Free Atavus by S. W. Frank Page B

chose to send a message through an economic strangulation. At this rate if the losses continued he would have to utilize cash reserves to keep the family afloat, which he didn’t want to do or cooperate with the drug lords and open his gates. He had firsthand knowledge about the ruthless drug game from the street level. The feds were always looking to bring down the top suppliers and distributors. The lower level dudes, were used to rat out the big honchos and those at the top were quick to utilize firepower to eliminate rivals. He’d gotten out the game. That’s a decision he made right before Uncle Al’s murder. To go in now, damn, was like going backwards in time but on a white powder mountain, wearing a crown.
    He had to think about his family. The pressure had nearly backed him to the wall.
    Luzo’s blood money sat in secured banks all over the world. He didn’t want to rely on his dad, not even in death did he want to admit that he might need his dad’s help.
    Alfonzo frowned. The situation with Emilio could be nothing. However, in light of all the uncertainties, he could sleep easier once assured Emilio’s disappearance was unrelated to the mafia drama.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 
     
    Chapter Six
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Nicole heard Giuseppe’s rude shouting. She swiveled on the polished piano bench. Giuseppe had entered the auditorium, striding past aisles of plush velvet seats toward the stage, where she and Harold stood, their discussion cut short by his entry.
    He hadn’t reached the last row before his vocal chords released a bass that boomed acoustically. “Is that Harold, bella?”
    Harold’s eyebrow rose in examination of the approaching Sicilian. The attire the strapping native wore was very expensive, but the price did not overshadow the rugged handsomeness of the wearer’s impressive physique. Nicole had informed him of her recent marriage; however, she hadn’t revealed the identity of the groom. The ruling mafia families in Italy are well known. The fashionable ones are celebrities. Giuseppe Dichenzo resided in the top tier. The Dichenzo family stayed low-key but the latest assassination attempt put them in the spotlight again. How lucky for Nicole.
    “Yes, I am Harold,” he said, determined to stand his ground.
    Giuseppe sized up the person. He had an elbow on the side of the piano, confident and suave. He wore his hair coiffed in a stylish variation on the pompadour. Harold’s of the world, prep and primps in mirrors, go to salons and speak with superior airs until smacked to inferior status.
    Giuseppe stepped up without using the stair to join them on stage. He dwarfed Harold in height and girth. Is it fair to put a beef jerky alongside a sausage? That is what Nicole asked herself, silently hoping Giuseppe chilled.
    “We do not need your managerial services any further, grazie,” Giuseppe said without thought of his wife.
    Harold glanced at his client. “Nicole we have a contract, is this true?”
    “I am speaking, address me!” Giuseppe bellowed.
    The quiet men in Giuseppe’s entourage were shadows inching closer to the stage with severe expressions.
    Harold found himself in a quandary, Nicole was his highest income-producing client and to lose her without a verbal attempt to keep her was cowardice at best.
    “Then, I say to you with all due respect Signore –“
    “Don Dichenzo, Harold is how you will address me, capisce?”
    Harold cleared his throat. The egotistical bully was not the sort of person he ever imagined Nicole would find spousal material. “Don Dichenzo, marriage does not sever a business contract. Nicole’s lawyer reviewed the terms and she entered the agreement fully informed of the consequences if it is unjustly breached.”
    “Consequences?” Giuseppe took a step closer to Harold who immediately went erect.
    “Yes. I can sue her and she will be unable to perform anywhere until the courts settle the matter.  That may take