“Anthony should be here any minute,” I began, folding my hands neatly on top of the table. “How did everything go with the men?”
“Everyone thought the Pastore family was dead. They were just about ready to disburse your territory amongst the five families when I walked in and introduced myself,” he informs me. “The boss of the Pastore crime family.”
Smiling, I imagine the stunned faces of every mob boss rivaling against my organization, looking to take over my territory. I made it clear a long time ago, I wasn’t someone to be underestimated.
I stare back at Rocco—the future of my empire.
We’d never die.
Never end.
Rocco Spinelli would carry the legacy of Victor Pastore—the gangster. My empire would continue to reign even after I was buried.
“Did you square away everything in Miami?”
“Joaquin DeLeo will take my place, controlling the clubs and small business ventures I have down there. As for New York, I’m pulling Rienzi off the docks like we discussed, and I will appoint him as my underboss. We’ll be small for a while as soldiers and enforcers climb the ranks but I’m not worried. You’re sure Parrish and his club will have my back until I can strengthen the organization?”
“Son, you know better than to question me,” I chastise, turning my head as my son-in-law appears in the room. Anthony stood out amongst everyone in the room and although his appearance differed from Rocco’s, wearing a pair of sweatpants and fitted t-shirt that stretched across every muscle he worked hard at strengthening, there was no denying he was a force to be reckoned with. He used to be the most lethal man in my organization, the one who did most of my dirty work, allowing my hands to remain clean and his covered in blood.
He traded in his title as my enforcer to be my daughter’s husband, and though the mob runs in his veins, something he won’t ever truly escape, he wakes every day and attempts to be everything I never was. He is a husband that comes home night after night and a father who tucks his children into bed and reads them a bedtime story.
Anthony narrows his eyes and pins them onto Rocco as he makes his way toward us.
“Anthony, so glad you could join us,” I greet, waving my hand to the empty seat beside Rocco. “Have a seat.”
“What the fuck is this, Vic?”
“Relax,” I soothe. “That’s why you’re here, for me to explain.”
“Bianci, always a pleasure,” Rocco sneers, his gaze never wavering under Anthony’s scrutiny.
He’s perfect.
Anthony pulls out the chair and sinks into it, crossing his arms against his chest, covering the Xonerated logo branded to his shirt.
“You said I was here because you had a message for Jack,” he started, tipping his chin toward Rocco. “He have anything to do with that?”
“He is the message you will bring to Jack Parrish’s doorstep,” I explain, cocking my head to the side as I stare back at him.
“What?”
I opened my mouth but Rocco leaned forward, tapping his hand against the edge of the table, beckoning Anthony’s attention.
“Let me clarify for you. You will bring me to the Satan’s Knights compound and introduce me to my new ally as I am now the boss of the Pastore family.”
Anthony’s eyes divert back to me.
“You’re shitting me, right?”
“Problem?” Rocco challenges.
“Yeah, motherfucker, there’s a problem,” Anthony hisses. “What the fuck is going on, Vic? I thought this was done, I thought the organization was null and void.”
“You thought wrong,” Rocco declares.
“I’m not talking to you, motherfucker,” Anthony barks, slamming his fist against the table.
“You better control yourself, Bianci,” Rocco warns.
“Enough,” I interrupt. “Anthony, Rocco has already sat down with the five families. It’s done. He will control all aspects of the organization. You really didn’t think I would sit back and watch people pick apart my empire; just let them have at it, did you? I thought you knew me better than that,” I accuse.
“I’m not understanding, Vic,” Anthony says, gritting his teeth as he runs his fingers through his slicked back hair. “After you went away, Jimmy became the acting boss,” he started, pointing a finger at Rocco, “Where was he?”