Page 7 of The Runaway Bride

“Hey, you are my sister now fromanother mister, oh, and another mother, but who gives a toss about that. I’vealways wanted a sister and you are it,” Tia giggles at what must be my shockedexpression.

“I have some cash from savings,and I have my brother's help if needed. I have to call him every Monday. Ifanything happens to me, you need to contact him. I’ll give you his contactdetails and I will mention you to him so he will know who you are.”

“I’ll speak to Spinner and seewhat he can get for us. Then you can teach me what you know, so I’ve the samechance to fight and help you if needed. Sisters stick together, Elli.” Tiawalks out of the apartment full of determination, and it gives me a boostbecause I have to admit I was feeling deflated.

Getting ready for bed I look inthe small cracked bathroom mirror and know I’m going to have to do somethingabout the way I look. I’ll be easier to find if I keep my waist-length hair.It’s a beautiful chestnut brown, but the length alone is a giveaway if anyoneis looking for me. I’ll have to speak to Tia and see who she knows that cutshair, and maybe do something a little different with it.

During the week, I need to find agym where I can keep my stamina at a peak. I don’t want to jog around the areaand be seen by too many people. At least inside a gym, I am only visible tothose who are training. Nobody knows me here, so I shouldn’t create any form ofinterest, and no way am I interested in getting involved with a man.

After locking up and making sureI’m safe for the night, I take a quick shower and climb into bed. Layingstaring at the ceiling, I’m thinking of how to stay off of my father's andNico’s radar. Alex will do whatever he can, I’m sure, but Nico has a long armwith the sheer number of men he commands.

I have to play it smart and Ihave to be ready to run at a moment’s notice. I need to make sure Tia eitherruns with me, which I’m sure she’ll do, or I need to leave her behind to keepher safe. Whatever I choose, she is in, or will be in, the eye of the mafiaonce they know who I’ve been associating with.

Turning onto my side, I pick upmy phone and Google hairstyles, colors and how to change your appearance. Ithink I may have a new look about to happen!

Chapter 5

Nico

Reading the reports regardingLorenzo Palmeri has me smirking, because this is the information I need tofinally get rid of the weasel. He has been sitting pretty for far too long, andthe time is nearly here to eradicate him like a doctor would lance a boil.

Alex, as he likes to be known, isgoing to be a great help, and he’s proving his loyalty and worth by bringingthe evidence that Lorenzo has been skimming profits from the business for thelast five years. He has a death wish, that’s for sure, because everyone knowsyou don’t fuck with the Vincholetti Mafia boss, Nico, and continue breathing.

My spy at the casino is watchingto see who Lorenzo has in his pocket. Whether these people are willing or notis of no consequence, because if they are in cahoots with him, they are dead,too.

My review of the other reportsrevealed no surprises. There was nothing that personally caught my interest toget involved with. My Capos are addressing issues effectively, as expected. ButI’m observing them at this point, even the ones that I feel are loyal to me andtheFamiglia.

Looking up when the door opens,Bruno walks inside giving me one of his serious looks. “Alex is willing to goback to his father’s house and observe what is going on. I don’t think it’swise Nico, because that asshole has no feelings for Alex or Elli. He’s not afather in the true sense of the word; he’s just wanting power. As yourUnderboss, we have to get rid of him, and fast.”

“No, Alex doesn’t need to goback. In fact, I think he should shadow you for now. I want your feelings onhow he will perform as a Capo. Once Lorenzo is dealt with I’m not putting Alexup as Underboss, but I want him as a Capo if he’s got what it takes. I knowhe’s loyal. That is not under question.”

“I can have him with me, but I’veknown Alex a long time, and he’s hardworking, trustworthy, and loyal to you,Nico. He’s only helped Elli get away because he had feared his father had asimilar fate for her, as Terizo had for Varina.”

Giving Bruno a nod ofunderstanding, I tap my fingers on my desk while considering my next move.“Call a meeting at the warehouse for tomorrow evening. All Capos and theUnderboss are to be in attendance. Make sure that Aeron, Luigi, Philip andAndre are in attendance, too. I know they are not Capos, but I want them to beat this meeting nonetheless.”

A tap on the door has both myselfand Bruno look at the door, and as it opens quietly I know it’s Gail, mysecretary. “Mr. Vincholetti a young lady is here. She says she has informationyou need to know.”

“Who is it?”

“Sofia Ferenzi…” Gail replies andcocks her head on one side, waiting for my reaction.

“Show her in, please Gail.” Ialways show Gail respect as she works hard, keeps everything locked awaysafely, and if ever there is a problem, she is one of the first to reach intothe top drawer of her desk and bring out her weapon. She’s never had to use it,but I’m positive she would if needed.

Bruno is as surprised as me thatSofia has arrived here because we’ve been looking for her. As Elli’s friend,she may know why Elli ran, and what had been going on in the Palmeri household.

Gail leads in a young woman wholooks very nervous, but she lifts her chin and gives me eye contact, whichshows she’s got the guts to come here and give me information.

“Hello, Mr. Vincholetti. I’msorry to disturb you, but I made a promise to my dear friend Elliana Palmerithat if she had to run, or disappeared, I would come to you and tell youeverything that we saw and heard.”

Bruno pulls out an easy chair,facing it towards my desk. “Please, take a seat.”

“Would you like a drink, Sofia?”I ask and hope that will put her at ease somewhat.

“No, but thank you. Can I justsay what I need to as I have to get away and into hiding myself?” Sofia, I cansee, is very frightened. Her hands are shaking in her lap, and she has a sheenof sweat on her forehead.

“Yes, please, in your own time.”I lean back and relax, giving the impression that we are having a cozy chat andnot something that could lead to a death or two.

“Mr. Palmeri, Elliana’s fatherhas been holding meetings at the house. He has around twenty men turn up forthese meetings, and they discuss taking you out of your position. But theyneeded funds first so they have all been skimming money from any places theycan.” Sofia stops speaking when Bruno growls under his breath and stands,stepping over to the window, keeping his back to us.

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