Avarice

by S. W. Frank

  “Um.”

  “Was there a meeting?”

  “Sí.”

  “Why was I not informed?”

  “Hmmm. You were in Tripoli on Peglesi business, sí?”

  “And had I received a summons I would have returned.”

  “But you were not needed. The matter is handled.”

  “Was I deliberately excluded because I voiced disapproval about Lucia and Sergio?”

  Giuseppe stretched his long powerful legs and put his hands behind his head. The question was answered with a curt. “No.”

  Matteo frowned. “Are you sure?”

  “Eh, very certain but that petulant expression suggests you are angry because you hoped to see Alfonzo to have a face-to-face. He does not need to constantly hear the nagging about Lucia and Sergio once is enough. Besides I have listened to the complaints and will spare my brother the annoyance of this flaw you possess to consistently air your feelings.” Giuseppe shrugged. “But, I am not offended that you leave on Peglesi business without notice. Wineries are your family’s legitimate means of income passed down for generations. You are right to ensure they flourish. However, just as situations arise for the Peglesi’s, urgent issues for the Giacanti’s do not always require your presence Matteo. We have survived generations without your arrogance, capisce?”

  “Bene. But as a trusted member of la famiglia, it is my duty to stay informed.”

  Giuseppe chuckled at Matteo’s sensitivity. “You are listening to a donna mi amico; soon you will become a woman.”

  Matteo was offended. “Cosa?”

  “How did you know of the meeting?”

  Awareness touched Matteo’s face.

  Giuseppe nodded. “Esattamente, Amelda’s name is not Giuseppe. Tell me why do you allow Amelda to intervene in matters between men?”

  “Amelda informs me of things as a good wife should. She is not my lesser.”

  “Amelda gossips and stirs trouble for her brother. She has done this since we were children.”

  “And what trouble has she caused between brothers through marriage?”

  “The kinds that have you question me!” Giuseppe countered. “You have become too bold when you forget who I am.”

  Matteo crossed his leg. His fingers interlocked and folded hands rested atop his knee. “I have known you a long time Giuseppe and this title that you wear like a crown does not impress family.” Matteo’s polished teeth formed a smile. “Our famiglia have mutual interests and your sister has every right to be involved.”

  “Then let her rule your home stronzo; she cannot dominate in mine. Business that we discuss is not for her ears Matteo. I also do not like my actions used as weapons to wound me. You tell her too much and it’s her vicious mouth I do not trust!” Giuseppe snarled as he thought of his latest argument with Amelda in which she tossed in his face a confidence he’d spoken only to Matteo concerning a gift for Shanda. “Do not share my personal affairs when you fuck my sister cazzo!”

  Matteo scoffed. “Your personal affairs are not the topic when I make-love to my wife bastardo!”

  “Bene, make certain it remains that way. As for this meeting which took place in your absence, you missed nothing except brothers ensuring whoever assisted the African in kidnapping Selange and Ari receive proper punishment.”

  Matteo sniffed. “Since we speak of matters between blood, then let me address the topic of Sergio.”

  Giuseppe sat forward with a groan. His anger at Matteo over Amelda was set aside. “Cosa Matteo, this gripe is tiresome?”

  “I prefer Sergio ceases pursuit of Lucia.  He is not mature enough for my sister and is an opportunist.”

  “We do not always receive what we want Matteo.”

  “I would think you and I would agree on at least this.”

  “Why is that?”

  “We care about Lucia. Sergio only wants money.”

  Giuseppe frowned. Although he did not particularly like Sergio, hearing Matteo constantly voicing his disapproval of his blood did not sit well with the Don. “Lucia is not a child Matteo. If Sergio is what she wants, then I suggest you do not continue speaking this way to me about mio cugino!”

