Page 76 of The Capo's Nymph
“No.”
One word, zero hesitation. I can’t blame him. We’re at war, though it’s been fairly tame so far. Dante said Sofia wouldn’t say anything. I suppose she hasn’t if Alessio hasn’t gone apeshit by now, but I have a feeling it won’t last.
“I would agree to a temporary truce or send a hostage to your territory if necessary to-”
“Would you send your little wifey to visit us while mine visits you, Nico?”
“No fucking way.”
“That’s good to hear because the answer would still be no.”
“I’d like to hear Caterina’s answer.”
“No.”
This fucker.
Ending the pointless call, I leave my mother disappointed. Father’s not dead yet so maybe we can work something out before then.
***
Primo and I pick up Maddalena next. My wife skewers me with the questions in her eyes, but I think Primo’s presence helps reassure her when I say I need her sister’s help with some last-minute shopping.
“Am I in big trouble?” Maddalena asks once we’re in the car.
Primo jumps in to answer before I can. “No! No one is going to hurt you, Maddalena. I swear it.” No sooner than the words are out of his mouth, he realizes he’s overstepped his position, and they both turn to me.
“No, you’re not in trouble, and Primo is correct, but I need your help with a couple of things today.”
***
My war with the West is all thanks to treason in my midst. Merry fucking Christmas.
Dante’s methods for extracting information are undeniably effective. Antonio’s man spills lots of useful details, including Antonio’s role in his brother’s death and his plan to undermine me and take over the Midwest Trio while I’m busy fighting Alessio. He’s been plotting for a while now, since before my father’s illness was known, but I can still outmaneuver him. In Giacomo’s greed to workwith the traffickers, he unwittingly led me to all the snakes in my garden.
A few hours later, I hold a meeting with the men in Chicago whose loyalty I felt sure of long before I officially became Capo – our cousin Eros, three of my Captains, Primo and a dozen other Made Men. It’s not as many as I'd like, but I don't want to wait for men from other cities to arrive. I chose only those without any family or strong business ties to the Barzetti Family until I’m certain who all was working with them.
“Thank you for coming. I would not ordinarily call you away from your families today, but there’s a sex trafficking ring operating in my territory specializing in teenage girls,” I announce once we’re gathered. Their reactions indicate what I’d hoped – shock and disgust – and cements my faith in them. “Before the new year begins, that ring will be eliminated along with a handful of traitors.”
“Where will we find this scum?” Eros asks on behalf of the others.
“The top men are having a little party tonight. We’re going to crash it.”
My sinister scowl and Dante’s unhinged smile infect the others. A very bloody Christmas is coming.
33
Matilde
The twins watch me curiously while I wrap presents when Maddalena finally returns with Primo. The young guard places his hand on my sister’s shoulder, whispers a word or two and then retreats to the hallway to talk with Ugo and Enio.
“Che cosa?”
“Primo just wanted to be sure I’m okay.”
“Good, but what did Nico want? Where have you been?”
Maddalena sighs, taking a seat on the floor and smiling when Lucia reaches for her. “What are you wrapping?” she asks, picking up her niece and delaying the answer.
