by Reilly, Cora
“What’s going on?” I asked in a low voice, heading into my office so Valentina wouldn’t overhear anything. She didn’t need to worry.
“The photographer disappeared.”
“What do you mean he disappeared?”
“I tried calling him but he didn’t pick up. Then I called in his agency and they said they can’t reach him. I sent someone over to his apartment to check on him but he wasn’t there. His car parked in its usual place.”
“You think someone from the Famiglia kidnapped him?” It was the logical explanation, almost too logical for Luca after seeing photos of Aria with me.
“Yes. Or it could be the mole.”
My mouth tightened. We’d suspected a spy in our ranks for a while but we didn’t have any clues as to who it could be. “Considering that the photos haven’t made headline yet, it could be Luca’s intention to make sure it stays that way.”
“We can leak the photos directly to several social media platforms. Once they are online, even Luca can’t stop them from spreading.”
“No, Luca is already out of control. He’ll make mistakes. That’s what we wanted. Look at what he did to those bikers. He’s unpredictable. The photos hit him where they were supposed to.” The bloodbath in Jersey had been discussed enthusiastically in several online forums in the darknet, with many speculations pointing toward Luca. I had no doubt it was him.
“All right. What are we supposed to do about the photographer?”
“He’ll be dead by now, or wish he was. Our focus needs to be on finding the possible spy in our ranks.”
“Luca’s started weeding out the Famiglia from what I hear.”
Of course, he had. He’d vent his anger on anyone who’d ever opposed him and kill as many of his opponents as possible.
I’d begun removing soldiers who weren’t loyal to me long before I’d become Capo. Luca had a lot of catching up to do. “Attack his borders and try to strike up a cooperation with the MCs in his territory.”
“They don’t cooperate well. They follow their own rules. We can never know if we can trust them.”
“I have absolutely no intention to trust any of them. I want them to carry out attacks on Famiglia clubs and storage facilities. We’ll provide them with drugs and guns in return.”
“I’ll try my luck. Right now, I don’t have any close contacts but I’ll try to build them.”
The bell rang. “I need to hang up now. Keep me updated.”
I stepped back out of my office just when Gabby opened the front door. Anna spotted me immediately and stormed toward me, the skirt of her plaid dress fluttering around her short legs. I picked her up and kissed her cheek. Livia had styled her hair with French braids again, Anna’s favorite hairdo. “Where is he?” she asked excitedly.
I smiled, nodding toward the kitchen door where Val just walked out with Leonas on her arm. Anna’s eyes widened. “He’s white!”
I chuckled. “He’s pale blond, but his hair will probably darken a bit over the years like mine did.”
Anna peered up at me. “Your hair was white when you were a baby?”
“Like Leonas’ hair, yes.”
“And I have Mommy’s hair?”
Val smiled as she stopped beside us. “Almost.”
Giovanni and Livia joined us, smiling proudly.
“Did everything go well?” Val asked her parents then kissed Anna’s forehead.
“Everything went well,” Giovanni said, but his eyes darted to me and tightened. Since he’d found out about the staged photos, he’d kept his distance to me. I assumed because he worried otherwise he’d show his anger. Being my father-in-law as well as Underboss proved tricky.
Livia crooned over Leonas but he didn’t wake.
“Daddy?” Anna peered up at me. “Why’s he asleep?”
“He’s tired.”
“But I wanna meet him.”
I stroked her hair. “Soon, Anna.” She regarded him, her head tilted to the side as if he was a toy she didn’t understand. Val gave me a small smile, looking exhausted and happy. No matter how difficult things in the Outfit were, this sight always gave me hope for our future.
We all headed toward the dining area. I set Anna down so she could follow Val and ask her questions about Leonas.
“Can I have a quick word with you?” Giovanni asked when the women settled at the dining table.
“Of course,” I said and led him a few steps away. “I know you don’t approve of my plan.”
