Until Her - Ami Van Page 0,5
quite warm but not quite the sterile hospital feel either.
Lou leads everyone into a study of sorts. It’s large. Larger than even their own office at home and that says a shit ton.
Dominic isn’t sitting alone inside this office. Across the large desk sits Matteo Romano. He’s wasn’t an underboss under the East Coast Don until release. Matteo, however, was consigliere to two different underbosses with the Midwest famiglias. That’s an unheard-of feat in this industry. And now, with the unexpected passing of his brother, Don Pietro Romano, Matteo Romano has stepped up as head of the Romano Family as well, relocating him here.
The Romanos are a small family, smaller than his own in numbers. But they come from generations of service to The Five. They’re highly respected within the organization but he isn’t sure about their bankroll. Pietro Romano didn’t make the best of business decisions when he stepped in as head of the Romano Family.
“Kings,” Dom greets them. “Have a seat.” Dom gestures to the empty seats around the room.
The Don’s demeanor is different from the last time the man was at their house. That was only a few months ago. This is business. Serious business. Only a few moments were given for proper introductions before everyone takes their seat.
“Mrs. King,” Dom says to stop Stella, his granddaughter, from taking a seat. “Perhaps you can help my wife, Lilliana, in the kitchen. She’s been fussing with a pizzaiola recipe and I hear you are quite the chef.”
Stella looks like she is about to object but he sees Derrick’s hard glare at his wife. Whatever this is, Dominic didn’t want her to know. Yet, at least. In other words, she’s not going to have a say in any of this.
“Ah, Mrs. King, you are Italian?” Matteo asks giving her a once over from head to toe.
“I am,” Stella answers with a smile of her own.
It’s amazing how Stella has perfected the mask in just a few short years.
“Silvio. Frankie. Please help Mrs. King find her way to Lilliana,” Dominic orders. It was definitely an order. And Stella knows that too.
She takes a glance around the room hoping for an objection. One last glance at Derrick then to him and then Rory and Chase before she leaves the room with not an ounce of emotion. Once the door closes, it’s all business.
“I hear your family is looking to make ties,” Matteo immediately swings. “You come highly recommended by the Don himself.”
“Depends on what binds the ties,” Derrick replies coolly, playing along since none of them know what the fuck is going on here.
“From what I know of your family,” Matteo starts. “You are or were four bachelors. You’ve been in the business for a long time which means you’re comfortable. Either you don’t have aspirations to get into the big leagues or you haven’t been given the opportunity.”
Something settles in the pit of his stomach. Something like a cinder block. He’s not liking where this is going. Fuck the big leagues. That’s not something they have ever strived for. They each have enough to last them over ten lifetimes playing in the field they’ve been playing.
“King,” Matteo says and points to Derrick. “You are head of the family?”
“For intents and purposes,” Derrick nods. “But we’re all Kings. We’re all heads of this family.”
“And Mrs. King? Who does she belong too?” Matteo asks.
“My wife belongs to no one. She’s a member of the family,” Derrick retorts.
Matteo flinches a fraction at Derrick’s snap.
“What Matteo is trying to present to you is an opportunity that we once discussed,” Dom says from his seat.
When the fuck said discussion happened is beyond anyone else other than the Don though.
“With the passing of his brother, Matteo is left with the well-being of his niece and nephew, Isabella and Cristian Romano. Isabella is unmarried at her age and Matteo is only but one man and worries about her safety.”
And it’s like the words switch on the vacuum in the room. All air is sucked out.
Oh, NO. The moment of fucking truth. FUCK NO!
A fucking arrangement. A. Fucking. Arrangement.
This is how deals are made and how The Five bring others into the circle. This is how businesses and fortunes are passed from one generation to the next without giving up control to outside organizations. This is the only way to get into the said circle if you’re not Italian nor born into the famiglias.
IF they had wanted to get in this circle, this wouldn’t be a fucking issue.
His