by S. W. Frank
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Lou discreetly exited the festivities after a guard informed him of an unexpected visitor. He walked briskly to the guest house where he found Sergio sitting in the living room with his designer duffle bag and arrogance. The men guarding him stepped to the side, giving Lou space. He sighed and squared his shoulders. "What are you doing here?"
Sergio stood, "I need to speak with Alfonzo."
"He's busy. Can't you tell?"
"It's urgent," Sergio replied and then his eyes traveled from the Capo's face to the door. The man who entered gave Sergio a cold chill. The blue eyes were trained in his direction like a heat seeking missile. Sergio unconsciously stepped backward upon the man's approach. Lou recognized fear in the youth’s eyes and glanced over his shoulder, only to find the source of it. Giuseppe, goddamn. He’s the last person he wanted involved in this. Eversince, he learned Alfonzo was his brother; the man took on the role of the older sibling with a vengeance. Giuseppe was far less reasonable than Alfonzo and might kill the kid.
"Sergio…Sergio…Sergio, why am I not surprised?" Giuseppe spat.
Sergio noticed the tailored suit did not contain the Sicilian’s massive frame. If anything, the brute looked more intimidating. He resembled a caged beast, eager to burst from its restraint. The nervous sensation did not subside and he tried to calm it with levity, "What's up Geo, digging the suit?"
Sergio's bruised eye and disheveled clothes were not lost on Giuseppe. He answered in a controlled bass, "The sky is up, punk. You bring trouble to my brother's door and expect a warm welcome on his wedding day. What are you an imbecile?"
"I um…you know…um," Sergio stuttered. He didn’t like the way his cousin eye-balled him. Frankly, he became uncomfortable under the glare. Whenever Sergio got dissed, he grew larger balls, and refused to cower to anyone. “I'm family, like it or not. I have a right to be here. I’m not here to see you anyway; I’m here to talk to Alfonzo, feel me, son?"
A smirk didn't change the angry glint, "Son?"
“I forgot you speak Italian. I think you say figlio. Is that right?”
Giuseppe scoffed and cocked his head sideways. The sinister smile inching across the chiseled face was in response to the perverse joke. He looked down at his polished shoes, thinking what a shame he must blacken the cazzo’s other eye and spill blood on a day reserved for peace. The bride and groom were in the midst of a dance. They were smiling and happy and Giuseppe planned to ensure it stayed that way.
Sergio’s surly attitude heightened Giuseppe’s ire. The punk lacked respect and Giuseppe’s rage traveled straight to his fist. He cracked the insolent bastard in the face and Giuseppe’s phony smile disappeared. Sergio crumpled onto the sofa. “I will teach you about respeta, figlio!”
Sergio moaned and held his eye. It burned like hell.
Giuseppe pointed a finger, “Stand him up, ora!”
Lou stood his ground, he didn’t take orders from Giuseppe, but the other men did and followed without question.
Sergio was brought upright to face the large muscular dude. “Shit, come on Giuseppe. Is this how you treat a relative?”
“Relative…humph…respect and loyalty ties family and blood relatives do not mean shit to me, cazzo. In mi famiglia we will bleed for each other and even the women will shed blood to protect their clan.” Giuseppe slowly removed his jacket and thrust it aside. He concentrated on unhooking the diamond cufflinks and when done, put them in his pocket and casually rolled up his sleeves.
Sergio noticed the thick ring adorned with a crest. Swords, he believed and something else. He couldn’t see too well. The ring was thick and to Sergio resembled a brass knuckle. The vertical scar on Giuseppe’s forearm indicated he wasn’t a stranger to fights, which is an activity Sergio avoided. “Look, whatever I said to disrespect you, cuz, we can talk about it, right?” He looked over his shoulder at the men holding him and back at Giuseppe, “If you don’t want to talk, this should at least be a fair fight.”
Giuseppe nodded and the men stepped away from the youth, “Sí, sono d'accordo.”
