by Frank, S. W.
A man exited from the driver’s side of the mystery vehicle and Alfonzo recognized Alberti’s chauffeur. Wax.
‘What the fuck did Alberti want now?’
Wax stepped on the sidewalk, crossed his arms in an X and waited. Lou went over, the men exchanged words then Lou got back in Alfonzo’s bulletproof car. Shit, Alberti’s presence signaled trouble, it always did.
After the answer-question session ended, Alfonzo strolled casually to the black tinted vehicle and Wax held open the back door then it closed with a thud. Alberti turned to him, “We must talk.”
The car rolled down the street. Alfonzo unbuttoned his suit jacket and stretched out his legs, “Then talk, I have things to take care of.”
“The Washington job, was it your order?”
“Maybe, maybe not.”
Alberti took this as confirmation, “And Gregorio?”
“He’s picking roses.”
Alberti noticed Alfonzo’s demeanor changed. The anger did not exist. The man had grown into a formidable leader. “Rescind the order, there’s someone on it.”
“Can’t, no refunds.”
“You’ve contracted outside?”
Alfonzo’s anger suddenly appeared and he growled, “There are capable people other than Nico.”
“Perhaps, but we use our own.”
“I use who the hell I want.”
Alberti did not like the man’s tone, “Be wise when you speak. Rudeness is a weakness.”
Alfonzo scoffed. He tired of Alberti’s advice. It’s obvious he sought to protect Nico, but why is the question? He waved his hand dismissively, he didn’t care. “Just tell me why you’re here so I can leave. I don’t need to be chastised like a kid.”
“How are the children?”
Was Alberti deaf, or intentionally annoying, Alfonzo wondered?
He shook his head and snickered, “Hell, you’re insufferable.”
This brought a smile to the older man’s lips, “Yet, you endure.” He considered telling his nephew about Nico, then decided against it. Alfonzo was not ready to hear such news. The anger, told him this. Instead, Alberti got to the core of his visit. “You must lay low for a while. Do not engage in any illegal business. The authorities have you under a microscope. No travels, except locally. Give nothing to the American government to hang you, capisci?”
“Comprendo, that’s my intention.”
Alberti couldn’t see the blue eyes through the darkly tinted sunglasses, but the prominent cheekbones, square jawline and mannerisms were identical to Luzo. Luzo inherited the blue eyes, from their father, which seemed fitting. He was the first born and fate chose him to carry the gene. Neither Nico nor Vincent had such an eye color but Carlos’ son Giuseppe had. None of it mattered. In ancient times, the first born son of the eldest succeeded. Alfonzo would soon know the entire legacy but before he did, this feud between him and Nico must cool. Giuseppe and his wild ways were enough to deal with and now this, ah, adultery madness!
Nico’s position in the family was vital. He was after-all a Giacanti. “Ah,” Alberti sighed, from fatigue. He wanted to pass Nico the reins and retire. Live quietly and observe unless urgency required an assembly of the council.
Alfonzo frowned, when he heard the usually even-tempered man display such a sign of frustration. “You okay, uncle?”
This man’s acknowledgment of their familial ties provided hope, “The flight has tired me, that’s all.”
“You’re welcome in my home, you know?”
The statement elicited a smile, “Now you’re feeling sorry for the elderly, eh?”
“Sorry for you? Hell no, just being hospitable to a weary traveler.”
“Who is your uncle, no?”
“And a pain in the ass, yes.”
“I think you’ve grown fond of me, young man.”
“I guess a person can get accustomed to a wart on their ass after a while.”
Alberti chuckled, “I guess so.” His voice was serious when he said, “Nico stays on the job.”
Alfonzo nodded. There’s no point arguing with Alberti, besides, two contractors were better than one, and although he hated to admit it, he felt more confident knowing Nico was there, too.
“Oh, and another thing, stay out of the news with your companions, it’s not a good image.”
Alfonzo’s mischievous smirk was because Alberti didn’t know that phase of his life was over. His relationship with Selange was permanently on again. “I’ll try.”
