Free Luzo: Reign of a Mafia Don by S. W. Frank Page B

away from the table.
    “Mi scusi,” Luzo said to Helena. “When I return, we dance.”
    “I look forward to it.” She beamed like a sheltered girl.
    Ah, Luzo thought, starry eyes lead to rivers of tears.
    Cigliari gave subtle nods to dark men and compliments to ladies as they walked the polished floor to a private room off the main hall.
    The door closed and Cigliari went to the oak bar against the wall. “Drink?” he asked.
    “Bourbon, grazie.”
    Don Cigliari fixed two drinks and waited for Luzo to claim a stool at the bar where sparkly glasses hung overhead.
    They both sipped.
    Cigliari spoke, “I understand your company seeks the contracts to revitalize the old borgatas near the Amalfi Coast. Having connections in Parliament does not guarantee a contract is not broken.”
    “That is true.”
    “It is not often that a young man without inheritance rises so quickly without protection from Mafia. This piques my interest.” Cigliari smiled. “But, then again you are charming and smart. Attributes which have taken you far.” Don Cigliari finished his drink. “But just as the sun rises, it also sets. Men of honor are a small breed, a society of like-minded businessmen prefer order. Show commitment to Sicily…an appropriate donna of a good famiglia of ummm say the Bocelli’s?”
    Under other circumstances Luzo may have taken offense to Cigliari’s suggestion, but he had considered this when he noticed Gina Bocelli’s finger unadorned by a ring. First he must ensure she was suitable. That he believed could be done in a matter of days.
    “I will take this under consideration.”
    “Bene. Powerful men have a donna. A man cannot be all about business. Besides those in politics, the Camorra, 'Ndrangheta, Stidda, and the Sacra Corona Unita have discovered this as well. Image, is important and the right donna is a man’s best asset, capisce?”
    “Capisco.”
    The squinted gaze, alert Luzo there was more to come.
    He was right.
    “The incident that occurred with your associate is not what men of honor take lightly. Signore Dichenzo’s brazen attack on Don Casentini’s Capo recently has raised concerns. He is alive, for now as a show of generosity. But, as you so eloquently stated during our formal introduction, there must be a return. Rein in your Underboss because that is what he is to you Don Palazzo. An associate would never exercise such boldness unless he is certain he has backing. Speak to him about respeta. If you are serious about conducting business, ensure those under your control do not spark wars they cannot win.”
    Luzo was aware of his brother’s assault on Don Casentini’s underling, but Carlo is his own man. Besides, the Capo’s provocation instigated the attack. Civil conversation cannot always be had with an uncivilized person, the Capo deserved the come-uppance.
    “A man of honor never invites an equally honorable uomo to meet and then behave dishonorably.”
    “But are they equal Signore Palazzo?”
    “All men are equal, titles are only names.”
    “Organizations have a hierarchy as does families. Unbalance these traditions and chaos rules.”
    “Chaos rules when there is disrespect or belief that someone is lesser. To rule with balance requires understanding that it is foolish to attack a man’s pride and expect he will not do the same.”
    “The Capo is an extension of a Don’s limbs. Don Casentini has taken offense. Thus, there could be retaliation, no?”
    Luzo frowned. He did not like threats.  “Certainly, Don Casentini would be wise to understand that his sensitivities are unwarranted. Signore Dichenzo is a proud man and so am I. However, if he chooses to allow such a small thing to become a vendetta he is not fit to rule.”
    “You speak like a former acquaintance of mine Don Signore Palazzo.”
    “Actions are what make a Don not speeches Don Cigliari. You use the word former, which implies you have parted ways.”
    “A mutual split,” the Don said.
    “Unlike the