Giovanni shook his head. “There should have been another way to handle the situation, Dante. I don’t like how this could reflect on Val.”
“Nobody knows anything.”
“Yet. To be honest, I’m glad Luca managed to keep the photos from making headlines.”
I didn’t say anything, not willing to admit that I was too. The plan was working its cause anyway and so I was determined to file it as a success, at least for outward appearances. “This plan affirmed my suspicion that we have a spy in our ranks. The photographer was kidnapped, and I doubt Luca could have sent someone from his Famiglia over so quickly. They would have to ask around for the address, and that would have attracted plenty of attention. The job must have been done by someone from our men who knew where to find him.”
“The man has been on our payroll for years. Many people know about him. The list of possible spies would be very long.”
“I know. We need to write every possible name down and go over them. If we can narrow it down to certain people who might have reason to be dissatisfied with their position in the Outfit, we’ll take them aside and talk to them. If they act suspicious, we’ll intensify our efforts.”
Giovanni frowned. “I don’t like the idea of a spy among our men. Do you really think it’s the case?”
“I hope not, but I think we need to accept the possibility. Do you have any apparent suspects?”
Giovanni looked away with a distant expression. Something about his face made me believe there was someone he had in mind but was still reluctant to name. “Giovanni?”
He quickly shook his head. “I’ll put down names for you today and email them to you. I think we should join our wives, they are waiting for us.”
He was right. Val and Livia were looking our way. The plates were already filled with food. I inclined my head, but my suspicion remained. If Giovanni hesitated to reveal a name, it must be someone he was close to, so either one of his closest soldiers or family. “Is Orazio still in Chicago? He’s been working with the Famiglia closely and might have clues about possible suspects.”
Giovanni’s expression darkened. “We got in an argument yesterday. I haven’t talked to him since then. He’s supposed to help me with our new drug lab until next week.”
I hadn’t seen Orazio in a couple of months. Since the war with the Famiglia had broken out again, he’d mostly worked for Pietro in Minneapolis and only occasionally when Giovanni insisted in Chicago as had been the case the last two weeks, but we hadn’t crossed paths. It had been a constant conflict between the two that he refused to finally return to Chicago and work with his father. After all, Orazio was supposed to take over as Underboss at some point. I knew Giovanni was dangling the position over his head under the condition that Orazio settled down and married a woman his parents chose for him. I hadn’t gotten involved so far, neither as Orazio’s brother-in-law nor as Capo. Forcing him into a bond he was reluctant about wasn’t part of my duties. But eventually, Orazio would have to take over from Giovanni, so one of them would have to back down.
Val gave me a questioning look. I smoothed my expression. I didn’t want to give her reason to worry. She should only focus on our newborn son, not the problems between her father and brother.
After lunch, I headed into the office and tried to call Orazio but the voicemail answered. Instead, I called Pietro, wondering if Orazio had returned to Minneapolis without telling his father. I’d have preferred to spend the day with Val and the kids, but as Capo, I couldn’t let
problems get out of control. Maybe I needed to have a word with Orazio. The conflict between Giovanni and him affected their work and Val, both of which were unacceptable.
“Dante, good to hear from you,” Pietro said. “Are Leonas and Val home?”
It was easy to understand why Ines was so happy with him. He was one of the most easy-going Made Men I knew, but it didn’t make him any less effective. He’d mastered the art of channeling his dark side. One of the reasons why I admired him.
“Yes, just this morning. I prefer to have them in the mansion right now.”
“Understandable. I’ve been thinking about additional protection for Ines and the kids. Ines isn’t too happy about the prospect of more guards in and around the house though.”
“I doubt Luca will target them, yet caution is certainly advisable.”
“I assume you didn’t call to tell me about Leonas and Val. Are there any new developments with the photos?”
“Giovanni, Rocco and I are going to make a list with possible spies.”
Pietro was quiet for a moment. “And you want names from me? Or am I one of the suspects?”
