When I arrive at The Underground, I see that all the underbosses are in attendance, and as soon as I enter, they offer me good wishes on my marriage. It seems they would like to turn this into a celebration, which I must admit is promising. Marriage to someone outside Ultimo Morte could have been perceived as a slight, but instead, they all seem to be fine with it. I think that once they meet Evangeline, they’ll be even more settled.
But this meeting is about more than that. It’s about an attack on La Famiglia on the surface, but it could be an attack on me and my wife. This cannot continue, and Monika showing up at my house with a text in hand to gain entry is even more disturbing.
We take our seats, Ivo sitting at my right. He’s reading a text that makes his expression soften. He sees me and simply says, “Adriana found a new playmate.” I quirk my brow and wait for him to continue. “Evangeline.”
My lips twitch into a smile. That figures.
I get to my feet, gaining their attention. “All right, gentlemen, let’s get started. As I’m sure you’ve all been informed, my wedding day was tainted by bullets. One man was injured, Evangeline’s brother, Aris, but not seriously, thankfully. Three men died, one being our chauffer, and the other two were the men who attacked us. Moretti, Cassini, Viale, and I all conferred to determine the target. At first, we thought the attack was centered around La Famiglia. But after the incident yesterday evening at my home, I think it was either Evangeline or myself who were at risk.”
A flurry of “How dare they?” “Who would do this?” and “This is unacceptable,” and similar phrases erupt in the room.
“Someone has been able to use my phone number to send text messages. My personal, unlisted, secure line has been tampered with. This makes me very wary. The men in this room have my number, and everyone else has a different number that links to my own. Therefore, we’re all in peril of being hacked. All phones are being collected and new phones will be given out. We’ll be starting fresh. All the phones will be sent to Dante Viale, who’s going through them to decipher how this happened and if he can trace it back to its source. More importantly, he’s found out the men who attacked us were with a gang called Fuego Demonios. La Famiglia and the gang have history. Fuego Demonios kidnapped Evangeline’s mother, and when they got her back, La Famiglia retaliated and obliterated the gang, or so they thought. There are too many variables to consider, but they could be coming for Evangeline. She’s my wife and one of us now, and no one touches what’s mine. Therefore, we’re working together with all the capos on this. Are there any questions?” The room is silent for a moment. They need to digest all the information I’ve laid out for them.
When they’ve all had a chance to think on this, the questions begin, and a plan is formulated. Several underbosses will work with one another to learn more about Fuego Demonios. Others are formulating a plan to tighten security around our warehouses and businesses, and the list goes on.
“Capo.” Sam, one of my underbosses, calls for my attention.
“Yes.”
“This may sound trivial, but the women of Ultimo Morte would like to meet your bride. My wife and I would like to host a reception in your honor. In light of today’s news, we can scale this down, but I do believe it would be a good idea for Mrs. Di Morte to meet us.” Sam is one of my older and most loyal underbosses. He’s also a big proponent of tradition. I do see his point, and for Evangeline to make her place in Ultimo Morte, she must be seen and make herself known. I would like a little more time to get her accustomed to being with me first, but I can’t postpone this for long.
“When are you thinking, Sam Call me selfish, but I’d like a little more time alone with my wife.” I give him a grin, and he quickly reciprocates.
“How about two weeks?” Sam says. “We’ll make it a Saturday, and I’ll personally ensure that security is at its best. If you prefer, we can host this at our home.”
“Thanks, Sam Evangeline and I gratefully accept.”
I spend the rest of the day visiting our different districts and businesses, getting caught up on shipments and delays. All seems fine, but I’ve lived this life a long time, and I know it can change in an instant. You can never get too comfortable.
It’s nearing the end of the day when Ivo comes into my office and shows me a picture of Evangeline and Adriana lying on the ground, laughing and holding hands.
“When I called earlier, Francesco told me Evangeline invited Adriana along for the day. They’ve been inseparable,” Ivo says.
“That’s good, no?”
“Yeah, it’s good. She needs a good woman in her life. Mrs. Withers is a good nanny, but not young enough to keep up with Adriana.”
“Maybe it’s time to consider finding a mother for Adriana.” Immediately, he gives me the stare of death. “Look, I’m not saying right this moment, but consider Adriana’s needs. And quit looking at me like you want to drive a stake through my heart. I cared for Maria too, and if I could bring her back, I would for you, but I can’t.” I put a hand on his shoulder. “You deserve to live, and she would want you to find joy. Just think on it.”
I walk away, giving him some space. With the day complete, I’m itching to get home to Evangeline. As always, Ivo is standing at the car waiting for me. He doesn’t look pissed anymore and has his no-nonsense expression pasted on his face. That’s normal for him. Time with his daughter will cure that.