Crowned love

Episode 15 When the unexpected comes

Today I chaired one of the most important meetings in the mafia organization. Since I became the boss, I haven't had a chance to occupy the top position yet. I always watched from the side as my dad does it. I was aware that not everyone was happy to take over power by me, but tradition is tradition. Our family started this business years ago by my grandfather. Mainly at such meetings, we talked about business, gave reports on all transactions concluded, and solved disputes and other problems. Unfortunately, people often argue about money and power. It took the skill of a good mentor to reconcile all these people, and I was hoping to learn something about a man who acts on my back, betrays and influences. We always met in the same place, in the restaurant of one of the members of the Italian mafia, Francesco Esposito.He was one of my father's best friends. They grew up together in Sicily and continued their friendship after they came to the USA. Francesco had a son, Salvatore, who was only two years younger than me, but despite our frequent meetings with the family, somehow we never became friends. I always thought he was jealous of our position and influence. His father wanted him to take over his business and run the restaurant chain, but I know from my father's stories that he was not interested in it. He was attracted to a gangster life, he liked triggering shootings and giving orders. I wasn't sure where all of this would lead him, but as long as it didn't create any problems for me, I wasn't interested in it.

The meeting proceeded calmly. Everyone agreed on the distribution of profits and further plans for the smuggling of arms or coca. My father, who sat next to me, also seemed pleased that my first meeting had gone so well. My brother, who was sitting on the other side, also breathed a sigh of relief, as stressed as I was. It was his debut as well as my right hand. I smiled, as you can see. I will be a worthy successor to my father. I was about to end our deliberations when Salvatore asked to speak. He knew that in such meetings he could not speak to me whenever he wanted, there was hierarchy and respect. I could have denied him the right to vote, but I was curious what he wanted to ask. I nodded my head in agreement.

He stood up and said:

-I heard about attempts to take power in the Spanish neighborhoods. Apparently there is some young guy who subjugates people and wants them to rebel against us? And what's the worst thing about selling drugs in schools? Did you give your consent to it and we don't know anything about it?-

I had the impression that a mocking smile appeared on his face. I did not mention what happened in those areas. I dealt with this topic myself and I did not see any reasons to panic, so far I keep my finger on the pulse. However, all eyes turned to me with curiosity. Well, Salvatore, I see that you like to provoke. Well, we'll see how you come up with the idea.

-Above all, I do not have to confess to you. I gave you the right to vote, but I don't have to answer. Everything is under my control in this place and nothing escapes me. Remember I'm the boss here. If what you are talking about would put our families at risk, you would certainly know it. Are you questioning my decisions, Salvatore? -My voice was calm but threatening. Did you think I would explain myself to him? He wanted to undermine my trust in others, but none of it. As a boss, I have my privileges and he should remember about it.

-No,- he replied very briefly. I saw anger in his eyes and a desire for revenge. He felt humiliated. Well you may not have tried to fool me in this place, I have the advantage. He should remember that he pays for insubordination with his life.

Salvatore sat down and his father looked at him in horror. He didn't expect his son to do something like that. He feared for him, loved him, and did not want him to pay death for stupidity.

-Good -I said- Since we have already discussed everything, thank you to all families for coming. The meeting is over. -I got up and was the first to go to the exit where my security and the car were waiting, got in and waited for my father and brother. We were supposed to go home for dinner, but I was so pissed off with the whole experience that I took away my desire to eat. That little bastard had the courage to slander me, it's f*****g impossible. Then my dad and Antonio got in the car, they sat next to me and we started to drive. There was a dead silence, I felt like a ticking bomb. Antonio was looking at me seriously and then my dad said:

-From all this, I am only curious about the fact where Salvatore had this information? There is a leak and it is deeper than you think.- he stared out the window and all the joy I had seen before disappeared.Sadness and consternation set in. f**k! And it was so good, the i***t broke it, but he was right, since he found out about everything, it was a deep leak. Many people did not know about the case and, worst of all, it seemed to me that they were trusted.

-I am curious about his motive?-, Antonio replied, -He acted very stupidly, speaking to you with open ignorance. He threw it all in your face. For such an insult, you could pass a death sentence on him-, he added, and looked at me to see if I wanted to do it.

-I won't kill him, at least not yet. I have to find out what he is up to and who is with him. I'm sure he's related to this whole thing. As soon as I find out everything, I will suffer the consequences of my trust. I only feel sorry for his father. I always liked and respected him, but unfortunately, people have to pay for treason with their own head and everyone knows what the rules are.

-Young Salvatore does not want to take over his father's business. We known that for a long time, so how can you see he found another job. He is not only aware of his actions. Despite your respect for the Esposito family, you should punish his son somehow. We cannot afford such behavior and ignore the insults.-

I looked at my father and was surprised. I expected that he would persuade me to punish me. On the contrary, I expected him to dissuade me from it. But he was right. I have to do something to show others that I am a strong boss and I do not let go of such behavior.