It was said in jest but I wondered if Pietro worried about my trust in him. I’d never explicitly told him how much I appreciated his loyalty. He was one of the very last men I’d ever suspect, not only because the consequences would be devastating, if it were the case. It was a choice I’d never want to face. “I trust you, Pietro. Ines trusts you.” It was all I’d say.
Pietro cleared his throat. “Then you want names? You think one of my men might be among the traitors?”
“I hope it’s only one rat. And I don’t have any of your men in particular in mind. Orazio has been in contact with many soldiers who worked closely with the Famiglia over the years. I’d like a word with him.”
“I’m sure he can give you a list of people who got along too well with Famiglia soldiers. But…” He hesitated. “…why are you calling me? Orazio has been in Chicago for two weeks and so far he hasn’t returned to Minneapolis. Giovanni told me he’d have to help with the lab for another week. Don’t you think Orazio is going to visit Leonas and Val?”
“Giovanni had a fight with him, so I assumed he returned without a word.”
“Oh, well, he hasn’t called me yet. I’ll let you know if he shows up here. Maybe he just needed some time to calm down. Doesn’t he know Leonas was born?”
My suspicious nature reared its head, but I pushed it down. “Val sent him a text message. He congratulated her but hasn’t called or showed up. Maybe he wants to avoid Giovanni and plans a surprise visit later today or tomorrow.”
“Maybe,” Pietro said. “Giovanni gave him a hard time because of that girl of his. But he broke it off so many years ago I thought he’d have made peace with him by now.”
“They tolerate each other at best,” I said. I hadn’t gotten involved in their family matters. Giovanni had wanted to keep the thing hush-hush, I hadn’t told anyone but Pietro because I valued his input. Valentina and I hadn’t even been married yet when things between Orazio and the girl happened, and I’d been in mourning then.
Pietro sighed. “You don’t think…?”
He didn’t voice what I didn’t want to consider. “He’s a good soldier and family. Orazio would never betray the Outfit.” It was a fact I had to trust in because the alternative was absolutely unacceptable.
“He is.”
But he’d also worked very closely with the Famiglia during his time in Cleveland, and he’d talked a long time with Matteo at Val’s and my wedding. I shoved the thought aside.
“He’s family, and family sometimes fights. He’ll come around. Giovanni can be difficult.”
I stared at the photo frame on my desk with a photo of Val, Anna, and me during a day at the Great Lakes last summer. Val had the same photo on her desk in her office upstairs as well as a photo of our wider family, including Orazio. She’d tried to intensify their contact and they had talked on the phone at least once a month. Since Anna’s birth, Orazio had even visited every other month. Val loved her brother even if they weren’t as close as she wanted.
If Orazio was the traitor…
My chest tightened considering what I’d have to do. I wouldn’t hesitate to kill him. I would question him personally. It would be cowardly not to do so, and even if I didn’t do it with my own hands, Val would be devastated all the same. Could she live with it? Could she forgive me if I killed her brother? And what about Livia?
“I’m sure he’ll surprise you in the afternoon.”
“Let’s hope so.” My voice was steel but my insides were an all-consuming inferno.
After breakfast the next day, Leonas was asleep beside me on the couch while I read a picture book with Anna who was curled up against my side. She’d hardly left my side since Mamma and Papa had brought her home yesterday. I could tell that she was worried I wouldn’t have time for her anymore now that Leonas was born. Stroking her hair, I flipped the page and continued reading.
My phone rang, startling me but luckily not Leonas. I picked up when I saw it was Orazio.
“Hi little brother,” I said with a smile. In recent years, our relationship had improved again and it made me deliriously happy.
“Hey Val. How are you? Sorry I didn’t call sooner.”
“Don’t worry. I guess Dad’s keeping you busy so you don’t get in trouble.”
He made a non-committal noise, which could only mean that they’d had another fight. “I’m not on speaking terms with him at the moment.”
“Again? But I thought you’re helping him with the new drug lab?”
