When the Family Feuds

CHAPTER 5

After killing his half-brother, Austin hadn't slept. In fact, after returning from Spring Break and the expectation that he was distraught died down, he tried to keep himself busy. Further confirming that the rumors were true. He was ring shopping. And the stage was already set. Austin Livingston took Ariel Efron to what he told her was a weekend getaway to the Hamptons. On the PJ ride from DC to NY, they listened to her favorite music, ate her favorite food, and shared their favorite memories.

The Livingston multi-million-dollar beach house in the Hamptons was modern. It had an infinity pool on the second level, overlooking the pool on the ground that overlooked the beach. They arrived at the perfect time - as the sunset was gliding off into the distance. But once she saw the scene she knew this was the moment. The beach was covered in what looked like thousands of rose petals. There was a section that had large lit-up lights that spelled Marry Me? With tears in his eyes and already on one knee, Austin couldn't get the words out fast enough. Ariel had already met him on the ground kissing him and repeating Yes over and over.

Paparazzi snapped pictures and videos and the news spread on the internet like wildfire. With the ring on her hand, they ended up holding each other while hundreds of fireworks were sparking on the edge of the water. As the newly engaged couple entered the beach house, it was already full of both families and close friends. Champagne and endeavors were passed out like Halloween candy. Handshakes, hugs, and pictures were snapped all around, and eventually, the bride and groom-to-be were separated.

The first person who pulled Austin to the side was Nikolas Papadopoulos. The older man looked normal, nothing stood out about his appearance which made him naturally a chameleon. Niko was an ex-Secret Service turned personal bodyguard and henchman for Robert Livingston. "Congratulations, kid."

"Thank you." Austin found it difficult to look at him. The last time he heard or saw Niko was after he killed Joseph.

Niko didn't mind getting his hands dirty. He had done it for years for Robert and only assumed it was a matter of time before Austin took his turn. "Let's steer clear from here on...no more surprises, hm?" Then he asked, "How you holding, kid?"

It was only partially a lie. "I'm fine." Austin eliminated his biggest competition and got away with murder but his lack of sleep was taking a mental and physical toll on him. He knew if he didn't sleep he wouldn't have nightmares.

"It's okay if you're not...fine that is."

On the opposite side of the house, Robert and Jonathan Efron Sr. avoided each other for as long as they could. Soon after, a professional photographer asked the two families to gather for pictures.

Robert started, "That publicity stunt you pulled, very clever."

"Only the best for you, Jon."

Jonathan whispered to him, "I don't know what game you're playing, but your actions affect us all."

"You better than anyone know that I would never do anything to jeopardize our business arrangements." Robert chuckled.

Jonathan patted Robert on the shoulder with a smile. "That's what I thought. Besides, we're family now. One might argue that you're afraid that Livingston Enterprises, a corporation owned by white men for generations, might have black grandbabies part owners one day. Watch yourself. Don't want to press getting a hot take."

At the same time, Austin joined his father for a picture forced by the photographer.

"Proud of you, son," said Robert as he shook his hand. "Next we need a meeting with Gail Powers. Get you legally protected."

Though Austin despised his father it was something they agreed on. "You're right. I love Ariel...which is why I've decided not to do a prenup."

Robert looked disappointed, "Oh, son, have I taught you nothing?"

Austin kept conversations with his father to a minimum for the exact reason. "What can I say I learned from the best."

Across the room, Shira Efron and her boyfriend, Dalton shared a serious conversation over a glass of champagne.

Dalton said to her, "Have you told your family yet?"

Shira shook her head. "I haven't found the right time."

He sighed. "You're just making it worse, babe. Tell them you want to drop out of MIT, you don't want to be a lawyer, and that Cosmetology school is your real passion. It's your life, you have to live it. If they don't accept that then..."

"If it isn't the barber." Chuck interrupted, "Don't go getting any ideas." Then he looked at his sister. "Your younger sister is getting married before you, on a scale of one to ten, how embarrassed are you?"

"Probably as much as you are," Shira snapped back.

Chuck smiled, "Touche."

On another floor in the house, in a closed office, Robert Livingston had a face-to-face conversation with long-time friend and associate, Dino Ferrero, Boss of the Ferrero crime family in Chicago. Dino, a mid-level financial advisor by day, had salt and pepper hair, a goatee, and a round belly.

"Thanks for making the trip."

"Wouldn't miss it. Love is a beautiful thing, my friend." Dino shrugged. "But marriage? So young."

"Weren't we all?"

"This is true." Dino smiled at his wedding band. He wouldn't have changed a thing. "Nonetheless, let's cut the chase. I'm hearing things, Bobby. Things that make me very antsy."

Robert answered, "The rumors from what I can tell were true. The freeport in the Caymans is under investigation."

"But the Feds haven't moved in? Why?"

"It's not their jurisdiction. We know this. Don't fret, I'm handling it."

Though Dino looked jolly, he was seconds away from ringing Robert by the neck. "Handling it? Bobby, just me mentioning the freeport to interested parties has made me a very rich man. Don't mess this up for us."

Unknown to both, the office was wiretapped by multiple Federal agencies who were very interested in the Freeport in the Caymans and several other crimes. The SEC, IRS, and FBI all were developing separate cases and mending their time until it was time to strike.