Alberti tapped on the petition and the luxury car slid to the curb. “I will take you up on your offer another day. I’ll keep in touch nephew. Until your troubles are over, I will ensure any other matters are handled without your intervention. You do not need any further scrutiny, capisci?”
“Don’t worry yourself to the grave. Go smoke a cigar on me.” Alfonzo replied and exited the car.
Alberti shook his head, he was trying to quit. The wife and daughters had begun to pester him.
Alfonzo climbed beside Lou who’d been tailgating the whole time.
“Hey, everything okay?” Lou asked, “Anything you need me to do?”
“Yeah, speed home. I need to take a wicked piss.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Maria held Allie’s hand as they hurriedly shopped, conscious of the bodyguard trailing their steps. The other hand clutched her purse, its contents more valuable than the Centurion credit card from American Express or what the youngsters termed the ‘black card’. Alfonzo had given it to her and she had no idea there was such a thing as an exclusive credit card. Every time she used it, the cashier’s gaped in amazement. Apparently, it was quite a big deal. Maria frowned, such adoration of money and material items were examples of false idolatry and a barren soul. She fingered her rosary beads; she worshipped only one God and received an abundance of spiritual wealth.
Unfortunately, today she committed a sin. She told Selange she wanted to take her granddaughter to the mall as a ruse. She hated deceiving the young woman but she had to get to the truth. She quietly recited several Hail Mary’s, did an air cross then hurried the child along. Perhaps she should have brought the stroller as Selange suggested.
She’d found a lab adjacent to the mall, the only problem, shaking the guard in order to deliver the DNA samples secreted in her purse. Maria pondered for an hour and hadn’t devised a plan. She wasn’t good at subterfuge, it frazzled her nerves. Finally, she decided perhaps a direct approach worked best. Afterall, the name of the company didn’t scream DNA testing. It was rather ambiguous and the guard would be none the wiser.
“Come on Allie Nana needs to make one more stop then we go home, k?” She said as she carried the child on her hip.
Allie nodded and Maria walked briskly through the mall doors and headed for the row of businesses in the shopping center. She read the sign; GABAYA DIAGNOSTICS. This was it.
She entered and the receptionist smiled, “Buenos dias, may I help you?”
Maria checked over her shoulder for the bodyguard. He came through the glass doors and waited, his eyes roaming without shifting his head.
Maria leaned over the low counter and whispered, “Si, I called earlier about paternity testing.”
The receptionist nodded, “Did you bring the samples?”
Maria’s back was to the guard as she handed over the plastic baggies which she labeled as instructed. Inside were Q-tip swabs labeled A through C and strands of hair. Except in the zip-lock bag for A there wasn’t a swab, but an adult toothbrush. She’d swiped it from Alfonzo’s place during an impromptu visit before coming to the mall.
The woman discreetly took the items and placed them in a large sterile bag which waited with an alias Maria had given over the phone.
“You said three days, si?”
“Si, tres dias.”
Maria conspiratorial voice barely reached the clerk, “Can you have the results delivered as soon as they’re back.”
“Si, we can do that.”
Mari
a scribbled down the address, passed it to the woman. Paid in cash and returned to the island breeze. Aye, seventy-two hours was an eternity.
****
Alberti had the driver detour. He wanted to see his grandchildren. When they arrived at the estate, the guard immediately let the vehicle onto the grounds. Selange could not hide her surprise when she saw the intimidating man on her door step.
“Buongiorno Selange, may I come in?”
Selange stepped aside. Usually, the man visited when Alfonzo was present. She voiced this by saying, “Yes, but Alfonzo’s not here.”
“I have come to see you and the bambini. I hope this is okay?”
He was in the foyer, his posture erect and eyes scanning the lovely home. It was a beautiful place for a large family. Toys, comfortable seating, wide open space for children to grow and play. The unreadable expression did not belie his curiosity at how this young woman absorbed men, making them slaves to their passions. Then he inwardly smiled, there was another such woman who possessed equal power, the beautiful Pharaoh Cleopatra. In ancient times, she brought men to war for her. He could not have war between families. Perhaps, she was nothing at all like the ruthless Pharaoh but loyal as the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti. Later, he would speak candidly with the woman and discover her true heart.
