and stopped him. “Stay with her at all times.” He pinned Antonio with a hard stare.
“Sì, capo. I will guard her with my life.”
He clapped Antonio on the back, then hurried to the Mercedes, where Pino and Ruggero were waiting with the engine running. Both were heavily armed. As soon as Enrico slipped inside, they headed for Milan. Another car with three men followed them.
Ruggero was sitting in front with Pino. He pulled a 9mm Glock out of his jacket pocket and handed it to Enrico. The gun felt heavy and cool in Enrico’s hands. He popped the clip and checked that it was full, then slapped it back in. Every gunman made sure of his weapon. It was one of the first rules his father had taught him.
He put the gun in his pocket and settled back against the seat. His heart raced. So it was finally upon them. He was almost glad to have the waiting over. He just wished it weren’t happening now, not with Kate here. Not now, not while he wasn’t sure of her. But that kiss…. He smiled to himself.
Ruggero must have been watching him in the rearview mirror. He half-turned to Enrico. “Feels good to be in the action again, yes?”
Enrico nodded. It did. Though the action he was thinking of didn’t involve bullets. He shook off the memory of Kate’s body pressed against his. He needed his wits about him.
En route, he pulled out his mobile phone and dialed his godfather. Vittorio answered on the first ring with “Ciao, Enrico, my son,” as if he were expecting the call.
“Ciao, mio padrino. You know why I’m calling?”
“I’ve heard Carlo has stuck a thorn in you.”
“I’m dealing with it as we speak.”
“I wish you well. I have a meeting with Benedetto in the morning about this outrage.”
“Mille grazie, Don Battista.”
“Thanks are not required. You do us all a great service, my boy. Carlo is a rabid dog who would tear everything apart if left unchecked. It is difficult to be his keeper. Even Benedetto does not like to tangle with his brother.”
“Thank you for your kind words.”
Vittorio laughed again, ending with another rasping cough. “You are so much like your father. So modest. But without the temper.”
Enrico smiled. “I have the temper. I’m just not as free with it.”
“Perhaps you would do well to unleash it from time to time. Carlo needs a reminder of who you are.”
“Wise advice, Do
n Battista.”
There was a pause, then Vittorio said, “I wish you to come see me when this has calmed down. There is a matter we must discuss.”
Enrico felt a little jolt. The old don was the liaison between La Provincia, the quasi-ruling body of the ’Ndrangheta, and the individual families. “Am I in trouble?” he asked, then regretted letting his anxiety show.
“Call it an old man’s intuition.”
Enrico wondered what was on Don Battista’s mind, but since they were approaching the outskirts of Milan, he wanted to be on full alert. “I’ll come see you. I’d already been thinking of it.”
“I look forward to it. And bring this American of yours. I wish to meet her.”
“Will do. Ciao.” He waited for the old don’s reply, then snapped the phone shut. Why did he want to see Kate? How had he even heard about her? He thought for a moment. Dom, of course. So Dom had already been complaining to their padrino. An inquiry from La Provincia was the last thing Enrico needed.
They rolled up to the hospital. Pino put the car in park and left the engine running. He waited for the guards from the other car to surround them, then he got out and opened the door for Enrico. Ruggero joined them, and the four men flanked Enrico as they entered the hospital.
They were soon outside the ICU. Enrico checked on Ottavio Bottura and his wife. The man’s condition was grave, but there was hope he’d recover. He prayed with Ottavio’s wife, handed her a thick envelope of euros, then left. It was all he could do for them at the moment.
He headed down the hall to see the Parinis. Giacomo had been badly beaten; his wife Marietta, while bruised, was well enough to be sitting by her husband’s bedside when Enrico walked in. Patches of gauze and tape covered most of Giacomo’s exposed skin. His left eye was swollen shut and a dark purple bruise spread over most of the left side of his face. “Madonna,” Enrico murmured under his breath. “Come stai?” he asked when he reached Giacomo’s bedside.
Giacomo rolled his head to look at Enrico out of his good eye. “Don Enrico,” he said, his voice raspy. “I’ve been worse.” Before his father had gone into seclusion, Giacomo and Rinaldo had been close friends. Giacomo refused to call Enrico Don Lucchesi as long as Rinaldo was still alive. Enrico didn’t mind. Even after all these years, the title didn’t quite fit. Don Lucchesi was his father. Not him.
Enrico took Giacomo’s hand. The old man’s skin felt like crepe paper, the thick veins beneath it creating hills and valleys on the back of his hand. He glanced at Marietta, shame burning his cheeks. Two more people he’d failed to protect. “I apologize deeply for what has happened.”
“When I chose sides, I knew this could happen one day. But it would have been easier to bear a decade or two ago.” Giacomo smiled, wincing when his split lower lip tore open.
“I am grateful for your support, and sorry it has cost you so much.” Seeing Giacomo like this, feeling how frail he was, made his chest ache.
“I cannot in good conscience support Andretti. He’s a snake.”
“I will put two men in your shop at all times. Send me the bill for any extra help you have to hire while you’re recovering.” He pulled another envelope thick with euros from his jacket pocket and handed it to Marietta. “Let me know if this doesn’t cover your expenses.”
“Grazie, Don Lucchesi,” she said.
Giacomo squeezed his hand. “We will remain loyal to you. You need not fear. However, you must seek peace with Andretti, you must settle this matter soon. Otherwise, there will be defections. I cannot long argue in your favor with the other merchants if they keep suffering.”
“Carlo made an example of you to scare them.”
“It’s working. My mobile phone has been ringing all night. Most are terrified right now.”
“I have men on the streets as we speak. Carlo will suffer for this.”
