Alberto Bianchi, Gastone's right hand, came up to his father, whispering something in his ear, shaking his head. With his words, Gastone breathed out, holding his heart. Whatever information he heard, it gave him a sense of peace and interested Elio at the same time.
After a couple of minutes, the main doors opened once more and the Capo dei Capi of the Las Vegas Famiglia came rushing through, making all soldiers stand up at once. A murmur went through them as they regarded him. Then silence reigned.
The Capo’s expression was hard, stone cold. His eyes moved from one person to the other. As if he were looking for someone. Sporting a perfectly tailored suit, which he usually didn’t wear, he looked scarier than Elio had given him credit for before. Of course, he respected him. Barely older than him, he’d achieved so many things in the Famiglia’s circle. Moving the operation practically overnight wasn’t easy. It could have led to a mutiny with so many harsh changes done in a period of weeks. That it hadn’t was only because of Noah’s good negotiation skills and manipulative abilities. No one had challenged him openly ever since he’d killed his father’s closest associates and soldiers who had fucked up big time. It wasn’t easy to gain their trust to achieve greatness again. Yet, Noah had done it.
Flavio remained on the right side of his brother. A little behind, there was one of his Enforcers who had recently moved to Las Vegas from Sicily - Nicodemo Accardi. The son of one of the Capodecina back home. Neither of their faces betrayed their true intentions.
”I know my call was sudden but I am glad you have managed to come,” Capo started, his voice deep and harsh. Dangerous. As if he were preparing for a hunting expedition. And people were his prey. ”I have made it my obligation to have meetings with the captains who are settled in Las Vegas each month. However, a few things came up that could not wait longer. One of which I believe your sons should hear as well. They are the future of the Famiglia after all.”
The men weighed his words skeptically. After years of cooperating with Noah, they still couldn’t be sure of his actions. Rightfully so. It was the Capo’s job to keep everyone on their toes just in case someone wanted to challenge his position.
”It has come to my attention that you have relied on my father’s agreement regarding your marriages. Let me tell you this openly once and for all. You are free to make any arrangements within our Famiglia without my permission. Your family issues are not my concern, nor will they ever be. As long as you don’t act against the Famiglia’s interest.”
Coluccio Guerra cleared his throat, gaining the Capo’s attention. Judging by Flavio’s eye roll, it was no surprise for him that the Capodecina was the one to take the floor. He had three daughters soon to become of-age and he was slowly but surely looking for suitors. He had even mentioned it to Elio and his brother, supposedly in passing. He couldn’t, however, be more open about it as it was a man’s job to approach the father with the intention of asking for a woman’s hand. The man clearly hoped that Noah would get involved and propose himself as a great asset. Or at the very least suggest someone else and take the matter off the Capodecina’s hands.
As if he didn’t know Noah Falcone. He couldn’t care less about getting married after the last time he’d been engaged. Back in Seattle. He was completely focused on Las Vegas Famiglia.
”Forgive my audacity but all Capo dei Capi get involved in such matters,” he said, trying to sound confident but his voice was faint. Good thing that there was silence all around because no one would have heard him otherwise.
Noah nodded. “Yes, I am very much aware of this, Coluccio. However, I’m not one to follow former Capos' footsteps. I don’t want history to repeat itself in any regard. As long as we are not taking into consideration arrangements with other families or outsiders, I am not going to take an active part in marriage issues. It is your job to be respectful and wise with your decisions. Women are under your protection and you should want the best of results from your bonds. You don’t need me for this, I believe.”
As soon as Noah mentioned mating with other Famiglias, and then outsiders, all captains made faces. They didn’t like even thinking of any of those moves. Sicilian Famiglia was based on traditions and such a young Capo dei Capi as Noah had already changed a lot. Going further; reminding them why they were in the position to listen to a man so much younger than them wouldn’t be taken well.
“Of course, but wouldn’t it be better to keep tabs on what is happening in the Famiglia?”
Elio choked on air. He covered his mouth, trying not to overshadow this stupid as fuck suggestion. Flavio smirked, knowing exactly how this sounded to his brother.
Capo stepped closer to Coluccio. He was a few inches taller than his Capodecina. Not to mention more fit. Even though the man took part in some actions, he was nowhere as ripped as the Boss.
”Do you suggest I have no idea what is going on in my own Famiglia?” he asked calmly, yet his eyes spoke a totally different story. He kept the rage covered under layers of undermining challenge.
“No, I’m not, Capo.” He backed out.
Wisely.
Noah wouldn’t hesitate to ram a knife through his throat, ripping his tongue out for disrespecting him.
Elio must admit that he prayed for Coluccio to say something more. It would have been a spectacular show to watch. Especially since Capo wasn’t the most humane person in the world.
”Good,“
