after il Sacchi’s men killed one of the rum runners during this fiasco, I’d say the boy’s blood debt is paid.”
“Damn you, Carmine.” Maurizio threw up his hands. “How could you be so stupid and reckless?”
Carmine set his jaw. “He was exactly what we needed to replace the crew we lost,” he said through his teeth. “And I couldn’t be sure one of il Sacchi’s men—or his lunatic nephew—wouldn’t come after Danny for killing Ricky.”
Maurizio narrowed his eyes. “So you hired him to force my family to protect him? A hooligan who murdered—”
“The kid saved my sister’s life,” Carmine snapped. “I owe him.”
“Carmine. For God’s…” Maurizio pinched the bridge of his nose, then flailed a hand as he exhaled. “I demand the respect of other organizations, but not a single man on that crew is family.”
“No, but Giulia is family, and God knows what would’ve happened to her if—”
“I am aware of that,” the boss snarled. “But these alliances—these protections—they have to be considered carefully. With the entire organization in mind.” He stabbed a finger at Carmine. “Do not be reckless while I’m trying to secure this family’s future. Do you understand me?”
Anger boiling his blood, Carmine ground out, “Yeah. I understand.”
“Good,” Maurizio said in a low growl. “And you have to understand, my son, that even if you can convince Agosto il Sacchi that the blood debt is paid…” The boss shook his head slowly. “You’re a fool if you think Salvatore will agree.”
Carmine gritted his teeth. Oh, he understood that. Especially after the night on the docks.
“You and I, we will meet with Agosto to settle this.” Maurizio pointed sharply at Carmine. “You’d better hope this hasn’t started a war with the il Sacchis. Do you understand that this may have jeopardized our alliance with Joe Masseria? This could destroy the entire organization’s chances of survival. Do you understand that?”
Nodding, Carmine said, “Yes, I do. And I’m sorry. I had to—”
“Save it,” Maurizio growled. “I’ve made arrangements for us to meet with Agosto il Sacchi again. You and me. Tomorrow afternoon.” He narrowed his eyes. “To see if perhaps this can be smoothed over as easily as Ricky il Sacchi’s death.”
Carmine gulped. After the night on the docks, he suspected this meeting would be far more fraught than the one that followed the incident on New Year’s.
He just hoped he stood a chance of protecting Danny after this.
Like the last time, the meeting was held in the back room of another il Sacchi-run speakeasy. It was well before the place opened, so the main lounge was deserted except for bartenders and staff preparing for the evening, and everyone here for the meeting gathered in the back room anyway. Couldn’t be too careful.
Maurizio had made sure their bodyguards—including Sal—were more heavily armed than usual, but Carmine wasn’t so sure that would make much difference. A dozen men in a locked room with bullets flying would still be dead if there were a hundred or five hundred bullets. After the other night, bullets seemed a lot more likely than they had when Agosto and Maurizio had faced each other like this in January. At least Giulia wasn’t here this time.
Settled on the pale blue velvet-upholstered couch, Carmine and Maurizio faced down a seated Agosto il Sacchi.
Il Sacchi cradled a highball in his hand. “I thought we had an understanding previously. Finding out that your man here hired the boy who killed my nephew…” Tsking, he shook his head. “That’s insulting, Maurizio. Very insulting.”
“Of course it is,” Maurizio said solemnly. “And on behalf of my organization, I apologize for the affront.” He cut his eyes toward Carmine before facing il Sacchi again and continuing. “Salvatore wanted revenge for his brother’s death. Now one of the boys involved is dead. I believe that should be—”
“I hardly think the death of an Irish thief pays for the death of my nephew,” il Sacchi spat. “Or for the fact that the Pulvirentis hired the man who murdered him.”
Carmine had to fight hard to rein in his temper. As evenly as he could, he said, “Your men didn’t know the crew had anything to do with Ricky’s death or even that they worked for the Pulvirentis until after they’d beaten one to death and tortured the others.” Gripping his glass so tight it was a miracle it didn’t splinter, he growled, “That boy was killed over a shipment of liquor, which I have more than compensated you for. Ricky was killed in defense of my