Another grunt. “Let’s not talk about that now. I wanted to come over in the afternoon to see my nephew, is that okay?”
“Of course. Will you stay for dinner?”
“No… no, I can’t.”
I didn’t ask why. Orazio always made himself scarce. He was a ladies’ man, or so rumor had it and I assumed he’d rather spent the night with a conquest than with his sister and her two small kids, or his boss. He and Dante had never really become family. It was difficult for Orazio to ignore the fact that Dante was his Capo.
“I need to hang up now. See you later.”
“Until then,” I said. It sounded as if Orazio was in a car.
“Who was that?” Anna asked curiously.
“Uncle Orazio. He’s coming to visit this afternoon.”
“Yay!”
I grinned at her obvious delight then grabbed Leonas and stood. “Come. Let’s find Zita to tell her she needs to bake Orazio’s favorite cake.”
After talking to Zita and Gabby, I headed into Dante’s office to tell him about Orazio’s visit. He preferred to know who set foot into our mansion. His protectiveness hadn’t really lessened since he had two small kids to worry about. I knocked then stepped in. Anna immediately rushed toward her dad and he hoisted her up on his lap.
Dante’s brows furrowed in concern. The Famiglia situation had weighed heavily on him these last few days. “Is this a reminder that I’m working too much?”
“Yes!” Anna bellowed, beaming up at Dante. He wrapped an arm around her with a chuckle. “All right.”
“Orazio called. He’s coming over for coffee.”
Dante’s demeanor shifted at once, becoming vigilant and focused. “He did? Where is he now?”
I pursed my lip. “I suppose in Chicago? Isn’t he helping my father?” Dante’s question threw me off, and at the same time worried me.
“Neither your father nor I could reach him since yesterday.”
“He said he had a fight with Papa. Maybe he needed time to cool off.”
“That’s what Pietro said.”
“You asked Pietro if Orazio had returned to Minneapolis.”
Dante looked down at Anna who’d begun drawing on one of the papers on his desk. But I had a feeling he was also doing it on purpose to avoid my eyes. “I prefer to know about the whereabouts of my men.”
Then it dawned on me
and indignation rose in me. “You can’t seriously consider Orazio doing anything against the Outfit. He’s my brother, Dante. For God’s sake, please don’t drag our family even more into this war than we already are.”
Dante looked up with a pained expression. “I never meant to drag you into this. But it’s inevitable.”
Anna glanced between us. We tried not to argue in front of her and I already regretted my outburst but since the war had begun Dante suspected enemies at every corner. If his paranoia now extended to family that was simply too much.
Dante stood and set Anna down on his desk chair. “Can you draw a picture of us?”
Anna nodded and bent over the sheet with a look of acute concentration on her gorgeous face. Leonas shifted in my hold and I rocked him gently so he wouldn’t start crying.
Dante righted his vest before he headed my way, touching my shoulder. “I don’t suspect Orazio, Val. But his conflict with your father is something that concerns me greatly. He needs to make peace with him and step up to his duties.”
I didn’t catch a hint of deceit on Dante’s face but still a small part of me stayed worried. “I know,” I said quietly. “Dad expects a lot from Orazio but my brother wants to have a little freedom. Maybe that’s why he’s not willing to settle down with one of the possible brides Dad keeps pushing on him.”
“At some point, he needs to marry.”
“Not everyone wants to settle for less than love,” I said, even if I wasn’t sure if a wish for love held Orazio back or if he just wanted to keep having fun.
“We didn’t settle,” Dante said firmly, pulling me closer but careful not to squish our sleeping son. “We worked for our love, and we were rewarded.”
I cocked an eyebrow with a teasing smile. “We?”
Dante sighed and kissed my mouth. “You did all the work in the beginning, I know. If it wasn’t for your stubborn streak, I’d still be—”
“…sulking in your office?”
A hint of exasperation flickered in his eyes. “…caught up in the past.”
“Done!” Anna exclaimed.
