In the Name of Revenge

Chapter Sixteen

SIXTEEN

The next day, he was told to meet Carlo at the nearby park. Ten minutes later he was sitting in the car, this time Roberto was not included. They didn’t move, just sat in the parking slot. Pavel knew without a doubt it was to talk about the previous evening’s events.

“So, you’re finally dating my figlia. You’re making me very happy, Pavel. Soon, you shall be my genero. Ah, yes, you will make a fine son-in-law.”

“Why am I not surprised you already knew that Teresa and I went out?”

“You should realize by now there’s nothing I don’t know when it comes to my family or organization.

“Speaking of,” he continued. “I know what happened last night. I must say I am impressed you took such action when my figlia was in danger. You stopped Roberto, all without anyone even realizing you have a gun, much less using it on him. Hitting him with it was a much smarter idea than shooting him. Too many questions would have been asked. You would have been arrested and your association with me could have come out.”

“Excuse me?”

He was shocked. Carlo believed it was he that put Roberto down.

“Teresa told me the whole story. How she played it up and told the police it was she that hit Roberto with a wine bottle.”

Pavel thought it best to let him believe the fabricated story.

“Do not worry. I will take care of Roberto. At the present, he is sitting in jail, where I intend to leave him.”

“What happens when he gets out? I don’t want him coming after me again, Sir. I don’t want to have to use force, but…”

“When some fool decides to bail him out, believe me, he will not be bothering you.”

Pavel knew full well what that meant.

“Sir, as much as I detest that weasel, Roberto was just acting out of fear. He doesn’t want to lose Teresa.”

“To hell with Roberto. He never had her. As I said before, they will not marry. That was never in question. Are you going soft on me, Pavel? Are you actually suggesting I do nothing when he threatened you and put my figlia in danger?”

“Sir, I…”

“I rule this organization and maintain my stature not by being soft, but by enforcing certain…rules. One of those rules is you don’t act without my saying so.”

Carlo balled his hands into fists at his sides and his face became red with anger.

Yelling now, he continued, “What would my people think if I let Roberto get away with such insolence? I’ll tell you what! They’d say I was going soft and should be put out to pasture before my time. You actually have the nerve to suggest that I what…forgive that idiot?”

He tried to calm Carlo down.

“You are right, Sir. I think…”

“You think?” he interrupted. “You think what? You think when I tell you to think! That’s what you get paid for. Tell me, Pavel, was Roberto right all this time? Are you the one going soft? You want me to forget what Roberto did? That is not going to happen and for you even to suggest it makes me suspect you! What are you up to?”

“Nothing, Sir. I am just trying to do as your daughter asked. She wanted me to plead Roberto’s case with you.”

“What kind of man are you? You’re using an innocent, naïve young girl as an excuse to plead the case of a man you’re obviously afraid of. Jesus, grow some balls, Pavel!”