Seraph

AU Pt 8 - 1936 - Not an Update

Rosalie disguised herself and sat with Jasper at a distance to keep an extra pair of eyes on Serafina while she made contact with Frankie in the bistro he frequented. She wasn't part of the plan, but she wanted to see all that Serafina was to do on her behalf. She tried to sit in, but that would draw too much attention, so they had her wait with a disguised Jasper.

"What's so special about this, Frankie?" Rosalie questioned lowly.

"He's the son of Giuseppe Medici, head of the Italian mafia here in New York. He's equal in power to Luther. Only he has a boss in Italy, where Luther answers to no one. Now Luther and Giuseppe don't work together but have an understanding. Neither will encroach on the other's territory, but when other gangs try to muscle in on their territories, they will occasionally join forces to kick them out. They've only ever had to do so once when the Chinese mafia tried to expand from Chinatown," Jasper began explaining, "But his son, Frankie, who wants to be the next family head, is trying to secure his position. He's competing with his eldest brother Aldo," Jasper shook his head, "Frankie is an idiot. And a hothead. His father would never put him in charge. His older brother Aldo is the best choice. Everyone knows this. So Frankie thinks that if he can marry Serafina and join the two families, he must be placed in charge. It doesn't hurt that Serafina is a looker."

Rosalie was furious and tried to contain her anger, "So he's just trying to use her?" she asked through gritted teeth.

"Yes," Jasper answered. He already has several women he frequents—suspected bastard children. But he truly wants Serafina to be his wife. She is the perfect trophy in his eyes, considering her family power and looks."

The two watched as Serafina kept her usual frosty demeanor up while dealing with Frankie. But when he cracked a joke, she revealed a slight smile that she hastily tried to cover up. She timed it perfectly to where Frankie had seen, and immediately, his eyes glittered with excitement at the thought of having made some headway with his target.

They watched as she smiled a bit more before covering it up with a businesslike attitude. But when she tried to finish her meal with her driver, Red, Frankie immediately settled their bill. Serafina typically never allowed it; she seemed insistent on denying it as usual. But then she allowed him to pay. Frankie was all smiles at the sight. He immediately asked if it was possible to visit her at her club. Serafina reluctantly agreed.

When Serafina and Red left the bistro, Frankie watched them go with a smile. He returned triumphantly to his table of friends, who quickly congratulated him. They cracked jokes about how he was one step closer to getting into bed with her. But Frankie stopped joking as he quickly stood, announcing he had to go out and buy a new suit for the evening. He also directed some men to get some roses. Then he left with his trusted right hand.

Jasper nodded in appreciation at the interaction, "She is good. Very subtle. Enough for him to believe. I wonder how your husband will fare to her acting."

Rosalie was still in a foul mood after having to witness that. She rolled her eyes at the mention of her husband, "He's a pig. And an idiot. He'll jump at any opportunity to bed a pretty face. She doesn't even have to put on an act; only invite him to her club to meet up afterward, and he'll be there. Missing wife and child be damned."

Jasper knew she was right. Reports were that he still went out to sleep with one of his mistresses during his wife's absence, even once allowing her into the home he shared with Rosalie.