Hating The Mafia King

26: Papa Is Planning Something

~ RICHIE'S POV

Papa is up to something and it's crazy because no one knows what it is, even I don't know what it is which is not much of a  surprise because I never know anything he does. He's always secretive about details for some reason.

As the door of the private jet lifted down, the wind tousled my hair as I walked up the small stairs. Once inside, I made sure Rachel was comfortably seated before taking a seat across from her.

"I think now is a good time to tell me why we're going to Miami," Rachel said, her voice filled with curiosity.

I furrow my brow, feeling a bit confused. "What do you mean? I told you why we're going to Miami, didn't I?"

She let out a scoff and glanced around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping. Satisfied, she leaned in closer. "You and I both know it's not just about creating memories."

A hint of concern washed over her voice, and I realize she is onto something. Rachel is smart, I realized that the day I met her and from how she tends to piece things together on her own, it made me adore her more. As a matter of fact, It's one of the things I admire the most about her, but one of the things Papa dislikes about her. Papa never really approved of her intelligence or her in particular. It always makes me wonder why he wants her around but at the same time hates to see her around.

"It's nothing, really," I responded, trying to brush off her concerns. "You don't have to worry."

"Well, it makes me want to worry more. Tell me what this is about Richie, is it the Russians?"

It's not the Russians, it can never be the Russians. They are too weak and incapable to be the reason behind anything regarding my family. Rachel had her eyes pinned on me, waiting for a response. I let out a sigh and reluctantly agreed with her false assumption, saying, "Yes, it's the Russians."

Curiosity filled her gaze as she asked, "What are they up to?"

"It's a real mess, but don't worry, I've got it handled. You don't need to stress about it,"

"What about Calista and Liam?" she asks, her worry evident.

"They will be fine, no one can hurt them."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely but just keep his whole situation to yourself. Calista would be devastated if she found out," I explained, hoping she understood.

Rachel nodded, understanding the seriousness of the matter. "Alright, I won't say a word."

Just as I was about to continue our conversation, Calista walked up to us with two glasses of wine in hand. "You want some?" she asks, offering the drinks to both of us. I nod, grateful for the distraction. Calista gives Rachel her glass before passing me mine.

Taking a sip of wine, my phone starts ringing, and as I glance at the screen, my expression changes. Rachel must have noticed because she asked, "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, I just have to take this call. I'll be right back," I quickly excuse myself needing some privacy.

I should have blocked this number when I had the chance. He keeps calling me repeatedly, and it's really getting on my nerves. "Richie Maranzano," I mutter under my breath, standing up and walking away from Rachel so I can continue the conversation in private.

I don't want Rachel to know anything about this. Papa would kill me if she found out. Once I get to a quiet and secure place I begin my rant "Why are you calling me? I told you not to call me didn't I?"

"Meglio cambiare tono [Better change your tone." Papa's stern voice filled the air

Oh shit! I totally forgot that Papa was going to use Pablo's phone to call me.

"Mi dispiace, papà, non sapevo che fossi tu [I'm sorry, Papa, I didn't know it was you." I apologize

He dismiss my apology and asked "Cosa sta succedendo laggiù Richie? [What is going on over there Richie?]"

"Siamo in onda, nessuno sospetta nulla. [We are on air, no one is suspecting a thing.]" I respond to him

"Grande, [Great]."

"Che mi dici di Ezra, lo hai fatto entrare? [What about Ezra, have you got him in?]" I ask

"Non ancora. Ci sto ancora lavorando. Ezra sembra essere un po' un problema ultimamente. Gestirlo è difficile [Not yet. I am still working on that. Ezra seems to be a bit of a problem these days. Handling him is hard

"Oh, mi spiace. Avete bisogno di aiuto [Oh, sorry about that. Do you need any help.]" I inquire

"Non da te, non lo so. Posso occuparmi di lui da sola, tutto quello che ho bisogno che tu faccia è occuparmi di quella ragazza. [Not from you I don't. I can handle him myself, all I need you to do is handle that girl.]

He scoffs "Non sai niente, Richie. Non fidarti di lei, non è chi pensi che sia. [You don't know anything, Richie. Don't trust her she's not who you think she is.]"

"Non ho capito bene [I'm confused]"

Papa always says that and it makes me wonder if he knows something about Rachel that I'm not aware of.

"Fai quello che ti dico mentre mi occupo di questo bastardo qui. [Just do as I say while I handle this bastard over here.]

"Ok, papà [Okay, Papa.]" I say and with that, he ends the call.

Papa has a unique and different way of handling things. He's always been like that especially when it's about Ezra. Papa says Ezra is the root of all our problems and even though I don't know much about Ezra, I agree with Papa. Papa is always right.

Ezra's case has been going on for god knows how long. Sometimes when I think about it, I get frustrated knowing that It's been quite some years but there is not much difference. Every day is the same when it comes to Ezra.

I get bored thinking that Papa still has Ezra as his captive, he neither lets go of him nor is Ezra used for any useful purpose. All that happens with him is moving him from one place to another and wanting no one to see him. Sometimes not even me.

I'm not entirely sure what Papa's plan is with Ezra, but it seems like there's a connection to Rachel. It's the only explanation for why he asked me to bring Rachel here.