-What are you suggesting?- I asked my father because I wasn't sure what to do.

-For sure, a year-long ban on all our meetings and cut off from some influence, as far as I know, he likes clubs in the city center very much. We will temporarily hand them over to the Russo family. If he changes and I show regret, we will think about bringing him back to power.-

Antonio looked at me and knew that Salvatore would fall into madness at this news, but what do you have to take into account of the consequences of your behavior.

-Antonio -I looked at my brother-You will inform him about it as my right hand. At least we will know his reactions. Besides, I want someone to watch him. I am convinced that he is up to something and we must protect ourselves.

-Okay-answered my brother-I will be a messenger of bad news-laughed.-it will work and Russo is happy for additional money and authority.

-Only stipulate that it is temporary, then we will see how the matter turns out-I had to be sure that everyone would understand what to do.

My brother nodded his head and we got to my parents' house. We got out of the car and entered the house. I haven't lived here for a good few years, I have always liked to come back here and I still call this place my home. I spent the best years of my life here. After all, we had a happy childhood with my brother, thanks to our parents. We lacked nothing in life, but they also taught us the rules and regulations that applied to us.

My mother welcomed us on the doorstep. I think she was waiting with dinner. She did not cook herself, but she often helped in the kitchen and was not ashamed of it. She always said that she had to do something and that she could run a house. First she went up to my dad, kissed him on the cheek, then each of us in turn.

-I already thought that I would not see you, the meeting was extended?-, She asked and looked at me, expecting an explanation from me, now I'm the boss here.

-That was the result of unannounced complications-I think that's how I could describe it.

Mum stopped and looked at us closely, we probably all had the same expressions, so she guessed that something was going on.

-Should I be worried?- She asked seriously.

-No dear, Marco has everything under control. I prepared him well for the new role. He knows what to do - Dad kissed her on the forehead and led her to the dining room. He did the right thing, it is not worth talking to her about this matter. She also likes Federico and his family.

During supper, I tried to forget about the whole incident. We tried to talk about a casual topic. I decided to inform them that I am going to bring Amelia to meet them.

-Mom, we will have a guest at dinner on Saturday.- I sipped my wine and looked into her eyes. At first she was amazed and a second later she smiled.

-Son, will you finally introduce me to your future wife?

I smiled.

-I hope so she is someone very important to me,- I said truthfully.

I saw Antonio smiling, too, because he knew who I was talking about and that not long ago I swore that love was not for me. Dad seemed pleased too.

-Do we know her?- Asked the father.

-No, that's why I would like to introduce you -I replied

- Please tell me something about her, Marco. How is she? What does she do?- my mom was very excited. It is no wonder that, since I moved out of the house, they have officially not seen me with any woman. I do not count those for one night.

- Her name is Amelia and a few months ago she won the Miss World competition - my parents were shocked, they knew me well enough and knew that I was not interested in such things and rightly so because it was so. If not for Antonio, who persuaded me to become the main sponsor and then go to the mayor's party, I would never have met her.

-I can't wait to meet her,- he added.

My father nodded, apparently agreeing with my mother. He was intrigued by the person, the woman who turned in my head.

-Antonio, I want you also to be present at this dinner. Thanks to you I met Amelia.-my brother smiled from ear to ear.

-Of course, I would like to miss such an opportunity and you do not have to thank, as you can see, sometimes it is worth listening to your younger brother.

-I have only one request for you-I sighed-she does not know what she really does, so do not mention anything about the mafia. I'll tell her myself after dinner-everyone's eyes were staring at me with a slight rebuke. I know what they thought now, that she should already know about it and they were right. Only that I wanted to get closer to me first, not every woman wants to get involved in such a life. I was hoping Amelia would be able to bear it and keep up with me.

-Marco..- my mother started, but I cut her off with a lift of my hand

-Can you fulfill my request? -they nodded with dissatisfaction, even my father was slightly confused about my attitude.

-Thank you, she is a strong and intelligent woman and if she feels for me what I do to her, I probably will not run away with a scream-I added confidence in my words.

-But she may feel deceived-my brother, as always, was able to be brilliant. Probably I will think so, but I pushed that thought aside. I will not worry about it now. Then I'll deal with it somehow.

-Thank you for dinner. See you on Saturday-I got up from the table and said goodbye to my family.

Several minutes later, when I was at home, I was thinking about my hard day. I had to deal with the Salvatore case and make Amelia stay with me. It was wise to settle both matters well. In one, I will use my position as a mafia boss and, in the other, a guy who will protect his woman from an intrusive stalker.