Page 32 of War Within
“Don't just say.” Tony’s face appeared as if it were about to shatter. “You're being a distraction.” He turned to us. “All of you, shut the fuck up!”
There was no way I would get through any of this without hurting someone. I bit my tongue, nodding to everything Tony said. It was important that I pretended to pay attention. I was about to uncover something huge.
Giovanni and I used to be close friends, but we were from rival families. It was before either of us entered a life of crime. Eventually, we were forced apart when his dying father said he was passing the torch to him. We made a pact that even though we were no longer allowed to associate, we would always have one another’s back if it came to it. Sadly, it was not as easy as it should have been. Evil forces played us against one another at times.
“Carmine!” Tony’s voice crushed my thoughts.
“Yes?” I dropped my cigarette to the floor, snuffing it out with my boot.
“Big Fish will definitely want to involve you in this. I’m going to need you to make sure you’re on the top of your game.”
I nodded. “Our history has nothing to do with the present. Fuck the Rovati family.”
“Good.” He chuckled. “Because fuck them, you are about to do.”
“I know Joey and Sammy are getting the girl, but I would prefer if you let me.” I sighed.
“Um, no.” Tony scoffed. “I don’t want you getting that close. I need you elsewhere.”
Knowing there was no use in fighting him on it, I nodded. “Very well.”
The moment I landed at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey my phone was ringing nonstop. I could not even get to the car without someone needing me. I decided to take my chances, answering Luca’s call as I stepped out of the plane onto the steps.
Pronto.
Emil, why the actual fuck haven’t you been answering my calls?
I was still on the plane. I was resting. What’s going on?
Nick and I have a guy here who might know a bit more than he’s letting on.
Leo opened the back passenger door of a black, Bentley Mulsanne, parked not far from the jet.
Where are you guys?I slid into the car, letting Leo close the door.
The Hole, right now.
On my way. I hung up, sliding my phone into my inner jacket pocket.
Leo opened the front passenger door, getting in. “Where to?”
“The hotel.”
“You heard him.” Leo nodded at the driver.
The Hole was the basement beneath Rovati’s, Giovanni’s hotel. It was where we conducted much of our…torture. Hidden from the world and protected by the underground walls, it gave us the ability to perform business in a soundproof environment.
Luca and I much enjoyed taking people down there. It meant we had no limits as to what we could do to those who dared fuck with the family. We did not treat them so kindly. Equipped with numerous tools and weapons, it was the perfect place to show someone why they did not challenge us. Some of them barely walked away, others were not so fortunate.
The moment we pulled in front of the hotel, I stepped out on the curb. Adjusting my tie, I peered around for any sign of spies. Leo rolled his window down.
“Do you need me for anything?”
I shook my head. “No. When you drop my things off, just let the nanny know I’ll be home in a couple of hours and not to leave just yet.”
“Sure.”
I spun around, exhaling, glancing down at my attire. Tugging on the bottom of my jacket, I straightened it before sauntering through the automatic doors into the overwhelming lobby. The concierge greeted me. The employees roaming the lobby tensed up promptly, beaming and greeting me as I hurried through to the elevator.
