Page 61 of Niccolo

The Turk peered into Fausto’s eyes. “I have to ask: why don’tyoureassert control?”

Fausto gestured helplessly. “You have to understand, my hands are tied. You said you’ve spoken to almost all of theCosa Nostrafamilies in Italy, correct?”

“I have.”

“The rest of theCosa Nostrawould never trust me again if I were to move against my nephews. Besides…” Fausto smiled benevolently. “They’re family.”

“But there’s no love lost between you,” the Turk said, repeating Fausto’s earlier words.

“None.”

The Turk sat there for a long moment, weighing what to say next…

And then he took our bait – hook, line, and sinker.

“…would you be inclined to strike back against an outsider who moved against your nephew?”

“Not at all,” Fausto said. “In fact, if he were a good businessman, I’d be inclined to workwithhim.”

“…interesting…”

“It’s not just Dario, though,” Fausto cautioned. “There are five other brothers and an Enforcer. A formidable bunch.”

“Led by afinocchio,”the Turk said contemptuously.

‘Finnochio’was the Italian word for fennel –

And also a slur against gay men.

Fausto laughed. “Yes, unfortunately.” Then he grew serious. “But you can never say you heard any of this from me. My dealings with my nephews are already complicated enough. I don’t need any more trouble.”

“Just a better business partner, perhaps,” the Turk suggested.

“Just a better business partner,” Fausto agreed.

“You’ve given me a great deal to think about, Don Rosolini,” the Turk said.

“Good. If you can, strike a deal with my nephew…” Fausto trailed off and smiled darkly. “…or don’t. You have my blessing to do whatever you feel the situation warrants.”

The Turk narrowed his eyes. “And I have your word there will be no hard feelings on your part?”

“My dear fellow, I can assure you, I would feel only gratitude.”

Fausto and the Turk shook hands, and that was the end of the meeting.

After it was all over and the Turk was gone, Fausto said, “Well – I think that went smashingly.”

“He’s hiding something, though,” I cautioned.

“So arewe,my dear – so are we,” Fausto replied. “The point is, we’ve planted the seeds. Now we sit back and wait to harvest the crop.”

We didn’t have to wait long.

25

Iwas sleeping in a guest room a couple nights later when a sharp rap at the door woke me.

“…who is it?” I asked in sleep-addled alarm.

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