Slowburn

Chapter 101 (Renzo's POV)

         Dante didn't tell me the reason why he went to see Kat yesterday, but I know when he got back he didn't look so good. I didn't ask what she said or what transpired because I know how it's gonna end. My big Kat moment hasn't happened yet, but I already know how it'll be. 

I don't want that moment. If that's what it comes down to I'm not the goodbye type. I'd do something rash and end up changing my mind about letting her go live a better life. A Renzo free life. 

All I did was clasp my cousin's shoulder. We said nothing, we didn't need to. But as the day went on that shit sat heavy on my mind. 

        Dante loves Kat like a little sister, and Rocco has always had good words to say about the girl. Grace really started to form a friendship with Kat, and all that would be gone. The Revello's ARE what Kat has here in Boston, whether she acknowledges that fact or not. Without us she has no friends, no allies looking over her shoulder and looking out for her. She'd have no job or home. The independent life she created for herself here would burn down with the rest of us. Fuck that.

        I thought it over all day yesterday, and I realized the only potential thing that would help turn any of this around is a grand gesture. And I'm the only one with the means of making that possible. I sat the guys down in my office in Fuoco Lento and told them what I was thinking, to see for once, what they had to say about it. 

"The Van Dijk's would have to clear out. And I mean every last one. Their operations here in America weren't even very strong. If they agree to vacate I would spare their lives. And we can tell Kat that we're 'the good guys'. She might call that bullshit, but it's the only thing I could think of, so" I looked between my brother and cousin. 

"Do it. Yes. Ask Kat for a compromise, and don't be all snappy about it. Show her a calm side Ren, don't fuck this up" Dante agreed right away. Rocco was quiet, which I wasn't expecting. I thought he'd have so many choice words for me.

        "Rocco?" I thought maybe the guy spaced out. He turned to me and smiled. It was unnerving. "The fuck are you smiling at" I pulled further away from him. "This is what I've been waiting for," he admitted. 

"What do you mean? Like a plan?" I didn't get what he was so damn giddy about. "No, no. Someone who gave you something to live for." I scowled at him. 

"Cut that mushy shit. I live for plenty. Money, power, being the boss of you dumbasses. It's quite a life, brother" I tipped my hat off to him. He just shook his head. "This is the first and only time you have EVER, in the history of EVER, considered mercy as an option. Ever" he just needed to reiterate one more time. 

"If Kat doesn't agree I am slaughtering all of them" I let that fact be clear before I stood up and left the room. I'm not redeemed. I feel no remorse for any of the men I murdered, and I feel no remorse for any of the Van dijk's whose murders hang in the balance. Sparing them is just a means to an end. Kat's grand gesture.

-

        The sit down was happening on neutral ground as is accustomed to things like this. It was a tiny little corner bar owned by a guy both sides know, but neither affiliated with. The owner of the pub knows we're Made men. He kept the place empty of patrons and went into the back room when he saw us arrive. I was there first. I don't like walking into surprises. 

"Go check the back room where the owner just went. Make sure he's still as 'neutral' as he's supposed to be" I told one of my guys. People can be bought off and I wasn't taking any chances. 

        My father was with us today. He likes to show face in big important meetings like this one, even though he's handed over the reins for some time now. Can't take the mobster out of the man. It was him, my brother, and me. A handful of goons were stationed in and around the place. Dante and a few of my other cousins were on standby.