“That’s it? That’s all they do. Do they have jobs? Families? How do they provide for themselves?”
“They work. I believe the Golden Skulls own a Garage, towing company, and a nightclub.” I stated, which was technically accurate. If she wanted to look into it, she would see they did indeed own those businesses and paid taxes regularly, but that was not their primary source of income, and that was something I wasn’t going to explain.
“Mother, I believe you have that meeting with Aunt Daniella to discuss the upcoming charity benefit ball. It’s almost nine.”
“Oh yes,” Nicoletta chirped, getting to her feet. “I mustn’t keep her waiting. We are picking the flowers today. Illyria, will you please make sure our guest is comfortable for the time being.”
“Yes, mother.”
Nicoletta said nothing more as she literally flitted out of the room like some regal deity. I’d never seen anything like it before. I mean, I’ve read stories of women who acted as such but never seen it in person. It was funny yet not, and the more I learned about the woman, I began to believe she actually thought she was above everyone else. Her station as the mother to the head of the Valentinetti Family was something akin to royalty.
“You must forgive my mother. She isn’t like the rest of us. She still believes in the old ways. Besides, we have lots to do today. Gio was particular that you were to stay by my side. So, you are going to help me with planning the event, then we need to go shopping for a dress,” Illyria stated, getting to her feet. I said nothing as I too got to my feet, pushed in my chair, and reached for my plate.
“You can leave that. The maid will get it.”
Nodding, I left the plate on the table and followed Illyria out of the room, wondering whatkind of new hell I just waltzed into.
11
Giovanni
The plane landed just north of the compound in southern Louisiana in the early morning hours. Seeing the sun start to rise on the horizon didn’t just give me a lot of time to plan, which was why I chose to use Sal’s men instead of mine. Salvatore had aligned himself with not only his family but men who served with him in the military. That and Sal’s team was more prepared for something of this nature. So, I deferred to my brother. It wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last if I had my way.
Aligning my family with the Golden Skulls was the goal. If I could achieve that, then Sal’s connections and men would greatly be needed. It wasn’t as if my men and the rest of the family couldn’t handle the situation. It was more about optics. While my men and family were capable, we were not what anyone would call unnoticeable. We couldn’t just blend into any situation. We all looked like the typical Italian, midnight black hair, olive skin, dressed to perfection, and then there was our way of doing things. Though my family was proud of our heritage, being an Italian in a beautifully tailored suit in Southern Louisiana was sure to make us stand out like a sore thumb.
Therefore, Sal and his crew were up.
“My boys are standing by. They have vehicles ready for us when we disembark. Jonathan is with them,” Sal questioned in shock as he lookedup from his phone at me.
I sightly shook my head, silencing Sal before putting my earpiece in before checking my guns. When I turned eighteen, a gift from my father, my guns were my most prized possession. Since I received them, I have never gone anywhere without them. I’ve used them occasionally, but something in my gut told me today, I was going to need them more than ever. Slamming in a clip, I clicked off the safety and got ready for anything.
Getting to my feet, I stayed quiet as Reginald and Dwayne each removed their suit jackets and donned their cuts once again. Though they looked out of place, I understood their need for something familiar.
“You two look ridiculous,” Lorenzo said, shaking his head.
“And, you still look like a pussy boy,” Dwayne snickered as he put his guns inside his cut.
“I’ve got your pussy here, Dwayne,” Lorenzo said, grabbing his crotch. Sal and Reggie laughed as I just shook my head. It was as if nothing had ever changed. It felt good to have my cousins with us once again. I just hoped that whatever took them away from us wasn’t something permanent. I had my assumptions, and I was pretty sure I knew who threatened Reginald, but until I had proof, it was all conjecture. However, figuring out that mystery wasn’t the time.
Right now, I needed to get my head in the game.
I was about to meet Maxwell Doherty, also known as Reaper, the President of the Golden Skulls M.C.
I wasted no time leaving the plane, heading for the waiting cars.
The drive from the small airport was long, and as we arrived at the compound, I wasn’t surprised to see total mayhem.
“Sal, do your thing,” I said as Reggie, Dwayne, and I exited the vehicle. Rushing to the rear of the SUV, I opened the back hatch, and Dwayne whistled as he reached for an RPG. “God Damn, I forgot about the toys you have, Gio.”
Reggie laughed as he reached for an AK-47. “Just like old times, huh, brother?”
“The best of times,” Dwayne nodded as he flipped the tiny lens and placed the missile launcher on his shoulder. “Let’s go have some fun.”
Shaking my head, I replied, “Dwayne, if you kill your president before I get his signature, I will be really pissed.”
“No worries, Gio. My aim is still good.”
“Outside is clear, Dwayne! Light it up!” I heard Sal say in my ear just as Dwayne shouted, “INCOMING!”