Nothing has changed, bar for the shampooed carpet and a new chair. Mario is behind me, his presences a force to be reckoned with.
"It's all still the same," I say, my voice lower than usual, but I know he hears me. I move deeper into the room and allow my fingertips to trail along the furniture as I step closer to the desk. I stop in front of it. The large wooden piece of furniture sits unchanged as if it's never seen the devastation that I have.
"Are you sure you're okay to do this?" Mario asks as he stops beside me. His worried gaze rests on me, calming. "We can choose another venue."
"No." I shake my head. I'm adamant it has to be here. "I'm fine." I settle in the chair that's been perched behind my father's desk, and I wait. It doesn't take long for the door to open and the first of the Capos, Flavio, walks in.
His eyes flick around the room, taking in the space and I can tell he's scared. His hands fist and release at his sides as he notices small nuances about the office. I can't deny there is something about his reaction that has me on edge. I offer a nod to Mario, before I smile at the capo.
"Have a seat." I gesture to the chair in front of the desk, and he slowly drops into it. His dark eyes rest on me, watching, waiting, and I wonder if there's something more I'm supposed to do because, he seems out of sorts. "Do you know why you're here?" I ask as I take my seat.
He shakes his head, but his eyes never rest on one place. They dart around as if he's trying to see where the attack is coming from. Usually, I'd put that down to who we are and what we do, but he's one of ours and he’s stressed. More so than he was in the board meeting.
"I am honestly unsure of what this is about." His response is stifled, a whisper filled with fear.
"This was my father's office," I tell him, ensuring I leave enough silence for him to fill, but when he doesn't respond, I continue, "It was the room I found him, and my mother slain by the Cavallones."
"I'm so sorry for what happened," he finally finds his voice. "This wasn't the way I imagined our Boss would go," he tells me before shifting in his seat. He is uncomfortable, more than I imagined any of the men who work for me would be.
"Is there anything you'd like me to know?" I link my fingers, resting my hands on the desk as I lean forward, my focus on the man before me. "Because there are a few things that just don't add up."
When his gaze snaps to mine, the fear is palpable. I may be the boss, taken over from my father, but they have never seen me in action, not until Valentino, and I wonder if that instilled more fear than I imagined it would.
I've spent my life as the Familia's fixer, ensuring the people who needed to pay, did so in either cash or blood. But none of the men have ever witnessed me while I worked. Granted, I was harsh on Valentino, but then again, he deserved it. I don't dole out punishment unless it's earned.
Luna comes to mind for a split second before I shrug it off and focus on my new captive. He doesn't look like he's ready to party after this, but his reaction is a sign. One I've read all too well. I offer a small nod in Mario's direction, and he responds with his own signal. Flavio will be led down to the basement for more questioning.
For now, I'm done.
"I'll escort you out," Mario tells Flavio before he leads him to the hallway, and they disappear. Silence surrounds me, until I notice Cristiano at the doorway. I motion for him to enter.
"Your fiancée is rather fetching," he tells me as he settles in the chair opposite the desk. "I think there is something more going on with her though."
"Oh, and what makes you say that?" I challenge, my hackles rising as he questions Luna. If he came to me weeks ago, I would've considered it, but now, after what she and I have shared, I don't think of her as a threat any longer. She's more than that. She's mine.
"I think there is more to the girl than meets the eye," he informs me, but doesn't explain further. Frustration ebbs through me when the door opens. Mario gestures that the next man is here. "I'm around until you're done, come find me." Russo rises to his feet and makes his way out of the office, leaving me questioning everything I've come to believe.