   

   

   

   

   

  CHAPTER FOUR

   

   

   

  Polished luxury cars flanked by armed and suited chauffeurs who scanned the landscape waited outside Sophie’s villa on this Saturday afternoon. The vehicle’s occupants had already entered the home with such flair they could have been mistaken for models on an haute couture runway in winter. High heels, swirling skirts, pencil dresses with names of designers others had yet to discover and coats lined with fur or the finest wool completed the assembles. Some of the women wore their hair long, others bouncy or in ringlets. There were short hair styles as well with tasteful colored streaks that framed different shaped faces. The variant skin tones, collectively made for a stunning group. A designer, starlets, business owners, widows, socialites and matrons had gathered.

  Indoors the smell of cheeses, a sweet aroma of baking bread and exotic teas rafted through the air. The matrons worked in unison, serving guests as they arrived and when all were seated they abandoned culinary duties for the call to order. Only blood sat in the cushioned seats with painted nails and dainty fingers circling cups or feeding their glossy lips.

  Giacanti women were the only invitees. No interlopers or outsiders were present. Selange Diaz sat in the place of honor, with a reluctant Maria on her right and to her left Sophie. Selange’s children were at home with their father, but other children, namely Carlo and Semira were in the playroom with the nanny.

  Sophie smiled proudly. Selange demanded the exclusive gathering. Finally, the woman understood the necessity of such meetings and embraced her influential seat without prompts. The ordeal in Africa and the shenanigans of the ladies sent her into action Sophie surmised. The lovely face of a teacher, although soft displayed a stern flash from the eyes which resembled her husband’s. No-nonsense, tempered with kindness that stemmed from love, Selange waited for the women to settle down as Sophie looked on.

  Sophie viewed the younger women at the polished table. There was her daughter Amelda with that haughty chin in the air, Shanda who for some reason was surprisingly attentive, Ari whose wise eyes peered briefly in Bianca’s direction, Lucia aglow, eating as usual and Alfonzo’s half-sisters, chatting like girls among themselves. Their flamboyant mother declined. She found no reason to be present. The world she embraced revolved around the film industry. Reality was too harsh. The accolades from fans and pretense were her potent stimulants. At the moment she was in the United Kingdom on the set of a movie. The tabloids were abuzz because she’d been photographed about London with a Duke or perhaps it was a Lord. But, the girls didn’t care.  None of their mother’s relationships survived a year. Their father, Luzo was the exception. Oh, their mother enjoyed the trysts with married men. She believed illicit affairs produce the steamiest sex. Their mother was scandalous yet widely adored.

  However, those invested and dedicated to the family’s cause waited to hear Selange’s agenda for their lawless group. As certain as rain comes, a meeting of family and opinionated women would only bring drama. In the forefront of the ceremonial transition of power was no longer an outside girl from humble beginnings but a wise woman. By default she became their family but by choice she seized the reins as Sophie predicted. It is for sisterhood she would crack the whip to regain unity between the other influential women before sending her calling card to a certain mistress.

  “Ladies…let’s finish with the idle chit-chat. I have things to do and it’s time to get started.” Selange said. She took a deep breath, put aside her personal feelings about meddling and got to the business of family. The bickering among some of the women had become a distraction and it was time to put the animosity aside. Agree to disagree, stay
respectful and don’t draw attention to the family internal skirmishes and they could all get on with their lives; simple right? “I requested this meeting to discuss important issues, mainly, unification. We do not have to agree or like one another but we must maintain respectful attitudes not only in public but privately as well. Where I come from you say what you have to say and keep it moving or kick ass and be done. But, we’re ladies not backstreet skanks and what concerns we have can be resolved without clawing each other’s eyes out. Now, air your beefs at the table and then we can address other concerns. We’ll go counter-clockwise. Shanda what’s your gripe with Ari and Lucia?”

  Shanda couldn’t wait to rip into the bitches. “I like this; a therapy session. My beef with bitch number one is she walks around like her shit doesn’t stink. I can’t stand her condescending attitude and she needs to check her-self. Bitch number two is a skank. She could’ve said she had a history with Giuseppe from the jump and I would’ve known not to trust her around my man!”

  “No name-calling Shanda,” Selange said sternly.

