“We have to gather more information before we act, Rocco. This isn’t something we can risk without a foolproof plan. And right now, neither you nor Giovanni are in a state of mind to discuss plans.”
Rocco shook his head. “We can’t wait!”
“Careful with that tone,” I growled. “We will wait and you’ll gather more info before we discuss tactics. Understood?”
Rocco moved even closer. “You owe me this. Remember, Jacopo.”
I grabbed his throat and shoved him against the desk. “One more word, Rocco, and you’ll die before Fabiano. I won’t tolerate your disrespect. And remember that you owe me more than I do.”
Giovanni hovered a few steps from us, a hand on his gun. He needn’t have worried. I didn’t need his help against Rocco. I made sure I stayed fit, Rocco on the other hand only tried to stay in shape by taking a young girl in his bed.
“Understood?” I hissed.
“Yes,” Rocco got out. I released him and he massaged his throat. “Sorry, Capo. This has been a shock.”
“Find out more information and once you’ve calmed down, we’ll figure out what we can do.”
Rocco nodded and left. I followed after him, wary of his emotional state.
“Maria! Get the boys. We’re leaving!” he barked.
Maria hurried into the lobby, the two boys in front of her. Rocco Jr. and Riccardo were four and five, and looked like twins. Riccardo ducked his head but Rocco frowned. “But we were playing with Leonas.”
Rocco slapped his older son. “Do I look like I care?”
Val gave me a horrified look as she appeared in the doorway behind Maria.
“It’s not a sign of strength to hurt the people you need to protect,” Leonas muttered the words I’d told him several times.
Rocco glared at my son but then quickly smoothed his face and gave me a tight smile. “See you soon.”
Without another word, he walked out. Maria quickly pushed the boys out as well and hurried after him.
Val shook her head and stroked Leonas’ head. He came over to me. “Why can’t you order him to treat his family nicely?”
I sighed. “A Capo can’t get involved in family matters.”
“That’s stupid!” Leonas muttered, stomping his foot.
“Do not take that tone with me,” I said sharply.
Leonas snapped his mouth shut, eying me warily. I wasn’t in a state of mind for a discussion with him today.
“I have to work,” I clipped and returned to my office. Giovanni sat in his usual chair again, looking out of the window.
I closed the door and released a long breath.
Giovanni slanted me a look. “Maybe this is God’s way to punish us.”
I walked over to the liquor cabinet and poured us generous glasses of Scotch. “I don’t believe in a higher power. That won’t change now. My mother would probably say we’re cursed.” I laughed bitterly and downed a considerable amount of the burning liquid before I handed Giovanni a glass.
“I’m not a believer either, but sometimes I wonder…”
“What kind of message would it send to punish us for our sins by favoring other sinners?” Luca and Remo certainly deserved hell as much as I did.
“It’s good that your father doesn’t realize what’s going on anymore.”
“Dementia turns out to be his blessing,” I said sarcastically. It spared me his disapproval anyway.
I perched on the edge of the desk, downing the rest of my drink. “What do you think should I do?”
Giovanni looked surprised. “Don’t you think I’m too emotionally involved to give you advice?”
“Who of us isn’t emotionally involved at this point, Giovanni? I’m fucking furious over this development. I want to torture and kill until the fire in my veins abates. Do you think I’m in a state to make strategic decisions?”
“You are Capo, but you are human too.”
I chuckled without joy. “I’m not without failure, that much is clear. Two high-ranking sons in enemy famiglias.” I poured myself more scotch. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had more than a glass.
“I don’t know what to tell you. I don’t know if killing them will change anything. The damage is done.”
“Someone needs to bleed for this. I have to make sure my men know I’ll punish them harshly if they break their vow.”
Giovanni pushed to his feet. “Over the years, I made my peace with the situation. For Livia and for Val, and even for myself.”
“Then you’ve come farther than I have. Peace is the last thing on my mind.”
Giovanni smiled sadly. “I know. And I’m at your side no matter what you decide. Just remember that a war on two fronts might rip the Outfit apart. All I want is for our family to be safe.”
“Trust me, Giovanni, my family’s safety is my top priority.”
Val, Leonas and Anna were always at the back of my head when I made crucial decisions, decisions that might lead to brutal retaliation.
“If you excuse me now, I need to figure out a way to break this to Livia.” He sighed. “We need good news.”