“W-what do you know? Likes, dislikes? Family background information?” Tom asked.
“Oh that! Yes…uhm her father is a very busy person. He works for an insurance company. Nina has no sister, but has two elder brothers who are both in college. She lives on the north side of New York City. Uh one more thing….”
“What?” Tom asked.
“What’s the purpose of all this?” Jack asked, about to laugh.
“Nothing! Call me back when you know more,” Tom replied impatiently.
“Okay, boss!!” Jack said then hung up before Tom could make any impossible requests.
“Good afternoon sir,” Bernard said to Don Olivetti as he walked in. Don Olivetti nodded in response.
“This way sir,” Bernard added. Four men walked behind Don Olivetti as he was escorted to the dining room. The noise and chatter amongst brothers ceased as soon as he walked in. Everyone stood up as a sign of respect. Don Olivetti walked majestically to the table. His gaze shifted from one brother to the other.
“Greetings Dan,” each brother said simultaneously, hugging and kissing the ring on his finger. They all sat down afterwards, anxiously anticipating what he had to say.
“Greetings Stanley, Jonathan, Georgie, Brandon, Sebastian and Walter,” Danny Olivetti said to begin the meeting.
“You must be wondering why I called you all to this meeting,” Danny began.
“We all know what’s wrong,” Sebastian replied. His wide face, dirty brown hair, shallow facial hair, dark Olive skin and broad smile made him the brother that everyone loved. Growing up, Sebastian was the comedian amongst brothers, but also one to start a fight he couldn’t finish. Sebastian was and will always be a natural talker. His silver tongue had a magnanimous effect on donors, investors and most importantly, women. Everyone knew him for spilling his mind and saying things just the way he saw it.
“I know you know, but since our father, Don Frederick died, our family hasn’t experienced much peace,” Danny continued.
“Yes we know that, that’s why my four year old daughter has to go to pre-school with a bodyguard,” Brandon said, grudgingly. Brandon was the pessimistic one. He never got into a fight because he was pessimistic enough to believe he’d lose. He had no personal success, but luck followed him wherever he went because of his last name.
“Hey! Don’t act that way! We all have the same problem. We are all in the same shoes!” Sebastian replied Brandon.
“Must you always have a problem with what I say?” Brandon replied.
“Yes he has a problem with what you have to say. Heck, we all have a problem with what you say. You never do as you’re told and that’s why you cost us a lot,” Georgie intervened. The contention began.
Dean walked into the kitchen as fast as possible, pretending to survey the premises for security reasons. The clueless Servers and Cooks scrambled from one corner of the kitchen as they prepared the meal for the meeting. The kitchen had a combined smell of different food items and almost felt like a restaurant. The caterers yelled at each other from time to time under pressure to do their best. No one was paying attention. Jack was just another harmless individual in the kitchen. He slipped a device into one of the trays containing drinks about to be served to the brothers.
“This should do it’
Tom waited in his room as patiently as possible. He knew the meeting had started. He was missing out on the conversation. “Where the hell is Dean?”
Surprisingly, thoughts of Nina, the beautiful girl he craved to know, still occupied his mind. Suddenly, Tom’s phone rang. He reached for it.
“Hello Dean,” Tom said.
“It’s done,” Dean said with a sigh of relief.
“Hope you weren’t caught?” Tom asked.
“If I was, I wouldn’t be talking to you now. Would I?” Dean said with sarcasm.
“Yes whatever! So what do I do now?” Tom asked impatiently.
“Open your room door. There is a pair of your favorite Nike shoes. I just got it from the stores for you. You have a special gift inside the right shoe,” Dean said.
“Okay thanks Dean. You’re the best!” Tom said in an excited tone.
“Yeah sure. If I die, my blood is in your hands,” Dean said then hung up.
Tom moved up to his room door and opened it. A Nike shoe box was right in front of his door. He looked left then right. He briskly picked up the box of Nike shoes, locked his room door then opened the box.
