is missing in action. I should’ve noticed that from the get-go, because Leo doesn’t go anywhere without Danny. It’s Danny’s job to be by Leo’s side as his advisor. So, now I’m really curious about what the fuck is going on.
“Good question, Dominic,” Leo replies. “What I came to tell you all is that our good friend, Danny Ramano, has flipped.”
The four of us gasp like school girls.
“Danny has turned state’s witness, and he has given information about Jimmy and me. According to my guy inside St. Louis PD, Danny has provided enough information to put us both away for a long time, and it doesn’t look like there’s anything we can do about it. He’s locked up and under witness protection, as is a part of his deal, and the FBI is using his information to press a judge for arrest warrants for Jimmy and me as we speak.”
“That rat fuck!” Sal explodes, slamming his large hand on the table.
Leo puts his hand up and shakes his head.
“There’s no need to get upset. When you’ve been in this game as long as I have, something like this is bound to happen. We all know the Feds best weapon is a rat, and all it takes is one. Now that they have their rat, all we can do is prepare. So, I’m not here to discuss revenge. We’ve had enough bloodshed over the years, and I don’t want this indictment to be the end of Our Thing here in St. Louis. It’s gonna be on all of you now, to make sure this family keeps going. So, there’s something I need to tell you, and it’s even more important than the fact that Danny is a rat. When Jimmy and I are sent away, I will not be running The Family from prison. There will be an acting boss initially, like always, but then a new, permanent boss will be selected. The Commission has already given approval, and they’re gonna advise on the decision, but I have final say. It’s what’s best for the family in the long run.
“I also don’t want Danny’s family touched. None of them. As much as I’d like to send a message to everyone about being a rat bastard, what’s done is done, and the new boss of this family will move things forward, not backwards. Danny’s family will not be harmed. Is there any confusion about anything I just said?”
The four of us stare at Leo, completely stunned. This is a bombshell being dropped in the middle of the glass table and exploding all around us, and none of us know how to react to the devastation.
“This will be the last time all of us meet like this,” Leo continues. “I need all four of you to be on top of your game, because the next boss will be one of you, and I expect the rest of you to show him the same respect and loyalty you’ve shown me all these years. Do I make myself clear?”
We all nod slowly, still stunned, and we stay that way until Leo and Jimmy get up and walk out of the room.
The air is thin for a few minutes. There’s just so much I can’t believe. Danny’s a fucking rat, but we can’t do anything about it, and Leo’s appointing a new boss. That’s a lot of big information for one meeting.
“This is bullshit,” John chirps. He’s suddenly filled with an annoying energy, as he stands and starts pacing like he has to piss. “Why don’t the four of us get to vote for the new boss?”
“Hey! That’s not what Leo wants to do, so you can drop your shit, John. This is a big decision for The Family, and Leo and The Commission are thinking long-term, so they’re gonna weigh all the options,” Sal snaps.
“Look, I understand The Commission wants to advise, but they’re all the way in New-fucking-York; so why are they advising on our business? It doesn’t seem right to me. You guys don’t have a problem with this?”
“Shut the fuck up, John,” Frankie hisses, but John’s on a roll.
“Oh, of course you don’t have a problem with it, Frankie! We all know you’re gonna be the next boss anyway. I’m just sayin’ it’s messed up is all.”
Suddenly, Frankie jumps up and points a finger at John.
“I said shut the fuck up! You’ve been a captain for less than a month, and if you want to keep that title, you better learn to