The Final Vow

Chapter 6

I didn't know exactly where we were, all I knew was there were mountains everywhere. Once we landed we climbed into an SUV and began our journey up the mountains. The views were amazing all three of my girls were in awe at the scenery. There were small streams and rivers, and clouds creating fog all around us the further up we went. It didn't feel like we were traveling upward, not until I felt my ears pop. The air felt heavier. I grew sick of all the turns, it felt like we were going in circles. Eventually, we turned down a long drive. I couldn't see it just yet but I knew we had arrived. We took one more round bend before it finally came into view. It was a tall beautiful mansion, hidden behind so much greenery. I bet if you didn't know it was there, you'd never find it. By the time we pulled up to the front of the mansion, the girls were sound asleep. Exhausted from the trip. "This is it," Luca announced. 

"So, what kind of work does Niko do for you?" Admiring his beautiful home, I knew he must make a lot of money to afford this. "He doesn't work for me." 

"He doesn't?"

"No, Niko's family is one of the three Italian Dynasties." 

"The what?"

"Italian Dynasties, it sounds better than calling ourselves the original Italian mobsters, or mafias." It was then, that I realized how little I actually knew about Luca's work.

"Shouldn't you all be rivals then?"

"Not necessarily. There can be conflicts, yes, but at the end of the day most of us depend on one another for business and support." 

"So what are the three Italian Dynasties?" 

"The Denzel's, the Moretti, and the Cattaneo's. The Denzel's started up a long time ago, with black market weapon trading, or trafficking. Weapons were a big deal back then with the war and crime rates on the rise. A lot of powerful people overlooked our crimes for their own gain. They made trades with us. They got us up and running. They depended on us because we got our products from all over the globe. Some places were unreachable from here. The Moretti, are my cousins, that's how Antonio ended up with them. They came to be for one reason, and one reason only, because the Denzel's wouldn't take them in."

"Wait, do you mean the Moretti would've worked for you? If they are your cousins, why not take them under your wing?" 

"My family rejected them because they were known to be into the darker trades. They moved women and children. Back then it created a war between all three families. We may be criminals, but we do have morals, and sex trafficking was something we never approved of. Now, the Moretti sell their own women. They sell them as brides to the wealthy, for the highest prices, rather than kidnapping women and children. We stay in business with them because the Moretti provides us with more clients for a percentage of our earnings." 

"So of the three, the Moretti are the worst, no morals, they just care about money?"

"Exactly." I couldn't wrap my mind around it. Luca's family has always valued friends and family, I couldn't imagine Luca selling me or anyone for that matter. 

"Well, what about the Cattaneo?" 

"Simple. Drugs. All three of the original mafia's are considered family, although the Cattaneo aren't blood, we have more respect and love for them than the Moretti. All three families play a vital role in our operations." 

"How could the Moretti sell their own women and children? I can't imagine it." 

"It's just how they do things. That's how I met Alexa. Alexa was sold by her father to the Moretti." A gasp escaped me. I had no idea. "Wait, really?" I always knew Alexa's family had some kind of business with Luca and Antonio but I hadn't realized she was sold into this life. 

"Her father was on the verge of bankruptcy he made a deal with Antonio. He'd give Antonio his only daughter for a fair price, in return, he'd help provide Antonio with more clients." The SUV suddenly stopped and with that our conversation as well. I did wonder, was Luca considering buying Alexa? I mean I knew Luca wasn't that type of guy, but Alexa was staying with Luca, while Antonio was gone, they had some kind of relationship before I returned. The idea of it made me sick to my stomach. When I looked up, Niko was the first person I saw standing outside. My heart lept with joy at the sight of our childhood friend, he was like a second brother to me. I looked at Luca who was amused with my reaction. "Hey, Topino!" Nikoe shouted as I climbed out of the SUV. Topino was a nickname he gave me when we were kids, it was supposed to mean little mouse. He hurried over, and quickly scooped me up, hugging me tightly. "Niko!" 

"Now, where the hell did you run off to all those years ago?" Niko lightly punched my arm. 

"It's complicated." I gave him a half smile, not wanting to explain right now. 

"Luca, it's been too long brother, why didn't you come sooner?" Niko hugged Luca.

"Well, we got a little caught up." Luca pulled the door open wider to reveal three sleeping girls. Niko smiled at them lovingly. 

"I guess I could say the same, come. I'd like you to meet the girls." Niko patted Luca on the shoulder and led the way inside.