“Does that mean you’re willing to talk?”
“I said I agree, to a fair fight.” Giuseppe replied and stepped forward. “You, must earn a place in this family. You have yet to bleed.” He cracked his knuckles loudly and snarled. “Today, stronzo, your first lesson will be respeta and how to properly address a Don, capisce?”
Sergio balled his hands into fists and Giuseppe was quick to throw the first blow. The punch landed directly on Sergio’s hungry stomach and he bent over coughing uncontrollably.
“Good, you bow. That is the first sign of respeta. See, a dummy can learn.”
Sergio’s face twisted into a mask of pain and he croaked a defiant, “Fuck you!”
“Tsk, you speak!” Giuseppe’s fist struck the insolent youth again and he toppled over. “Get him up!”
Lou sighed, he could not stand around and witness Giuseppe batter the kid, nor could he usurp Giuseppe’s authority. Interrupting Alfonzo wasn’t an option; however there was another guest with the power to intervene before Giuseppe killed the kid.
Nico.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Alfonzo shared a dance with his mother. “You look beautiful mama,” he said as he held her hand and led.
She smiled at her son. He looked happy and she thanked the saints for bringing joy to their family once again. “Thank you. I am very proud of you.”
The song the live band played was his mother’s favorite by Celia Cruz. He wanted to make her proud, he always hoped one day he would, but he never thought he’d ever see the day. “Thank you mama for everything. Te amo.”
She waved a hand, “De nada, I do what a mother should.”
He looked very handsome in his midnight tuxedo. A Latino James Bond, she mused. Yes, she was very proud of the man he’d become. The life thrust upon him was not what she wanted for her son, but this was his destiny and she preferred life over death.
He swirled her around and she laughed. He led her back to Bruno who danced with Bianca and his mother’s face glowed more. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and put out his hand to Alberti’s widow and she took it and said, “I am honored.”
Alfonzo grinned. “That’s supposed to be my line.”
“There’s no male female delineation for the truth.”
“And why are you honored?”
Bianca placed her hand on the handsome man’s shoulder, and Alfonzo took her by the waist. They danced to the Latin music and he liked seeing Alberti’s widow smile. It warmed him inside.
“It is always an honor to dance with a gentleman.”
“Is that what it’s called when a man’s polite?”
Bianca’s hips swayed as if she had shared slow dances with Alberti her entire life. “Polite men are rare, and that makes you a rarity.”
Alfonzo wanted to laugh. The way in which she spoke reminded him of Alberti. They must have made an awesome pair. He danced a few more bars with the lovely woman and slyly halted beside Martin Scheppe who danced with Selange. “May I cut in?”
“Sure," Martin bellowed and released Selange’s hand when he saw Alfonzo’s partner. She’s the woman he asked Alfonzo about earlier and he tried to conceal his excitement when he asked if she wanted to dance.
Bianca agreed.
The men exchanged partners.
“Slick,” Selange whispered when Alfonzo pulled her to his chest. They’re movements were of lovers, unlike the customary dance he shared with others.
> He peered down. “You know me too well, babe. That’s why you and I are a perfect fit.”
“I agree.” She started to laugh and her eyes smarted.
“What’s so funny?”
“I’m still thinking about what Allie said this morning.”
“Oh, yeah.” He chuckled, “She has the nose of a hound.”
“Kids seem to sniff when parents have sex.”
“Thank goodness she didn’t bust in our bedroom last night,” Alfonzo commented as the sounds of revelry continued around them. “We may have caused her to go blind.”
“She would put our business in the street. The girl has acquired a very fresh mouth. She told Nana she was old.”
“My angel, for real?”
“Your angel isn’t so innocent.”
“She gets it from her mama.”
Selange pinched his triceps and they were hard. The man didn’t flinch, “And what does she get from your smart-ass?”
The arrogant grin appeared. “The hell-raising charm, of course.”
“That’s for sure.”
