Free Ded Reckoning by William F Lee

table, and takes a generous taste of his brandy with the other.  Nods his head in fulfillment.  Smiles.  Pauses.  He motions to Rocco, dismissing him.  Then says as the man is leaving, "Rocco, have one of my cigars, old friend ... one mind you."  He jokingly admonishes, "And a glass of brandy if you wish.  The last of this.  Then open another and set it out here."
    Rocco breaks into a broad grin, says, "Grazie mille."
    Catalano smiles then lets it turn sour quicker than warm milk. "Don't forget.  Later, in the study."  Pauses, growls, "Is it tidy?"
    Rocco says, "Yes, sir," and is gone, disappearing into the darkness of the villa.  The only lights spreading warmth are in the kitchen, in the study, and on the veranda.  From the veranda other villa lights stretch down the mountain blending with those of shops in town, and boats and yachts in the harbor below.  One of the latter is Pisces' own 98 foot Benetti.  It is a Fratelli Benetti design, built by this old prestigious firm and Italian registered.  It has two engines with twin screws and a 600 nautical mile range cruising at 12K's.  Carries 12,000 L's of fuel and about 8,400 water.  It can sleep ten.  All teakwood decking and the salons, lounges and bridges are furnished in mostly white leather.  It has a crew of five, all hand selected by Rocco from the DeStefano crime clan in Calabria.  Its name is the Sorridenta.  
    Catalano turns to Anna and says, "Bruno is gone.  Today was his last day."
    She frowns in feigned disbelief.  Rattles the ice cubes in her Macallan , then rests the glass on the table casually, yet deliberately.  "Why?  I thought he was doing a fine job.  And he was with us ... you for such a long time."
    "He broke my trust.  When that happens, the person must go.   Be dealt with, no matter the time, the relation or whom."  He stares at Anna for seconds, watching for some reaction.  She grimaces ever so slightly, more a twitch of her mouth, fingers her etched crystal glass then pulls her hand back in her lap.  He continues, "You broke my trust.  But, you're my wife so you get to stay."  His eyes narrow and the leopard snarls, "For now."
    Anna stands, flushed, hisses, "Bruno did nothing.  I did nothing.  You insinuate everything with your eyes and tone of voice, your mannerisms."  She stomps her foot hard on the tile.  Seeing no reaction and with evidently no immediate response coming, she angrily shouts, "We did nothing you didn't bring on yourself.  That you and that slut didn't do.  I will not ..."
    "Shut up.  He did, and you did.  And have done for some time now.  It will be the last time, or you will feel more pain than Bruno."  He takes a sip of brandy and rises slowly from the chair as a leopard might when sensing danger or prey.  "And don't think about leaving.  You will leave only when I say.  You have nowhere to go anyway.  You are an orphaned peasant girl, remember.  A peasant," reminding her she is no more nor less than the house mouse.  "I took you in and made a life for you.  A good one.  Now, leave.  Go to your room.  I will be along later, if I choose.  And do as I choose."
    She jams her arms tight to her hips and thighs, fists clinched, and comes to his end of the table.  He methodically places his cigar in an ashtray.  She moves to slap him, but Pisces is much too quick, catching her arm midway in motion.  With his other hand, he slaps her across the face hard dropping her to the tile floor of the veranda.  He reaches down, grabs her by the hair and snatches her to her feet.  Growls, "Do as I say, now.  Be thankful for what you have."  He pauses stepping closer.  "Your life."
    She snaps, "But you can have your slut, Gina.  I can't ..." she screams as he slaps her hard again knocking her backwards, her feet slipping on the tile.  She twists as she falls