“Make sure he does.” Giacomo coughed, then let out a gasp of pain, squeezing Enrico’s hand harder than he would have thought possible. “My ribs.”
“Signore, please don’t worry yourself. I have it under control.”
“Do you?” Marietta whispered. When he turned his eyes toward her, she clapped a hand over her mouth and averted her gaze.
“Carlo will not trouble you further.” His tone was firm, but he kept his voice soft.
She finally met his eyes. “We are counting on you, Don Lucchesi.”
“As I am counting on you. I’ll do my utmost to resolve this matter immediately.” He gave the old man’s hand another squeeze. Then he made the sign of the cross and said a quick prayer for Giacomo before he left.
But it was up to him, not God, to make things right. It was his selfishness, his stubbornness, that had gotten them to this point. But he wouldn’t roll over for Carlo; that would be the worst move he could make. He had to play this carefully, or soon he wouldn’t be playing at all.
He met Dom in the hallway. Their guards had split into three groups of two and were posted at the entrances to the ICU.
“Dom,” Enrico said, inclining his head stiffly. He was still angry over what he’d heard from Don Battista. How dare Dom go to La Provincia?
Dom eyed him warily. “How are the Parinis?”
“Marietta is fine. Giacomo is badly hurt, but he will survive.”
“We need to talk. Some place more private.”
They walked outside, heavily flanked by guards, when a group of men on foot rushed at them from the shadows, shots blasting from their guns. Adrenaline flooded Enrico’s body; he struggled to keep his breathing even and his mind clear as he and the guards raced toward the cars. Ruggero’s gun was up and firing before Enrico had his in hand. He was about to pull the trigger when pain seared through his upper left arm. He grabbed at it with his right hand. His fingers and the gun stock came back bloody. He’d been hit.
His step slowed. Keep going. Crouching lower, he ran for the car, trying to make himself a smaller target. Ruggero glanced back at him a couple times, doing his best to keep his body in front of Enrico’s. Another of the guards kept pace with them. Dom headed to his own car. He appeared to be unhurt, but it was hard to tell in the darkness.
They reached the Mercedes and found Pino slumped behind the wheel. Enrico dived into the back seat. “Fuck!” Ruggero exclaimed, wrenching the driver’s door open and shoving Pino’s body over to the passenger side. He motioned with his gun to the other guard, indicating that he should drive. Ruggero jumped in the back next to Enrico and they roared off, the cars with the other guards and Dom’s men right behind them.
Ruggero looked at Enrico, seeing the blood on his jacket. “How bad?”
“I’ll live.” Enrico pulled his mobile phone out and called Dom. “Pino’s gone. Did you lose anyone?”
“My driver, and one of my men is injured. I’m taking him to the field clinic.”
“I’ll meet you there.”
“Perhaps you should return home.”
“No.” His talk with Dom couldn’t wait.
He leaned forward and spoke to the guard behind the wheel. They changed direction and headed for one of their safe command posts in the city. Enrico settled back on the seat, closing his eyes, the wound on his arm throbbing. Dom was hiding something. They’d fought before, certainly. But never had Enrico doubted Dom’s loyalty, his love. But now… Dom had gone over his head to La Provincia, which meant Dom was willing to risk Enrico’s life. La Provincia wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate a capo who wasn’t acting in the best interests of his cosca or the ’Ndrangheta. And Dom would be ready to take Enrico’s place if they did.
They pulled up to a building owned by the Lucchesi cosca. There were several soundproof, heavily armored apartments on the bottom floor with separate entrances that could be used for meetings or eluding the police. One of the apartments had been set up as a rudimentary clinic. The injured man was taken there so the doctor could attend to him.
Dom and Enrico entered the apartment next door and sat down at the simple wooden table in the kitchen
, neither of them saying a word until Dom noticed the blood seeping from the hole in Enrico’s jacket. “Shall I get the doctor?”
“No. It’s nothing.”
Dom frowned. “You’re still bleeding. I’d better bandage it.” He rose and fetched a first aid kit from the bathroom. When he returned, he pulled out bandages, gauze, and antibiotic ointment while Enrico removed his jacket and rolled up his left sleeve. The shallow tear oozed blood, but he’d been lucky.
While Dom was cleaning the wound, Enrico spoke. Business first, the things they couldn’t discuss on the phone. “What’s happened so far?”
“We’ve hit the Vigentino, Quinto Romano, and Crescenzago districts so far. I don’t think they were expecting such an aggressive move. We took several command posts and many weapons.”
“Casualties?”
“Three dead, five wounded on our side, at least a dozen dead on theirs. Carlo has let his men get sloppy. We have men fanning out to Carlo’s other strongholds.”
“Bene. Have you heard from Carlo?”
“Dario has asked to speak with you.”
“When?”
“Tonight.” Dom checked his watch. “In an hour.”
“Where?” Enrico did not want to meet with the Andrettis. Not this soon.
“Any place of your choosing.”
Interesting. Why would they be so conciliatory so quickly? He didn’t like it. “Tell him no.”
Dom looked startled. “He feels insulted. Refusing to see him will not help.”
Enrico stared at him hard. “You made this mess. You clean it up.”
“I was trying to help you.”
“I don’t need it.” He watched Dom’s face carefully, but hurt was all he saw. He leaned closer to his friend and lowered his voice. “I don’t understand you. I’ve made my wishes clear, and yet you defy me. I spoke to Don Battista in the car on the way here. Why have you spoken to La Provincia about Kate?”
“I haven’t. I mentioned her to Don Battista, but it was a personal question, not an official one.”
“What was his advice?”
Dom lowered his eyes. “He said I should stay out of it, that he would speak to you.”