I walk out of the house and toward my convertible. The sky is a little overcast, so I change my mind. I wave to my driver, who is busy washing one of the other cars.
He comes running. “Yes, Don Rossi? Apologies, I wasn’t expecting you to leave so soon.”
“I have urgent business to attend to. Take me to my father’s house,” I say, climbing into the back of the SUV.
The driver quickly fetches the keys, and a guard climbs into the front passenger seat while the driver gets in and starts the car. I check my emails on my cellphone while we ease through the light traffic that litters the roads this morning like forgotten trash. It’ll be busy enough soon. New York never sleeps.
My father doesn’t live far, though, and within half an hour, we’re pulling up the driveway to the main Rossi estate and stopping in front of the expansive mansion.
A butler opens my door, and I climb out. “Is my father awake?”
“Having his morning coffee in the library, sir.”
I leave it at that, quickly taking the stairs to the front door. It’s already open, so I walk through and make a beeline for the library where my father sits doing the crossword puzzle in his morning paper.
“Padre,” I say respectfully, “may I interrupt you?”
“You don’t come here this early unless something is on your mind, Miguel.” He sets his paper to the side and gestures to the chair opposite him. “Tell me your problems, my son.”
I sit down, and a maid brings me a cup of hot black coffee. There’s already milk and creamer on the table, so I add them to my cup and sit back, sipping it slowly.
My father watches me, not rushing me into anything. He knows I’m formulating the best way to speak.
“Padre,” I start, “I have met with Alessandro Sorvino, who has said I must send him my demands. I said my first demand was to leave our operations alone. Any further damage, and we’ll send the girl back in pieces.”
“A wise move. The Sorvinos value the girl greatly. They won’t put her in danger,” he sips his own coffee.
I nod and set my cup down. “I’ve been trying to plan for the best possible demands we can negotiate without fear of severe retaliation. Something that would give us an upper hand and won’t come back to bite us when we’re not looking.” I sigh. “I’m not sure what is the best option. Territory? That they could take back easily once Kira is returned. Money? They have so much of it; it won’t make a difference.”
“You underestimate the value or rather the symbolism of acquiring territory, no matter the means.”
“Explain?” I ask curiously, picking up my coffee again.
My father smiles. “If Alessandro submits even a medium-sized territory to you, it would be known among the other families. That action, the fact he caved and gave you your demand, will make him look weak to the other families. It will damage his reputation as the most ruthless Don in New York.”
I nod, listening intently.
“Don’t ask for something extravagant. That’s where most families falter because their demands aren’t met. They’re simply killed. Ask him for something reasonable but worthwhile. Perhaps a territory and five million dollars. As you say, the money would make no difference to him. If he agrees, it’s a power play on your part. You’ve brought Alessandro down in negotiations. You have prevailed.”
I finish my coffee and put the cup down. “Symbolism. I never thought of that.”
“The families know we have taken a Sorvino, and all are watching with bated breath to see who will succumb to who. You cannot let our family down, Miguel.”
I stand. “Thank you for the advice. I won’t let anyone of the Rossi family down.”
“That’s my son, good luck.” My father picks up his paper again, clearly finished with this conversation, and I turn to leave. I don’t stay for breakfast even though I know my mother would love to see me and spend quality time with me. We seldom get alone time together, but I need to return to the estate. I have some thinking and planning to do.
On the drive back, I texted Jarred to ask him what Kira was doing.
She’s walking on the treadmill.
My treadmill?
Yes, Don, should I tell her to get off?
No, it’s fine. Just keep an eye on her. I’m on my way back.
Once we’re home, I take off my suit jacket and give it to Jeffrey to take to the closet. I take the stairs two at a time and head toward the gym room. I stand at the door, looking in to see Kira walking on the treadmill with her back to me.