Selange led the way to the nursery and hovered nearby as he ogled the infants. Making silly faces, ones he’d made long ago when his sons were born. His heart was heavy. Oh Vincent, how I do miss you, he thought lifting one then the other out of their prisons. He rocked them, feeling young again through their touch. He smiled and his face took on the appearance of a man half his age, “They’re bellissimo!”
Their mother laughed and he saw the heavens in her eyes, he also saw another woman; one in more modern times who died before his birth, she too, toppled men. Alfonzo’s and Nico’s attraction to Selange was very clear. She personified heaven or fulfillment. Semira.
Had he not believed such inclinations survived generations, he believed it now. The men were unaware of it; of course they did not know their full history. His smile thinned, he must share with his son many things, there’s no other way. As soon as Nico returned to Italy, he would take him on a journey through the past and then he’d understand why the war raging in his heart he must end.
He carefully placed the babies in their cribs and waved at each one. When he spoke to Selange, it was soft, “Can we walk in the garden before I go?”
“Sure.” She turned on the child monitor and they left the room. They passed Anita in the hall, “I’m just in the garden, listen out for the babies, please.”
Anita nodded. The man beside Selange with the dark hair sprinkled with gray she’d seen before. This was the first time, he’d come inside and she wondered what changed.
Selange moved gracefully at Alberti’s side, the long curly hair blanketing her shoulders. He had to admit, the woman’s exotic dark features and those feline hazel eyes were distracting to a man. Although, she wore a plain white halter dress, she walked with the regality of a Queen. This was a special woman, the only one who managed to tame Alfonzo and break him like a wild horse. Such power over a man, all women held but only few knew when to use.
“You do well in the garden.” He complimented.
“Thanks but lately I’ve had to hire gardeners for their care.”
“Um.” His tall frame gave her shade. “Is there anything you need?”
“I’m okay. Thanks, though.”
“I’ve watched you over the years and see the love you have for your children. I do wonder –and forgive me young lady if I pry but I must ask, what caused the lapse in such devotion to your husband, did he mistreat you?”
Selange halted. “It is prying and whatever happened between me and Alfonzo is personal. But to set your mind to rest, no Alfonzo has never abused me.”
This did not deter Alberti, “Then you stopped loving him?”
“No, I didn’t.”
He noticed the pain creeping across her face and guilt. He received his answers and tested further, “Then Nico was a dalliance of a bored woman, is that it?”
“For your information, Nico is my friend and a good one. I know everyone blames him for what happened but if you want the truth so bad, I’ll tell you. Nico isn’t the bad guy. I am. I seduced him with my neediness. She blinked trying to hold it together and not slap the nosy old man, but she’d satisfy his curiosity and put the matter to rest, permanently. Maybe, he’d tell the men to stop treating Nico like a piranha when his only crime was caring about her. “He’s suffering because of me and so is Alfonzo. I made a terrible mistake Mr. Luca. Vincent’s dead because of it. I feel horrible…is that what you need to hear…then okay…I feel sick about hurting the people I love. I lost my husband, a friend and someone Sal adored. I can’t do it over, I wish life allowed it, but it doesn’t. I didn’t want any of this to happen…” she stared at the ground, “I’m guilt-stricken over it…I am.”
“In loss we can learn many things. What did you learn?”
Her rose defiantly, “I learned the self-righteous have a slow descent and when they land it’s on sharp blades of hypocrisy.”
Alberti found her intriguing. Ah, Nico and the men had no chance. They were smitten like boys. To hear her speak in such a way, displayed the sharpness of her mind. Selange was a woman wiser beyond her years whose trek through tragedy and personal crisis gave her an iron will. She was Semira, the High Tower, the woman Alfonzo needed. She’d come into his life for a reason and Nico’s for a short time, but her place was with only one man. Alfonzo. “You speak like a poet. Let me put your mind at ease young lady,” he stepped close, looking her in the eye, “Vincent died honorably. We all miss him, yet just like a policeman; he had a dangerous job and was aware of the risks before he took it. He died protecting Alfonzo and you. What greater death is there?”