There wasn’t a tense muscle in Alfonzo’s body. The evening festivities were winding down and he had a wonderful time. Soon, they would toss her bouquet and get the hell out of there to fuck without disturbance. He was eager to go now.
This is what he loved. Normalcy and these simple moments made him happy. It was nice just to have an easy communication with his wife. The games he played in business were necessary strategies to keep his associates in line. With her, he didn’t need to do any of that. He could be Al, and just relax.
Jessica and Emilio danced nearby and his cousin wagged a finger at Alfonzo, “Treat her good.”
“I plan to prima and you do the same for my man Emilio.”
“Emilio isn’t complaining, are you papi?” Jessica asked.
Emilio smiled, “No, mami. I’m good.”
Alfonzo nodded. They did seem happy. He preferred Emilio did right by his cousin and marry her, but not everyone believed in marriage. Whatever, worked for the couple, worked for him.
Alfonzo spotted Lou entering the tent. He looked around and walked to where Nico and Ari were talking. Lou said something that made Nico high-tail it out of there. Alfonzo exhaled, the sense of serenity just couldn’t last, not with his crazy ass family!
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Sergio stayed down. He refused to get up. The fluffy strands from the area rug were soft on his bruised skin. Blood trickled from his lip and he pushed his face down into the natural fibers willing the pain away. The hurt failed to end and he choked a sob, feeling like a bitch for giving in.
Giuseppe sat on the sofa and sucked his teeth. The young man talked shit and couldn’t fight worth a damn. What sort of Giacanti was he?
“I do not believe you are Vincent’s son. You are a disgrace!” He spat as the sorry ass punk drew his knees in a fetal position moaning like a cow giving birth. His cell vibrated and he rummaged through his suit pocket to retrieve the thing. Another nuisance call from Tolo brought a grumble, “Cosa?”
“E’ lei. Ho trovato la donna.”
Giuseppe was on his feet, “Dove?”
“Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.”
Giuseppe stepped over Sergio’s squirming body. “I am on my way. Do not let her out of your sight. Mi hai sentito?”
“Sí.”
Finally, Tolo earned his money. Shanda was found. He put on his jacket and yelled for the men to toss his useless cousin out on the road. They were about to carry-out his order when Nico burst through the door.
“Cugino what the fuck is going on here?” Nico exclaimed once he took in Sergio’s condition.
“The cazzo thought he could bypass primary school and attend the university. He learned he is not fit to sit in a class with me!”
Nico found nothing humorous about Giuseppe’s heavy handed tactics. The moans coming from his nephew told Nico the kid wasn’t dead. He strolled over to Sergio and knelt to examine his condition. There were bruises on his arm and face. Both eyes were swollen shut and he had a split lip. He had the shit beat out of him, that’s for sure, however he’d live. “Can you stand kid?”
Sergio tried getting to his feet and puked on the floor.
“Giuseppe what the hell is wrong with you?” Nico glowered at his brute of a cousin. He took Sergio by the arm and helped him over to the sofa.
Giuseppe gave a mocking laugh from the door, “I don’t like shit coming into my home!”
Nico retorted, “This is not your home Geo!”
“Location is irrelevant. Mi famiglia is here, and it is home cugino. This piece of dung has no respeta. He comes unannounced and uninvited to my brother’s celebration and it offends me, cazzo lui!”
“This is Vincent’s son and you say fuck him. Did you bother to ask him why he's here, cugino?” Nico pointed to one of the guy’s, “Get ice and a towel.”
Giuseppe had his hand on the doorknob, watching Nico’s concern with amusement. “You make a good woman, cugino. I didn’t ask because I do not care. He is trouble!”
“The name-calling will get you an ass-kicking by this woman!”
The remark received a scoff, “Should I remind you Nico of our last encounter. Who had their ass whipped then?”
Nico had enough of Giuseppe’s bull-shit. The man was a bully; he’d been this way since childhood. Nico stood and marched to his cousin and said, “You cocky sonovabitch. I let you win!”
