The Don's Doctor

A Republic

Vincent's POV

The expression on Renzo’s and Luca’s faces is the equivalent of sunshine and storms.

I’ve been looking at my father’s teachings from the wrong perspective for far too long. Besmirching his efforts by applying anger to his words rather than logic. When we had first started to look at the Roman Empire, he asked me who my favourite Roman figure was. Of course, I had said Julius Caesar. I was still a teen, and we had just completed a topic on him in school. My father had distinctively tutted at my answer before asking me to explain why. When I had finished telling him all I had learnt he called Renzo over, who was having his lesson with Luca, and asked him the same question. When Renzo had finished, my father had praised him, and told him to continue his learning with Luca. At first I had been jealous, we had both given the same answer, but he was praised, and I was not. We walked to my father’s office, which was a rarity because it was only for business meetings. It made me feel important. Reaching up, he pulled a book from his shelf and handed it to me.

“Read this, and when you are finished I will ask you who your favourite Roman is again.”

The book was a biography of the life of Lucius Janius Brutus. When I had finished reading it, I told my dad that I had changed my answer. The night I promised Chiara I would become who I used to be, and that I would make our businesses all that my father had planned for them to be, I pulled down the book from the same shelf, and read it again. It still had the subtle scent of my father’s aftershave, and the worn edges where he had turned the pages.

Luca looked as if he was about to shoot lightning and thunder from his expression, and Renzo looked at if the world had righted itself after being upside down for far too long.

“Explain to me again what you want us to do? I’m not sure that I’m grasping the part where it is a good idea.” Luca hails down at me.

Icily, I stare at him until he is settled. I am respectful of his age and position, but it isn’t his place to order me, the hierarchy has to be instilled, especially if this plan is going to work.

“Who is your favourite ancient Roman?” I asked him.

“Julius Caesar.” Luca answers instantly, as I knew he would.

“Of course it is, because you are a soldier and you admire his vision. Of course, Caesar eventually became the dictator of Rome, and that is what I have become. When you are at the top, others will always seek to pull you down. Power is a mistress that too many men desire. When power is shared, she becomes less attractive, she gives you just enough to satisfy your thirst. My favourite figure is Lucius Junius Brutus: the creator of the Roman Republic. My plan, after Barone is gone, is to divide the power up and have the families run themselves like a republic, slowly investing in legitimate enterprises, until all our income is above board. I am asking you to call a meeting of the families, so that I can present the new structure.” I repeat.

Luca’s expression remains hostile, he was a general, and his focus was on the day-to-day battles. I am running an empire, and I need to see the bigger picture.

“Is it because of the doctor?” Luca asks, his nose turned up in disgust.

“It is because this isn’t the life my father wanted for us, we have been following our hurt down a path of ruin. He wanted us to be legal, and to build the city. All I have done is tear it down. Tell them that Barone is non-negotiable, he must be dealt with, but other than that, it is an open table. They can ask for what they want, it will all be considered.” I reply, and he swiftly rises from his seat and rages out of the door.

Adrenaline must have been fuelling him, because he walks with surprising ease compared to his usual stance.

Once he is gone, I turn my attention to Renzo. This meeting was a last minute decision, and I want to hear his views.

“Did you know your father gave me a book when I answered Caesar, all those years ago? It was a biography of Mark Anthony. He is my favourite general, because he was loyal to his commander. Like you, he lost gave up everything for the woman he loved. You will be happier about it though, and as your second, I will be with you the entire time. Republic or king, I follow your lead.” Renzo confesses, and I am touched by his words.

“You know I will have to break my promise to you. I can’t leave her be. She was made for me. I think my mother managed to pair us together from the heavens. I’m confident of that more than anything else in the world.” I admit.

Renzo gestures to the whiskey bottle, and I nod, before he pours two considered measures out into the glasses. It is rare for Renzo to have a drink, he always likes to be fully in control. We don’t speak for a while, both enjoying the peace that comes from steadfast friendship. My father had trained Renzo, but I knew that he supported me as a brother, we loved each other like family. His glass is placed on the holder, the satisfying twinkle of crystal brings me out of my internal commentary.

“When I told you it wasn’t wise, it was because I didn’t think she deserved to be dragged into the darkness with you. I was protecting you from the guilt you would feel if harm came to her. Never would I have expected that our resident doctor would be able to save you. She is a healer. She is exactly what this family needed, what you needed, and what I needed. I was prepared to support you as you became the worst version of yourself, and she was the first person who told me I was failing you. There’s only one thing I need to ask you.” He said seriously.

“What is it?”

“When you get married, I want to be your best man.” He replies, and I laugh with an ease that is unfamiliar to me.

“We are a long way from that, I’m afraid. Help me bring peace to the city. Only then will she consider being with me.”

Renzo reaches out and shakes my hand. It would be meaningless to anyone looking in, but to us it is a vow that whatever I choose to do, he will help me to make it happen.