The Family

Untitled Part 4

As the years passed Mario was turning into a very accomplished young man who by the age of eighteen had enrolled in the prestigious Brown's University to study of all things Criminology. While well aware of his father's involvement in organized crime he was satisfied following many discussions with him that their finances came from legal business with no drugs, money laundering or prostitution involved' At least on the North side of the City. He had visited his father on many occasions at the plush offices owned by Don Luca, whom he called uncle, where on first impression you could have wandered into the offices of any well-known Law Firm. All seemed above board and any questions regarding his birth mother were quickly swept aside with, "She made her decision, and she is gone." Browns was difficult, between studying for exams and brushing of the constant references to his now very well-known father who now stood on the top rung of the Mafioso Ladder, it was far from the usual University experience. "How many people has your father killed or had killed? was a frequent question and the truth was that Mario did not know. 
It was March 1996, Frankie Lazaro had just been summoned to an 8am meeting at the home of his boss Don Luca Malero. They had not physically been in the same room for at least six months. Due to illness the Don had taken to isolation and rumours surrounding his well-being were spreading in gangland circles. When Frankie entered the sitting room of his palatial home, he was shocked. In front of him stood a small, frail, grey-haired man but still the power he held all over the United States was immense. "It has been to long Godfather" said Frankie kissing the ring on his finger. "This must be important to summon me to your home." "It is good to see you Frankie" said the Don, "You are looking well, not like me. There are some things in life that money can take care of, but I am afraid health and age are not included. We are going on a trip and in time all will become clear." At the rear of the property there was a Helipad where his favourite form of transport was waiting, fired up and ready to go. During the thirty-minute journey The Don spoke only to inquire over Frankie's family and in particular Mario and his life at Brown's where he himself had been influential in his acceptance. They landed at a large home in the world-famous Hamptons where five million dollars would only buy you a two bed Apartment. It was the holiday residence of Don Ricardo Bellini the self-appointed Don of Don's a man who had the ear of the President himself. They were shown into a large dining room where seated round the table were the other seven Dons of the State of New York. Don Luca walked over and kissed the ring of Don Ricardo and the two old friends hugged. Don Luca took his seat. Each Don had a right-hand man standing a few feet behind them. Frankie knew his place having heard many stories of such meetings over the years and he knew not to speak. The conversations became arguments sometimes heated and all around the same subjects, Drugs, The Unions, Pay-offs to the Police and Politicians but most of all Territory. Many raised voices were just sabre rattling and Don Ricardo was quick to step in, but the truth was that the larger percentage of the Dons. had fallen into the trap of Drugs and the huge amount of profits to be had. As the meeting wound to a close Don Ricardo called for any more business. All remained quiet all that is except Don Luca Malero. "I have something to say" he said rising to his feet. "For the past few years my health has been ailing, of this you are all aware. I have therefor decided to step aside, and I know that this void could create mayhem in my beloved North of the City as the men around this very table look to move in. I have therefor decided to execute my right to name a successor and that my friends will be Frankie Lazaro." Frankie was as stunned as the rest of the Dons, but once again he knew not to speak. Everything around this table was concluded by negotiation and protocol. "He is too young and inexperienced," said Don Phillipi, New York South. "We must have a vote on your successor and that is final." "Nothing is final in the North until I say so," shouted Don Luca. "The north of the city has been unique in its ability to avoid the temptations of Drugs and Prostitution. Our crime rate is the lowest in the State and our people live a peaceful and prosperous life. This is due completely to the efforts of one man, the man who will now sit in this chair, Don Frances Lazaro. Now I say to you, try to remove him at your peril. The strongest asset anyone can have are the people and Frankie Lazaro has them all." And at this he stood aside gesturing to Frankie to sit. Which he duly did. The room fell silent, they knew that Don Luca was within his rights. A full ten minutes passed with no more than facial gesturing and then Don Ricardo left his seat walked to Frankie and kissed his hand. He did not yet wear the ring. "Welcome Don Francis," he said, "I hope our friendship can be as deep as that of myself and Don Luca." One by one the rest done the same, although not all as pleasantly as Don Recardo. "Have you any business to bring to the meeting? asked Don Phillipi. "As a matter of fact, I have," answered Don Francis to the astonishment of all present. In the past month it has been made known to me that Don Christiano Peruchi to the East of me has been supplying Crack Cocaine to my people through the businesses that Don Luca very generously allowed him to operate in the North, and I know I speak for Don Luca as well as myself when I say this is disrespectful. I would therefor inform him of my intention to close all businesses to which his name has a link and any of his men found to be dealing in Drugs in my territory after today will as relating to Sicilian Law, lose their right hand. I hope I have made myself clear." No one answered, the stunned look on their faces said it all. There was a new kid on the block, and he meant business. The meeting ended, there were no kissing of hands and no handshakes. As they made for the front door an arm appeared around Frankie's shoulder, it was Don Ricardo. "Come with, I would like a word" he said leading into his lounge. Frankie and Luca, (no longer a Don) followed him and were seated on two very large Chesterfield Couches while Don Recardo poured some drinks. "Well, Francis" he said, the implications of him not referring to Frankie as Don Frankie signified his intentions of them becoming friends. "You have certainly hit the ground running. You do understand that almost all of your fellow Dons are dealing Drugs with the Albanians and making a healthy profit. Therefore, they will not roll over to be trod on by you." "And with respect Don Ricardo does this include yourself? asked Frankie. "No, it does not as I hope my good friend Luca will verify." he replied. "I am in many ways on the same page as you. The health and welfare of the people who rely on me are most important. My meaning is to prepare you for a bumpy ride and if I can be of assistance my friend Francis, please let me know." "I take on- board what you say Ricardo" said Frankie, "And will seek your council when required."