****
Alfonzo excused himself and stepped outside to the night. The illuminations in the sky put a yellow spotlight on the grass. His steps were trailed by security and he didn’t need to turn to know this, it’s the requirement of a Capo de tutti to have protection everywhere he went. There were exceptions and Alfonzo drew the line at the private areas of his home where he relaxed with his wife and kids.
He spotted Giuseppe emerge from the guest house and get into a car. If Giuseppe was leaving, it could only mean that Shanda was found. He quickened his pace as he checked his pockets for his cell. Shit, he’d left it upstairs earlier today!
Alfonzo reached the car just as it stopped at the security gate and tapped on the window. When it rolled down, he stuck his head partially in. He noticed the specks of blood on Giuseppe’s shirt. “Where are you going big brother?”
“I have an important meeting. Enjoy the honeymoon fratellino.”
“Does this meeting have anything to do with Shanda?”
“That is not your concern.”
Alfonzo opened the door and slid inside. He and Giuseppe had become brothers long before learning of their biological connection. Beneath the wise-cracks and short fuse, Giuseppe cared about his family. In fact, he cared so much he’d kill first and ask questions after the body was placed in the ground. Giuseppe’s impulsivity had begun to affect his businesses and at times put a strain on the family. The situation with Shanda further exacerbated his brother’s ill temper.
Alfonzo blew hard. He felt like the eldest sibling talking sense to the youngest. “Promise you won’t lay a hand on Shanda, Geo.”
Blue oceans stared in the reflective pools. “You worry too much Alfonzo. Today you have wed the woman of your dreams. For me it is a nightmarish dream,” he chuckled when Alfonzo scowled. “Eh, I’m joking. I have come to like the woman again. She and I have an understanding.”
“And what is that?”
�
�Be good or else.”
“See, that’s the shit I’m talking about. Everything with you is force. You can’t use it to solve issues with a woman.”
“Really?” Giuseppe teased.
“I’m not playing brother. Try using diplomacy.”
He inhaled, “If this woman carries my bambino, my life will change. I see you with your children and I see joy. I want the same, but a mother who conceals a child from the father does not deserve diplomacy.”
Alfonzo frowned, “Shanda’s godmother to Sal and part of our extended family. I do have a responsibility to make sure she’s unharmed. I hope you understand that Geo.”
“You are cunning.” Giuseppe responded. Alfonzo knew of his weakness for his nephew and used it to get his way. “I agree not to physically harm Sal’s godmother. That is my wedding gift.”
Alfonzo nodded and then he grinned, “Promise on the blood of our grandfather. You break agreements too easily. Remember when you agreed not to kill Darren’s kidnapper, and then you slit his throat?”
They laughed at this and Giuseppe punched Alfonzo’s arm, “Sí, but I did not agree.”
“Yes you did.”
“No I did not. You are mistaken.”
“Geo you said okay.”
“That is not agreeing.”
“Then what the fuck does okay mean?”
“Okay means it is satisfactory. I agree means I concur.”
“Are you shitting me?”
“Eh, go on your honeymoon. I swear on the blood of our ancestors not to harm the pregnant runaway.” He hurried Alfonzo out of the car, “Now Go!”
Alfonzo gladly stepped back into the warm night air. Before he shut the door, he had to ask, “By the way, why is there blood on your shirt?”
Giuseppe shut the door. “Congratulations on your marriage fratellino. I must leave, ciao!” And the chauffeured vehicle sped through the open gate.
Alfonzo glanced toward the guest house and he wondered if Nico and Lou were inside. He heard talking, not from the residence but the outskirts of the property. He also caught a whiff of a familiar scent that reeked of Domingo. He decided to forego investigation of the bodyguard’s residence and headed in the direction of the voices instead.
The grass silenced his approach and once he neared the sounds, it became evident the high pitched voices belonged to the juvenile delinquents. When he came into view their mouths gaped open. Alfonzo dared them to run.