  Amelda laughed. “I do like this roundtable. We must meet monthly Selange.”

  Sophie silenced her daughter. “Do not instigate Amelda that is not our purpose. Let us continue with this preliminary childishness to speak of pressing matters.”

  “I agree,” Maria chimed in. “Many of you must read scriptures and understand the words transcribed have a common theme; love and obedience foremost to a spiritual Father and acting in accordance to his laws.”

  Selange nodded curtly. In her mind she considered Maria’s words best suited for Bible studies than an assembly of mob women. “Thank you Sophie, Maria. Ari please respond and then Lucia you’ll have an opportunity to address Shanda.”

  Ari’s lips descended. Her remark was scathing in its delivery. “When you address me Shanda use my name because the only she-dog sitting here is you. Whatever problem you have with me comes from the fact you’re not on my goddamn level little girl and you never will be unless you leave that project mentality in the trash. But, oh…” Ari put her hand to her cheek in mock surprise. “Wow, I forget you’re not from the projects but a middle class family, you poser. Stop playing gangster because to mama you’re a frightened puppy. You’re pretentious. Now look that word up in a dictionary because I suspect you took special education and were behind several levels in reading comprehension!”

  Shanda was on her feet and caught a slap on the cheek from Ari in response to her threatening action. Shanda’s open palm struck back but merely glanced Ari’s chin because she’d taken a quick step back. Selange and Maria were immediate in the intervention as the others remained seated.

  “Ari, are you serious, Shanda’s pregnant?” Selange asked incredulously as she blocked her friend.

  “She needs to remember that!” Ari retorted.

  Shanda was irate and attempted to push past Selange. “You’re the fake one you Halle Berry throwback?”

  “Shanda…Ari…stop it!” Selange seethed. This mess was not good.

  Amelda and the others were enjoying the show. Selange experienced a sinking feeling; it would take a miracle for these two to get along. Their animosity ran deep. They were at each other’s throats because they were really upset with their men and perhaps at her for wanting to keep peace through friendship. Selange asked herself what would Alfonzo do? Ugh, heck he’d probably let them fight and be done with playing peacemaker. Yes, her husband was far less tolerant than she. Suddenly, Shanda tried to break free but Selange held on. “Shanda calm down…relax.”

  “You jealous bitch!” Shanda spat over Selange’s shoulder at her nemesis.

  Ari smirked. “Don’t flatter yourself. I’m natural. There isn’t any weave or augmented breasts on me little girl. Stop playing at being a woman and take your pregnant ass back to the child seat!”

  Selange bowed her head. Now damn, why did Ari say that?

  “No wonder your husband fucks other women. He’s tired of sticking his dick in the freezer you call a pussy!”

  Maria took hold of Shanda’s arm. “Enough…silencio, both of you. This name-calling, hitting and profanity are ugliness silencio –ahora!”

  The women quieted.

  Maria released Shanda’s arm and gestured to a chair. Once she sat, Maria shook her head and placed her hands on her hips tsking loudly. “This is what you women do here; act like wild people?”

  No one spoke. But then Amelda raised her hand like a second grader. “Si, many fights have occurred at our meetings Signora Diaz.”

  Maria glanced at Sophie. “I guess you were taught by example but you ladies will learn from me and my daughter-in-law a mature way to resolve your issues. You will listen to her and not disrespect her or you must deal with me!”

  Alfonzo’s sister, spoke up, “I did not come for fights.” She rolled her eyes in annoyance at the others. There was a matter far more important than messing her hair. She required Alfonzo’s wife’s assistance, after-all she was the real Donna and not any of the squabbling women. “Selange. I am here to request a favor por favore.”

  Selange’s eyes narrowed. “A favor?”

  “Sí. I auditioned for the lead part in a film. I am the best at the role but the Director has given it to his lover.”

  The women had begun to settle down under Maria’s direction. Maria gestured Ari and Shanda to remain in their seats and stood watchful with her arms folded, daring either of them to get up again. This wasn’t lost on Selange who smiled her appreciation. Maria seemed a natural at this stuff; bringing her along was the best decision she made.