“But he wouldn’t have died if…”
He cut her off, “Sadly, Vincent died when he was meant to. Your contrition shows you have a conscience, which is good, but wallowing in guilt is counter-productive.”
“Humph.”
“Alfonzo loves you, it’s obvious. If you love him as I believe you do. Release Nico…sometimes true repentance requires we must let go of bad habits to find healthier ones.”
Selange nodded, “Nico will always be my friend, but I know we’re not meant for each other. Being with him costs too much. Alfonzo’s the man I want and love. He’s also what my heart needs.”
Alberti smirked, “Good.” The woman had come to her senses. In time the family would be stronger from this. Patience was the cure.
They began walking to the house. Their little talk was done. He said god-bye to her at the door then took a moment to gaze around at the huge lawn. Soon, there would be more children running around, playing happily. He recalled fragmented pieces from long ago. He was a small boy, perhaps Allie’s age surrounded by family. This image is only one of the few memories which remained of the Giacanti’s before the tragedy. “Ah,” there was hope for Alfonzo’s family. Broken relationships were mendable. His feet flattened the dark-green grass as he strolled toward the car.
A vehicle approached, it’s shiny grill and luxury insignia identified the make proudly. He didn’t wait long to find out who sat inside. The driver held the door aloft and Maria Diaz emerged with Allie in her arms. Their eyes met and he observed fear there. He became amused. Why did she fear him? He was curious to know.
He intercepted her, “Buongiorno Maria. It is nice to see you again.”
“I won’t lie and say the same,” she replied and went to walk around him. But, Alberti blocked her passage. The action caused her eyes to widen, “Move…get out of my way.”
“We must talk.” Alberti said, simultaneously gesturing the guard over. “Take the child in the house.”
“Yessir, Mr. Luca.”
The sleeping child was removed from Maria’s arms and she glared at Alberti. “You have no right.”
“I disagree.” He said sternly and held open the door to his car. “Come, let’s talk.”
She considered going inside then knew he’d only follow. Reluctantly, she bent and entered the car. Alberti’s driver immediately stood outside as they talked.
“What’s this about Alberti?” She asked impatiently.
“Such hostility. There was a time I received a warmer greeting.”
“That’s before I knew what you were about.”
“And did Gina tell you what I am about, too?” His eyes raked over her face. The sexy remnants of the young woman his brother Luzo fell in love with hidden beneath the surface, suppressed by time and a devotion to her Faith.
“Gina?”
Alberti assumed it was Gina who frightened the woman, yet Maria’s expression told him it was not. He sat forward inquisitively, “Who came to see you, if not Luzo’s wife?”
“You and your family are despicable. The woman Sophie is the only honest one among you. She told me about Luzo’s wife and warned me to go before the woman found out.”
Alberti froze, Sophie, his brother’s wife?
This news shocked him. He had to return immediately to Italy, Sophie required a visit!
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The boat Captain waved at his passenger as she embarked in the Port of North Carolina several hours later. She wasn’t the talkative kind and he liked that. He was also glad to be rid of his passenger to sail north again. He had a dinner date in a few days with a nice woman he met on-line. He’d take her out on the town since he’d scored a large amount of spending cash and maybe…just maybe he’d get lucky.
Yei found a cab recited an address in Miami and the driver had to check with his dispatcher to get approval. Yei, tossed a thousand dollars on the front seat and the driver started moving. She leaned against the cracked pleather seat and shut her eyes. The face of her target appeared. She had the ability to retain and recall information longer than most which came mainly from practice. As a girl to fill the lonely hours as her mother toiled in the hot factories sewing and ironing garments to be sold all over the world for expensive prices. In America they were called sweat shops, yet did anyone care about these women who worked sixteen hour days and received less than what it cost to make one of those designer shirts or pants they wore? Of course not, because if they did, they would not continue to strut about proudly with designer handbags with fancy stitching.
