Page 5 of Forgetting the Enemy
Chapter 2
Michael
“So, Vince, what brings you to The North Shore?” I pause but then continue before he can answer. “I have to admit, Pop and I were surprised to hear you wanted to meet with us.” I look over at Ricco and nod. I really don’t think I need to worry about safety around Vince, but I double-check with Ricco to make sure he’s on point just in case. He nods back to assure me he’s got my back.
“Michael, we’ve known each other a long time. We grew up together, went to school together, and at one point, we were even friends,” Vince says.
I nod. “We were until your bastard father accused my family of murdering your mother. Which you know is a complete lie.”
Vince looks down. “Look, Michael, I hope you know that was all my father. I never believed the hit came from the Vitalis. I’ve tried to talk to Pop about it several times, but you know there’s no reasoning with him.”
He’s right about that. I’m anxious to find out why he wants this meet. When he called Ricco to request it, he said it had to do with Zaira. I’m not sure if it really has to do with her or if he used it as a sure way to get my attention. In either case, I really believe it was the only reason I agreed to this. I’ve always had a soft spot for his younger sister. Hell, when our families were civil to each other, it was always implied Zaira and I would marry. I never really gave marriage much thought, but being married to Zaira couldn’t have been all that bad. I mean, hell she’s a fucking knockout, but there was also something mesmerizing about the way she looked at me that I swear I would do anything for her if she asked.
“So why the meet?” I’m getting impatient. I didn’t agree to this to rehash of history between our families. I want to know why this involves Zaira.
“Well, like I told you, it’s about Zaira,” he says.
I give him a look that says,I already know that. Now tell me something I don’t know.
“She’s engaged to marry Victor Masserie.” He stops and waits for a reaction from me.
Outwardly, I give him nothing. Inside, I’m shocked and more pissed than I’d like to be. Her father is a son of a bitch, but Victor is just plain cruel. He’s been trying to build his own family. We all know it, but unfortunately Bonita is blind to Victor and his ambition, and I’m sure the bastard has convinced Alberto an alliance between the two families will increase Alberto’s power. The thought of Zaira married to that fucker makes my skin crawl. Besides, she’s supposed to be my fucking wife!Where the fuck did this come from?
But, like my father taught me, I show no sign of anger and remain calm in front of Vince. “So why are you telling me this? My family has nothing to do with any of that,” I say defensively. I’ll really be pissed if he tries to pin this alliance move by Victor on my family.
Vince looks at Armino, his bodyguard and capo, and says, “Armino, take a walk.”
Without question, Armino nods, turns, and walks away from the table Vince and I are sitting at by the pool of my family home and compound.
“Ricco,” I say, looking at him and gesturing for him to do the same.
“No, Ricco. You need to stay for this.” He pauses and says, “If that is okay with you, Michael?”
I nod. “I trust Ricco with my life. I was only asking him to go to be respectful to you. I figured what you were about to tell me was confidential.”
“It is, but he needs to hear this too.” Vince looks at me warily. “Voglio che tu uccida mio padre e Victor Masserie,” Vince blurts out.
What the fuck?Does he have any idea the ramifications of what he just said? No wonder he asked Armino to take a walk.Fuck!“What the hell, Vince? Do you realize what you are asking?”
He nods but doesn’t say anything.
“If we hit your father, it’s a power move and a declaration of war on the other three families of New York.” I shake my head and rub my temples. I’m too young to deal with this shit. Fuck, I’m not even the Don yet. Speaking of the Don, my father will never agree to this.”
“I knew you were going to react this way, but just hear me out, Michael.”
I look at him and stupidly agree to listen to what he has to say. I should send him on his way and have him find someone else to do what he asks, but if I do, and he gets someone else, they could fuck up the situation worse and then we’re all screwed. “Dimmi, whether I agree to hear your out or not, you’re gonna tell me anyway,” I say reluctantly.I should have my fucking head examined for entertaining this one.
“So my father is forcing Zaira to marry Victor. She is devastated, but she will not object to the marriage openly and defy my father or Victor. She knows the role she’s been raised to fill and what’s expected of her. It breaks me to know my sister is destined to marry a man she detests. Victor will treat her worse than the dirt under his shoes. He will abuse her, Michael, physically and mentally. I can’t sit back and allow it to happen. Zaira and Mia, they’re special. They have sweetness to them that they have been able to keep even amongst this hell we have created around them.Per favore,Michael. Please.”
“I don’t know, Vince. What you’re asking—”
“What if it was Gina?” he asks, cutting me off. “What would you do then?”
I’ll tell you what I’d do; I’d fuck up anyone who would hurt my kid sister. But also, Gina would never be in this type of situation. “You know I can’t answer that question. My father would never force Gina to marry a man she didn’t love,” I reply.
“Exactly. That’s my point. Your father… Fuck, Michael, your whole family deserves the respect they command. My father’s way of doing things? Well, frankly,è nel passato. It’s the past. His way of thinking and the way he treats women are the old ways, and I think we all would like a change. He’s cruel and ruthless, and he must be stopped. The only way to do that is to kill him, and the Vitalis have to do it.”
“War, Vince, that’s what you’re asking of my family.”
