“Hey Romero,” I said. I hadn’t seen him in a while—last time actually a few days after I’d been saved from the clubhouse. Things had been too stressful for a family gathering or a long weekend getaway in the Hamptons.
“I need a word with you,” Dad said to me.
We walked a few steps to the side. “I want to use today to induct you,” Dad said, stunning me completely. I hadn’t expected it.
My eyes widened. “Won’t it be too much for your men to stomach? You punishing soldiers for trying to kill a biker and inducting a woman into the Famiglia.”
“It’s exactly why I’m doing it. Are you ready?”
I nodded. I wanted this. I wanted to be part of the Famiglia, wanted to grow our business and not just stand on the sideline all my life.
Dad gave me a tense smile.
“Does Mom know?”
“She does and she told me to tell you that she’s proud of you.”
Trying to control my emotions—I needed to be focused and strong once I set foot inside the building. Everyone would be watching.
Maddox gave me a questioning look.
“Dad will induct me today after he’s done with the bloody statement.”
Maddox grinned. “You’ll kick ass. These old-fashioned idiots won’t know what hit them.”
“You should reconsider your word choices,” Matteo said.
Romero gave Maddox a curt nod, eyeing him warily.
“That’s my aunt Lily’s husband, Romero. He’s Captain,” I introduced him to Maddox, hoping to break the ice.
Romero extended a hand and shook hands with Maddox.
“It’s time,” Dad said.
The gates creaked loudly when we entered the building. I’d only seen a couple of photos in old newspapers but the place looked more decrepit than in any of them. The main hall, where everyone had gathered, dozens of men, was several stories high. Plaster had broken off in many places and most of the pipes were half rotten away by rust. The stench of old water and something metallic lay in the air.
Maddox, Matteo, Romero, and I followed Dad inside, who had to go ahead as the Capo, and the crowd parted for him reverently. I could feel dozens of eyes on me, demanding why I was here. I didn’t miss the distrustful or even hateful looks a few of them sent Maddox.
Dad headed straight toward a low concrete platform and climbed on top of it while we gathered in the first row where Amo and Growl were already waiting.
“I feel a tad uncomfortable, like a lamb surrounded by a pack of wolves. Fuck, how many mobsters are here?” Maddox muttered under his breath.
I had to stifle a smile. Keeping up an emotionless front today was crucial. “Those are only men from New York and the area. If Dad calls all his men in, it’s a much bigger gathering.”
Amo had described it to me once and I got goose bumps thinking about it.
“This is enough if you ask me,” Maddox said but then a hush fell over the crowd and he too fell silent.
Dad had raised his arms to silence the crowd. Many of them had been eyeing us warily but were now focused on Dad.
“My word is law. It’s always been law and will be law until my son takes over and his word becomes law.”
Amo grew even taller, his expression filled with pride.
“When you swear loyalty to me, you’re bound to follow my orders, even if you don’t agree with them. As Capo, I have to keep the big picture in mind.”
Growl and Amo disappeared and returned with the two men who’d tried to kill Maddox.
When he explained what they had done, I could see that several men couldn’t see fault in what had happened.
“Bottom-line is that you went against my direct orders. You considered yourself above the law. You decided you knew what was the best choice for the Famiglia and not I. But I’m Capo.” The word echoed in the hall and Dad paused to really emphasize the effect.
“I declared Maddox White our alley. He might not be one of us but he’s working with us and we respect allies.”
Dad continued talking but I was distracted by people glancing between Maddox and me. Of course, everyone knew of our bond by now. I held my head high and returned their gazes.
“The Famiglia has built its power by making allies and trying new co-operations over the years. While we have to honor our past and traditions, we also have to prepare for the future if we want to be successful.”
Dad made both men kneel in front of him and they admitted to their crimes again.
“You disobeyed a direct order. You tried to kill an ally and endangered not only the mission but by doing so my daughter’s life. Maddox White is helping us find supporters of Earl White who might be after her. There’s only one punishment for this crime: death.”