“Nice shoes,” he said to himself. He picked up the right leg, pulled out a device from it as instructed then examined it briefly. He wasn’t the smartest, but electronics seemed to be his specialty. He quickly walked to his desktop, plugged it in and soon he could hear every conversation going on in the Dining room downstairs.
“Always the spoiled one. You would have been shot in the head long ago if it wasn’t for us,” Georgie added. Georgie had always had problems with his brother, Brandon, since they were kids, but it didn’t stop him from protecting each other. Arguments and curse words ensued. The meeting suddenly became chaotic.
“Hey! Quarrelling right now isn’t going to help us,” Walter said in a strong silent voice. Soon the room was quiet and the murmuring ended.
“Thank you Walter!” Don Olivetti said as he continued.
“The Sanchez’s are trying to wipe out the entire Olivetti family,” Danny added. Side talks began again.
“Silence!” Danny said in a strong commanding tone.
“The reason why we are all in this situation is because I made the call for a Sanchez to be killed and it was done,” Danny added.
Everyone was quiet.
“You killed little Pablo. What did you expect? They won’t walk away and let us go,” Walter said, wishing he could stand up from his wheel chair to prove a point. His cast weighed him down. He was bitter and angry – his life was on hold due to his older brother’s mistake.
“Hey! Sit down Walter! They tried to kill you and that’s the least he could do for a brother,” Sebastian replied.
“That’s your excuse? I’m not stupid! What made them come after us? There must have been a war going on behind my back without my knowledge. What about the saying ‘blood for blood’? They tried to kill me, but they didn’t. Now, you go behind my back to kill an innocent Sanchez!” Walter yelled out in a state of frustration.
“You have caused a war between three families. Little Pablo’s mother is Catherine Cruccifixo. That family would do anything to get their vengeance back,” Walter added as the other brothers kept quiet.
“Be quiet!” Don Olivetti commanded. Silence crippled the room.
“I understand your point, but can’t you remember who killed our father? It was the Sanchez’s and the Cruccifixos,” Don Olivetti said.
“Yeah I remember. But I also remember you ordered the death of Don Sanchez’s’ son together with the death of fifty of their guards,” Walter said calmly.
“Yes I remember,” Don Olivetti replied.
“Then why did you kill little Pablo?” Walter asked.
“I did it just to remind them we are not weak!” Don Olivetti replied.
“This is not about weakness, it’s about anger. Blood for blood – An eye for an eye – A tooth for a tooth - that’s our principle! Now, you have outdone your ply for vengeance. They won’t stop until one of us is dead – maybe even all of us,” Walter replied. The other brothers kept quiet as they watched Walter and Danny exchange words.
“So they are coming after us with full force and both families want their own part in the vendetta,” Walter said.
“Yes I know and that’s why this meeting had to be held today,” Don Olivetti said. He adjusted his suit and gazed at his brothers. He felt like a weak leader. His father would have done better. Heck! His father was Don Frederick Olivetti also known as Freddy the Chemist. If his father were alive, problems would have solved themselves. New York would have been gnashing their teeth.
“If you can, I’d appreciate it and feel
at peace if your families leave New York and move somewhere out of the country. All security and traveling expenses will be on me,” Don Olivetti said. Brandon attempted to speak. Don Olivetti’s countenance seemed too serious to challenge.
“I really don’t want anyone’s opinion. Your safety is my priority. By next week none of our children must be in the state. An arrangement has been made for extra guards if that helps,” Don Olivetti paused, expecting a reply, but everyone was silent.
“I thought so. Till then, none of you must leave your homes for any reason at all. This is cold war and I don’t want anyone dead. Okay?” the Don added.
“It seems like we are hiding instead of fighting,” Georgie replied. Don Olivetti glanced at Walter who in turn stared at the rest of the brothers.
“Well, fighting will only complicate things. Its better we hide for now,” Don Olivetti replied. They all looked at each other and nodded. Walter shook his head in disgust, “I can’t believe this. Father will be shaking in his grave if he saw he sons hide like cowards. Bring the fight to them or we’ll forever hide like cowards. Frankly, I’m too old for that. My family will leave, I’ll stay!”
