Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 91238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
“I’m fine.” I take a long drink of whiskey. I’m definitely not fine, and I don’t like lying to Carlo about it, but he can’t know the truth.
Saul likely suspects, but I haven’t seen him since that day.
“You’re definitely not, but I know when you’re going to ice me out, and you’re well on your way. How about this. There’s a little meet-and-greet happening tonight at the Teamsters Union Hall. Renzo and Don Rinaldo want our two families to spend some time together and give Saul another opportunity to fuck things up with his future wife. You should make an appearance.”
My stomach clenches. That sounds like pure torture. I’d be expected to smile and make nice with the Rinaldo soldiers, capos, and cousins, all the while my brother is flirting with the woman I’ve never been able to get over.
“I don’t think so.”
“Come on. People are starting to wonder what you’re even doing back in town. You never come out to the house, you barely go to any of our properties, and when you do, you spend your time looking pissy. Like right now.”
“I’m not looking pissy.” I glare at him, aware that he’s right, which only makes me even more angry. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe it’s better if I just go back to Vegas.”
“Bro, come on.” Carlo’s voice softens. “We need you here right now. With the shit going down with the Russians and the Irish, we’re stronger together. Renzo won’t admit it, but he needs your help.”
I grunt and turn my drink in a circle. “You’re right about that. I need to get more involved with the business while I’m here.”
“Atta boy. We’ll go raid a Russian whorehouse together, how about that? Free some of those poor fucking Slavic chicks they love to traffic in here.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“In the meantime, come with me to this party thing. It’s like a pre-wedding wedding. Like fucking Renzo wants to make sure our two families aren’t going to start shooting each other over fifty-year-old grudges or something.”
I smile at that. “Some of Pop’s old capos would probably love it.”
“Those assholes can’t get out of their wheelchairs let alone start shooting.”
“You’d be surprised. I bet the grandpas can really mow people down.”
“Come on. Come with me. Say you’ll be there.”
I rub my face. This is a really bad idea. I’m going to be miserable, and I haven’t been in the same room as Allegra in a very long time.
Ten years, three months, and sixteen days, to be exact.
Not that I keep track or anything.
“Fine,” I say even though my whole body’s screaming at me not to do it.
This is a complete mistake.
“Good call, bro.” Carlo slaps my back. “Gotta admit, I’m relieved as fuck. It was either you come and keep me company, or I’d have to hang around with fucking Dante or something the whole time, and you know how he can be.” Carlo makes a face. Poor Dante, he’s a good guy, but he’s Renzo’s best friend and bodyguard. Not exactly the party type.
“Tell me what time and I’ll show up.”
Carlo’s grin spreads. “I’ll do you one better. I’m not leaving your side from here until it’s time to go. We’ll hit up my tailor, get some new suits, and roll through looking like kings.”
“I don’t need a new suit.”
“Nobody needs a new suit, bro. But admit it, you feel so much better when you get one, right?”
“I think that’s just you.”
“Sure, whatever you say.” He laughs and slaps my back, and I take a long drink.
Chapter 5
Allegra
The union hall is packed with Rinaldo and Rossi family, friends, associates, and organization members. I know most of the people from our side, and a lot of the people from the Rossis, but there are still a lot I’ve never seen before.
In Philadelphia, there are three main Italian families. There used to be more, but over time they’ve slowly died out as law enforcement has cracked down on organized crime. Thanks, RICO, for messing that up. Now it’s just Papa, Don Rossi, and Don Milano.
This alliance is important, and my marriage to Saul is the keystone keeping it all from crumbling apart. Which means I’m the center of attention and I absolutely despise it.
“You look like you’re about to light the bar on fire,” Sophia says in my ear as she snatches a wine glass from a server and shoves it in my hands. “Try to smile.”
I spread my lips and show my teeth.
She grimaces. “Okay, stop, that’s worse.”
I sigh and take a long drink. “Sorry. I’m just overwhelmed. I think I’ve been introduced to like six dozen different people and I don’t remember any of their names.”
“I know, it’s kind of crazy, right? I didn’t know you were so important.”
“I’m not.” I give her a look and gesture back at the mass of people. “This is about them, not about me.”