Dominic

Chapter 27 (Just revised)

Dominic

I hated leaving her alone but for the moment I thought that's what she needed as I went in search of Antonio. He hadn't gone far, he was still by my mother's side and they were in a serious conversation when I walked up to them. 

 I stepped up, leaned in and discreetly said "Her friend found a letter among her dad's things. He actually named you, Antonio, so she knows it's true and she's ready to talk to you" I turned and left walking back in the direction of where I'd left Camille. Beni cut me off before I could reach her. 

 "We've got a problem, Boss" he said looking very concerned. I pulled him over further to side. "Word has gotten out somehow that Antonio is here and that's not the problem; the problem is they know he has a daughter. Has he pissed somebody off that would be lookin for payback?" he asked. I ran my fingers through my hair. Shit! I don't need this right now!

 "I'm getting ready to speak with him about another matter, I will ask him his thoughts and get back with you. In the meantime double up the manpower and keep me posted" I said stalking off.

I was thankful to find Camille where I had left her and at least she had stopped crying. I wasn't used to that and it made me feel uncomfortable.

 I went and stood in front of where she sat, leaning up against the stone ledge, folded my arms and crossed my legs at the ankles "What's going on in that beautiful head of yours?" I asked her.

 She shrugged her shoulders.   "I guess I understand now why I love all things Italian and why my skin always looked slightly darker than the rest of my family" she answered truthfully. I reached for her hands, uncrossing my legs I pulled her in between them and looked down at her, my thumb lightly stroking her cheek, but before I could say anything Antonio arrived with my mom. Camille turned to face her father.

 "I would really like for Dom and Valentina to stay, if that's alright with you?" she asked Antonio and he nodded. 

 "Where do you want me to begin?" Antonio asked her.

"I want to know if Paul's reference to you, in his letter, stating that you are from a connected family means what I think it means?" she was going for the truth right off.    Antonio looked at me then back to her. 

 "Antonio, I already know about Dom's business. What I need most of all from you is the truth. Don't hide anything from me because you are trying to protect me or spare my feelings. I don't want that to be how we start things out. Truth is paramount" she stated. He sighed.

 "Yes, it means what you think it means. I run part of the Italian syndicate in Sicily, Palermo, Syracuse, Marsala and many others; my ties also run deep here in New York. Basically the same connections that Dominic has, I have" was his answer.

 "Do you own hotels, restaurants, clubs, strip clubs, etc.? I only want to know about the legitimate businesses" she questioned. He nodded.

 "I own three restaurants, one hotel and three strip clubs. I am in the middle of negotiations on opening a night club." Her next question shouldn't have surprised me but it did.

 "Have you killed?" He closed his eyes, as if it hurt to hear her ask him that. 

 "I have, tesoro. Not because I wanted to but because I had to. If my family was threatened or hurt, if my businesses were in jeopardy; yes I have killed. But never anyone that was innocent" he clarified.

"Is there anything you would like to ask me?" she asked him. "Although I'm sure you probably know everything about me already" she said. He asked her if she was a happy child, did she have a lot of friends, any boyfriends, what did she think about Paris and Italy...everything a parent would want to know about their child.

 I must say it was very revealing hearing about her as a child, listening to how she grew up, what she liked to do, etc. She was a book worm, she was very selective as far as friends went so she didn't have very many but the ones she had were good influences and she loved doing things with her dad; it sounded like they spent a lot of time together. I reflected to my own childhood; my father was very different. 

 He was affectionate to an extent, especially towards my mother but with me it was all about the business. He did tell me often that he was proud of me and I realized as I got older and after he passed that had meant the world to me. I watched my mother's reactions to everything that was going on and she behaved like a mother would; I think she enjoyed watching the reunion between the two of them and knowing that she had a part in bringing them together made her feel good.

"I don't suppose you all are in the mood for dancing?" Camille asked, standing up and reaching for my hand. 

 Antonio answered.   "Only if you promise to save me one dance, Camille." 

 She nodded and smiled as we walked back into the house. "Would you like a drink?" I asked her.

 "Yes please. I could definitely use one" she replied as I grabbed two flutes off the waiter's tray.  I continued searching her face for something, anything and concluded that if she played poker I wouldn't have a clue about her hand; she showed nothing outwardly.

 The rest of the night went on without incident and I left Camille with my mother so I could speak with Antonio alone. 

 "I need to know who all knew you were coming and who all knows about Camille" I asked him.

 "Why?" he asked concerned, so I told him what Beni had relayed to me. He said that he would confer with his second and start investigating on his end. "Dominic, if this is something to do with me or someone trying to get to me by using my daughter, please promise me you will keep her safe, at all cost" his request was that of a father not a Don. 

 "I promise, Don Giovanni" I said, showing him the utmost respect. He nodded, a silent pact now formed between us.