“Suit yourself, Walt. May your stubbornness benefit you in a good way,” Sebastian said. No one responded.
“Okay so are you going to leave us starving or what? Where’s the food?” Stanley asked Walter, trying to ease the tense atmosphere. Walter struggled to express a smile. He gestured to one of the guards to call in Bernard. Bernard came in and whispered something into Walter’s ear. Walter nodded. By this time the brothers were discussing business.
“Lunch is served,” Walter said. Just then, Caterers walked into the room with big dishes. They uniformly dropped the dishes on the table and then walked out. Seven waitresses gallantly walked into the room - each were assigned to serve each brother.
The service was spectacular. Beyond luxurious. Walter wasn’t one to dodge fantastic hospitality and his brothers knew that.
Moments after, the brothers started eating. Everyone seemed busy with their food except Walter. Don Olivetti noticed, but ignored him. He was preoccupied with his bottle of Champagne.
After about thirty-five minutes of uncomfortable non-verbal interaction between himself and his brother, Walter finished his last glass of wine.
“Well, I must commend your spectacular service,” Don Olivetti said to his brother. “I have to get going. I’m flying to San Francisco to see my daughter,” Don Olivetti said.
“Send my greetings to her,” Jonathan said. “How old is she now?” Georgie asked. “Twenty-four,” Danny replied. “Wow she’s all grown up now,” Georgie replied.
“The girl you are talking about is your niece so don’t get any wrong ideas,” Sebastian joked. They burst into laughter.
Don Olivetti stood up. His mood had changed from that of concern to humor. Sebastian was good at that. Everyone attempted to stand as a gesture of respect. He gestured to them to remain seated. Something caught his attention. Something on the tray of Wine bottles – Something that looked almost invisible to the naked eye, but not to his scrupulous attention to detail. He pretended to pour himself another drink, grabbed the device and shoved it into his pocket.
“Nice meal Walter. You have a good talent when it comes to hospitality,” Don Olivetti said with a smile. “I have to leave now,” he added. They all stood up to go with him. “And make sure you all remember our father’s favorite quote TRUST EVERYONE BUT DON’T JUST TRUST ANYONE,” Don Olivetti added with a smile as he tapped his side pocket to feel the spy device.
Don Olivetti walked outside the hallway. His other brothers followed closely behind like chicks following a Hen. Johnny pushed Walter along on his wheel chair.
Beatrice popped out from nowhere. “Hi!” she said with a smile as she hugged each of them.
“How’s my lovely sister in-law doing today?” Don Olivetti asked in a charming voice.
“I’m good. Just on my way to the mall to pick up some items,” she replied.
“Spending all that money eh?” Danny replied with humor in his voice. He gazed at Walter and Beatrice at the same time. He noticed his brother’s malicious gaze then noticed Beatrice’s warm smile.
“Na not all the money! Hope you guys had a fun time together?” Beatrice asked.
“Yes we did actually,” Sebastian replied. Beatrice gazed at her husband. From his looks, she realized it had to be bad news. She maintained her smile.
“Say hi to your wives for me. Tell them we’ll be having our own girls night out soon,” she said then left the house in a hurry to catch the sales at the Michael Kors store. Her driver and her bodyguards were waiting in front of the house for her.
“Such a nice woman,” Georgie said. “Yeah she sure is. Shame. She wouldn’t be able to go out like that after today,” Stanley said.
“Well we’ll leave that to Walter to handle,” Don Olivetti replied. “Okay brothers it’s time we go.” He added.
“Thanks for the hospitality,” they all said as they walked out.
“Get well soon, brother,” Sebastian said with a smile. “We need you,” Danny said. “Yeah! There’s a lot you’ve missed,” Georgie added.
“I can tell,” Walter replied sarcastically.