  Selange reclaimed her seat and addressed Gabriela who had identical eyes of her brothers, except softer. Beneath the femininity she discovered a very lethal family trait. “What is it that you think I can do?”

  “My appeal is for the talent less whore to disappear, por favore.”

  Selange’s eyes widened in surprise. “What?”

  Sophie interjected. “I will place a call to the Director on your behalf Gabriela. There is no need for Selange to get involved.”

  Selange’s eyebrow rose. Sophie did not fool her at all. The woman would send someone to fulfill Gabriela’s request. This was not acceptable and she cautioned Gabriela. “We cannot incorporate intimidation to serve individual agendas. Our family must utilize resources wisely. A role you are meant to have will come along and it will be such a shame for you to miss out on an opportunity because you are bound by a contract.”

  Maria grinned when Sophie’s lips formed a thin line. Gabriela frowned prettily as she considered Selange’s words. “There is a major production company holding auditions to cast someone for the part of the late Tia Bagossi.”

  “Audition and keep me informed,” Selange advised. She leaned forward, folded her hands and addressed the group. “Ladies from now on we’re adapting a family code of conduct. First and foremost we cannot fight among ourselves, threaten or harm each other verbally or physically. This behavior is uncivil and we are better than that. Protection of our children should be our common ground. Providing a peaceful home for our Giacanti men who must deal with much more than we will ever know should be our priorities. These squabbles and silly affairs can distract from mutual goals. When that occurs, family and the innocent children are placed in danger. We are each compartments on a locomotive, and one corroded part that links to another can derail an entire train, do you understand?”

  Maria nodded. Sí, exercise your influence and class my daughter, she thought proudly. A leader like Selange is what the women needed. The stereotypical mob traditions of violence among family and women wilding like heathens which Sophie inspired must cease!

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  CHAPTER FIVE

   

   

   

 
 

  Weather patterns in winter change rapidly in Sicily. There are winters where people are seen wearing short sleeves one day and heavy outerwear the next. Coats, sweaters and long underwear were worn because the frost season entered with a bite. The temperature had fallen another ten degrees and anyone with good sense was asleep in warm beds. Ari cranked up the heat as she watched the small monitor. The light was moving and then stopped. It’s great to have a techie son is what she thought while eyeing the blip on squiggly lines. She hadn’t told Darren much except she needed to get information on tracking systems for a project she was working on. He’d recommended several and the one she settled on had cost two pairs of shoes and a high end purse.

  She rolled out of the driveway listening to the strange voice leading her down roads without markers which Sicily is famous for. Tourists often found themselves in towns far away from their destination. The Transportation Department failed to take the public’s concern over the issue seriously, therefore the problem persisted.

  Music played low but the sadness of a woman’s soulful voice struck a chord. Ari gripped the steering wheel tighter, she’d smiled when Alfonzo visited, and she played the hostess for mafia men but she was far from a fool. They kept each other’s secrets about mistresses because men often abide by a code.

  Instinct told her Nico was at it again. Again, after she thought they had moved away from the past. He’d been good…almost too good. She suspected he relapsed weeks ago but required confirmation. Nico wasn’t the speculative sort and neither was she. Proof is what she wanted before the confrontation that could possibly end what she considered a happy home. He was doing everything right…oh…her heart hoped that it wasn’t a lie and that he loved her enough to quit bad habits. It’s hard…goodness she understood but when what you have is worth the effort…quitting is what you’ll do.

  The familiar roadway leading toward a stately villa in Palermo is one she traveled before with Nico not long ago. The trees stood like frost sentries as the car drove past wooden trunks. The music echoed in the confines of the vehicle straight at her spirit. She heard the agony of a woman loving a man in the lyrics and soon sang along. “Sometimes you gotta’ lose to win again…You’re always up to no good….’cause I don’t wanna leave ya’…sometimes you gotta’ lose to win…when you’ve been broken you feel no one can fix it….”