"He promised to tell him today, but before that, he wanted to ask whether he had your permission to ask Nico to come back to Sicily and take over his business."
Judging by Flavio’s expression, he wasn’t pleased with this request. Nicodemo was one of the best soldiers they had in Las Vegas, and both brothers trusted him. So, the thought of losing him was almost unimaginable. The Famiglia’s structure would have to change once again.
With reluctance, Noah complied. "I cannot forbid him from doing what honor dictates. Nicodemo has always been the most likely man to take over as Capodecinaafter Lorenzo. If that will be his wish, I will grant it to him." The words were hard to swallow. "But let me call Lorenzo and tell him myself. I need to offer my best wishes."
And that’s exactly what he did once Flavio left for ameeting in one of the drug labs. He talked to the Capodecinafor a few minutes, making sure that there wasn’t anything else that he could help with. Not many people could pride themselves with being approached by theCapoin such a manner because Noah rarely did that. However, Lorenzo Accardi deserved this wholeheartedly.
§ § §
A few minutes after three in the afternoon, Noah heard knocking. He invited Elio in, realizing that it was him at last. The soldier appeared in the threshold, looking confused as to why exactly his Capohad requested to see him. Never before had he needed anything from the man, especially since he answered directly to his father.
"Sit." Noah pointed towards the chair on the other side of his desk.
Even though they were only a year apart, as far as business was concerned, their relations had to look a lot different than a usual encounter would. More professional and distant.
Elio took his place, not losing his confusion. The older Falcone wondered whether he told Gastone about this meeting, or chose to keep it to himself. He didn’t care either way, but he was still slightly curious to know.
"I still have a few other things to take care of today, so I’m going to go straight to the point," he began. "I want you to answer directly to me."
The bewilderment on Elio’s face was immediately replaced by pure surprise. He hadn’t even dared to consider such a possibility. Nothing had indicated that Noah would ask that of him. Especially since his duties as his father’s soldier weren’t anything challenging or greatly admired. The proposition came out of the blue.
"Why?"
"Because you told me that you’d prefer to earn your position. And I need people with that mindset. You have greater opportunities ahead with me as your supervisor. But I’m telling you now that it means you’ll have to do whatever I want, even if it clashes with Gastone’s orders. I am to become your first priority."
"Is it just me, or are you certain that I’m going to agree?" he asked, suspiciously.
On one hand, many Made Men had already got used to Noah changing things up in the Famiglia, however, it still came as a surprise whenever he did something out of the ordinary. And since the Capo’s intentions weren’t entirely pure, the twin had every right to be cautious before agreeing.
Noah knew that he would sooner rather than later, because it was a proposition that no one in their right set of mind would turn down. Nevertheless, the man had a choice. Pressuring him wouldn’t have the desired effect.
He nodded. "Yes, you have no reason not to. I’m not giving you a position that is different from the one you already have. The only thing that would change is who you would answer to." Elio was still reluctant. "It’s your call. You can refuse if that’s what you want. It’s not an order on my behalf."
It was an order, but he didn’t have to know that. Manipulation was Noah’s favorite tool, and it had never failed him before. There was nothing that suggested it would start now.
"What about my father? I can hardly see him being alright with this arrangement."
"I will handle your father. There are things he has asked of me before. It will simply be a matter of exchange," Noah guaranteed. "So?"
A moment of silence in which Elio analyzed the Capo’soffer extended. It was meant to prove that he wasn’t sure which way to go. But he was. He just didn’t want to make it seem that way. And it would have worked, ifNoah hadn’t known him for a few years already. The man had always had his priorities straight, and although he had never considered joining Noah in his business, there was no greater honor than being one of the people closest to the Capo. Someone he relied on.
Elio agreed, getting up from his chair. "It would be an honor," he said, shaking the man’s hand. Pride was visible in his eyes, and for a moment Noah felt like perhaps he hadn’t found a new pawn in his plan to destroy Gastone Conte, but another reliable soldier.
"I will talk to your father this evening. Don’t say anything to anyone before. I will most likely come to the club."
"Of course."
CHAPTER 33
If there was ever any indication of when Gastone Conte was in a foul mood, it would most likely be today. He barked at any person he laid eyes on, even if they didn’t even talk to him at all. That was the reason why all the dancers scurried out of his way when he came out of his office after a long and loud shouting match. The Capodecina was rarely openly angry. That was a trait he shared with Noah. However, something had happened that unhinged him. And Inéz had to find out what that was. Because maybe, just maybe, it would somehow help her. So, with