They smiled as Don Olivetti walked into his car. Minutes later, others followed. Jonathan stopped as he gazed at his brother in a wheel chair, he walked back briskly to his brother, grabbed his brother’s hand, “We need you back on your two feet. Orders are directed wrongly. You’re Daniel’s conscience – you’re the only one who can challenge his orders,” Jonathan said then walked away without a response.
5
Tom was scared. He stared at the ceiling, blankly. The listening device was gone. He thought about the implications of the device’s discovery. Dean’s life was at stake. He couldn’t come clean either because someone would have to be punished. The sound of the ceiling fan made his thoughts drift deeper into fear.
He tried to brush the thought off his mind, but he couldn’t. It bothered him greatly. Still, a part of him was relieved. The information he gathered from the meeting, explained the family’s dilemma. He finally had a reason to take matters into his own hands.
Don Olivetti was seated in the back seat of his bulletproof limo. His safety was a higher priority. He was CEO of the family’s investment company and also held the family’s most valuable secrets. His father, Don Frederick Olivetti, died mysteriously – his body was never found. He was the only witness and had kept the secret of his father’s death from his brothers. It was his automatic duty as the first-born son to run the family. Don Olivetti reached for his pocket. He brought out the listening device he found on the dining table.
“What’s this?” Don Olivetti asked one of his guards.
“It’s some kind of device sir,” the guard replied.
“Yes I know! Who put it there?” Don Olivetti asked.
“I don’t know sir - I know it has to be from the FBI. You can’t find this device in RadioShack or best buy,”
“Whomever did this is still listening to us right now,” the guard replied as he examined it.
Tom shivered in his thoughts, but his demeanor was as calm as a sleeping baby. His body’s ability to hide his true emotions helped his unpredictability. His character was very much similar to his grandfather’s. This scared Walter a great deal, knowing that his son might become like his father.
Tom could hear the conversation going on in Don Olivetti’s car. He was scared for Dean. “How did Dean get a device used only by the FBI?”
Suddenly, there was a knock on his door. Tom managed to get up from his seat as he hid all his gadgets.
“Who is it?” Tom asked in a semi-calm voice.
“Your father wants a word with you,” Bernard said.
“Okay, I’ll be there in a minute,” Tom said as he unplugged the device from the computer. He made his way to the hallway then walked into his father’s room, hoping his father didn’t know anything ab
out the planted device.
“Tom,” his father said as he entered.
“Yes,” Tom replied.
“Can you shut the door behind you?” his father asked, completely oblivious to the idea of Tom’s recent spying motives. Tom shut the door then moved closer to his father’s bed.
“What’s the matter pop?” Tom asked, giving a pretentious look of concern.
“You and your sisters have to move to Illinois,” Walter said.
“What! With Grandma?” Tom asked pretentiously.
“Yes,” Walter replied abruptly.
“But why?”
“For safety reasons,”
“Isn’t there any other safer place, Madrid, Scotland, Paris…I don’t know. Anywhere but Grandmas…” Tom asked.
“No! I want you guys in the country where I can easily reach you. Besides, no one knows where your grandmother lives,” Walter replied.
“But, I have a lot of friends I’m going to leave behind,” he replied as the thought of Nina popped up. This time, his facial expression wasn’t pretentious. It was real.
“You have no choice, son!” Walter replied.
Tom mumbled some words as he briskly pondered on the advantages and disadvantages of the trip. “That will be a safe place for Dean and I till Don Olivetti gives up on the search for the person who planted the device,”
“Thank you Dad. I will need three days to clear things up at school. I’ll talk to Francesca and Sara about it and I’ll call grandma tonight. Its better she hears about it from me than you because she will be worried. And Dad, I will need a raise in my allowance,” Tom replied in a strategic and mature tone, leaving Walter with a surprised look. He expected to have to force Tom to go.
“Done! I’ll raise it to whatever you want it to be. Your sisters will want the same thing. Consider it a bribe for the inconvenience of being an Olivetti,” Walter said.
Tom smiled and walked out. He sent a text message to his grandmother, Cecilia Olivetti.
Olivetti: Inception Page 4
