Chapter
SIXTY- EIGHT

By 8:45 a.m., Pescaro’s capos were solemnly assembled around the antique French table in his dining room at Villa Rosa. He had turned on his white noise and anti-bugging equipment and instructed his men to turn off their mobile phones.

His mien was dark, foreboding and tinged with a trace of regret. He was not looking forward to this meeting but quickly went straight to the heart of the matter. ‘My friends, we are under serious threat. We must unite more strongly than ever to deal with this threat. That is vital now. At the time Franse and Gibaldi left us I was concerned by the amount of information the press was publishing on matters close to us. Specifically, the Aldrittson plant and our waste business. Mixed up in that were also stories of Ben Aldrittson and his foolish behaviour. I thought someone wanted to hurt us. At first I was uncertain. However, with Tavistock leading something special and after the arrest of my police sources, then the swoop on Baker’s paedophile ring, my uncertainty disappeared. I rang a very important source last night. He told me they have Teresa in Witness Protection – she’s singing like a canary.’

Growls and mutters of disbelief and anger rippled around the table.

‘I apologise my brothers. I know some of you objected to her becoming Consigliere and thought she was getting an armchair ride upwards. But, that was never the case. Teresa is a woman of remarkable talent and intelligence and I believed she would be good for us. So did Nardo. However, that does us, and me, no credit now. I thought long about her motivation and concluded it relates to personal matters involving her father back in 1975. The sad part is that as a result of those events, Teresa’s mother took her own life because she couldn’t live without Alfredo, despite what he had done. My opinion was confirmed last night when I learned Tavistock is controlling Teresa. That relationship explains why all my snouts got pinched at once and means this investigation could inflict huge fucking damage to us. We must act on several fronts simultaneously. We have to penetrate the Witness Protection system, find out where she is and get rid of her. Drummond has to go too. I don’t know what that prick’s role is in all this but somehow he and Teresa hooked up and he’s been a thorn in my side ever since. All of you need to fireproof your activities. I’ve put systems in place and had word from Magnus Wyvern that Tavistock is pressing hard in unusual places and soon, if he keeps going, he will get results. He never gives up. I detest the man but I have great respect for his ability. All of you will have to assist me with information from your own copper sources. Be extremely discreet – I don’t want your blokes going the same way as my bastards. Be prepared to cut them loose at the slightest hint of trouble. Aldrittson can hurt us too. I don’t know where he is; he seems to have disappeared.’ Pescaro gave a tiny smile. ‘Mind you, that was after I threatened him for arranging Nardo’s death. In a way, dealing with the Russians was easier than this: at least you knew what to expect. Dealing with Tavistock is like dealing with a Chameleon – he constantly changes his tactics and style to camouflage his attack. Finally, talk to your soldiers. Make sure they all know that, for the moment, we tread softly. We’ve got to get Tavistock off balance while we hunt Teresa and Aldrittson. Never forget: no witness, no case. Your snitches are going to have to work hard. Pressure them any way at all if they resist. Suggestions anyone?’

‘Don Pescaro, I’ve got someone near the witness protection mob,’ said Alphonse Catena. ‘I’ll see what he can do. Mind you, the bastard will try to rob me blind, but he’ll probably come up with the goods and not be suspected by his copper mates.’

Pescaro nodded. ‘Good Al, see what you can get.’

Sal Moretti spoke, his voice and manner thoughtful. ‘I was wondering about Aldrittson, Don Pescaro. We should check the prison system. If he’s not in police protection, and you scared the shit out of him, my bet is the high security wing. He can’t do a runner because the cops have his passport and we could find him in five minutes in any other state. All that tells me he’s done a deal with the cops and is probably hiding in prison.’

‘Good thought Sal. I’ll bring that up with my contact. Ed’s been looking for him over the last few hours and it’s like he’s gone up in smoke. Now, one last piece of news. I decided some months back to step down and recent events have confirmed my decision. My successor was originally to have been Nardo Santini then, after his death, Milo Barracusa.’ He noted the surprised looks at his disclosure and idly wondered if they thought he would remain Don until death. ‘I wanted to deal with Franse’s treachery and then step down. Now we have Teresa. Obviously there is no right time to appoint a successor but, I put you on notice – I have spoken to Ed Masseria.’ He was interrupted by a short burst of well wishing, confirmation that his choice was popular.

‘I feel it only right,’ he resumed, ‘to see this mess through. But the way is clear for a smooth transition to my successor. I want to show Ed a few things and all of you have my blessing to work with and confide in him as you do with me. Review your operations; draw back; speak to your people; warn them. Think about methods for upsetting Tavistock and put your ideas into practice. But – make sure I know. One good way is allegations. If any soldiers get pinched, especially by detectives, they are to make allegations as standard practice – assaults, verballing, theft, fabricated evidence – doesn’t matter. Anything. Complaints clog the police system internally and often work their way into the courts. They can stop court cases, damage a cop’s reputation and get the public offside. You might even want to sacrifice a few soldiers as part of that strategy, however, make sure you look after their families. One last thing – I don’t know how we’ll fare but our organisation has survived for centuries. No amount of police or government action can remove us because wherever there are opportunities to make money outside the law, our lives and our way are guaranteed by the weakness of human behaviour.’