Page 17 of Unruly Protector
“I said ‘it seems they’re led by a woman.’I’m not completely sure since it’s too obvious.It’s as if it’s a cover to throw off the attention of the one, or ones, who are really leading this gang.”Arturo puts his phone away and continues.“It’s too well set up.As if there’s some level of familiarity of how to run this on our turf.They know when to dodge random checks in the territory they’re operating in and are familiar with our routine so to say.”
“Fredo should be all over this and yet there still hasn’t been one fucking message or phone call from him.Crime is picking up in his district too.There are more visible drug deals on the street, break ins, robberies, something has to be done.It’s escalating quickly.We go from one or two illegal parties to a spiking crime rate in his district.We’ve been receiving concerned calls from our contacts in law enforcement asking why we’re not handling this shit,” Leandro growls out in frustration.
We forged an understanding with law enforcement decades ago.To make a long story short, it basically involves an agreement for us to keep crime at a minimum and work with them to wipe away any threats to citizens.And in return they turn a blind eye to some of our business deals.
For them it’s the lesser evil and makes work for both of us more tolerable; keeping the streets of California safer.Of course, it’s not flawless and we do have confrontations at times, but both sides know when to cut their losses and when to gain small wins.
“Agreed,” I snap in return, feeling the same amount of anger.“This has been going on for a few weeks at least.Fredo should have been the first to know and reported his findings to us.By the time this shit hit our ears and with how long it’s been going on...it just reeks of him keeping it quiet from us.”
“At this point we’re not trusting any type of information coming from that district,” Arturo states and swings his head into Leandro’s direction.“No offense, I’m sure Pepe is trustworthy, but we need to draw a line here.”
Leandro lifts his chin in acknowledgement.“None taken, I fully agree.It’s too early to know who’s in on it or not.They’re fucking playing with us if they think they can keep it under wraps.Like Caterina mentioned, Fredo has the motivation and the abilities.His floating casino has the right contacts and with his gambling addiction he’s developed by running the casino, he’s more prone to accept shady shit which allows him to obtain more cash and parties to feed said addiction.”
“I’ve placed three soldiers of ours at strategic points and hope to have more information within a few days,” Arturo informs us.
“Good.”Standing, I place my palms on my desk and stare at Arturo.“That gives us time to settle with our future wives.I don’t have to remind you of the fact that you need to pick up yours from the airport later tonight.”
“Can’t.Fucking.Wait.”Arturo rubs his hands together.“One more thing, boss.When I showed Mattia the pleasures of visiting a whorehouse last night, a few of them told me they were approached to come work for someone else.Something about lower work hours, high pay during parties with a little gambling on the side along with the necessary entertainment.”
“A little gambling on the side...sounds to me like this is the same gang, sticking their fingers into everything that makes cash flow,” Leandro states, and I have to agree with him.
“Do you have any details?Did they leave a number she could call if she wanted to accept?”Arturo shakes his head at my questions.
“He told her he’d be back later this week.He gave her, and a few of the others, a couple of days to think things through.The fucker promised more cash, less work, high-class clients, pretty clothes, that kind of big mountains, sunshine, and fairytales to lure them in.”
“Smart,” Leandro grumbles.“Not leaving a trail to contact them.”
I rub my fingers along the scruff of my jaw.“We need to know the second that fucker steps foot inside the whorehouse again.”
Arturo pats the pocket he keeps his phone in.“I was thinking the same thing and asked them to text me the second they recognized him.”
“Good,” I mutter and push off the desk.
“Shame, though,” Arturo says thoughtfully.“Now I have to disappoint all those women.I’m not the most wanted bachelor anymore.Wait, this doesn’t mean I can’t—”
“Dude,” Leandro snaps.“If you’re going to mention something about infidelity and taking a mistress or some shit within the first damn hour you got yourself a wife to be, I am gonna waterboard your ass.Have some respect.”
I cross my arms in front of my chest and assess both of them.Leandro has different values about marriage.His parents were monogamous, while in the mafia world it’s not uncommon with arranged marriages for the man to take on a mistress because the wife hates the man’s guts.
Arturo however might have a big mouth, but he has a shattered heart.I know exactly why he jumped to the woman’s help and accepted her as his wife.His mother was in an arranged marriage and his father was an asshole who abused her at every turn.Not to mention, flaunt countless mistresses in her face.It’s the reason why his mother killed herself.I know damn sure he won’t do the same to his future wife, no matter how big his mouth is.
Arturo’s shoulders sag and he starts to rub the back of his neck.“Not what I was going to say.Hell, I don’t even know why the fuck I rattled out that shit.It’s early morning and stuff keeps piling up.I’m going to head home and get some things in order, do some research like I mentioned I would, and get ready to pick up my future wife.”
“I could handle collecting the information part Clemente requested if you want.This will allow you to have some time to yourself before life as you know it will change forever.”Leandro grabs Arturo’s shoulder and gives him a sympathetic squeeze.
“If I can give you a piece of advice...research your future wife.And if you have a problem with looking into her background?Talk to Rina.It’s her cousin.She would be able to tell you all about her so you know what to expect and what she’s like.Then you’d already be a few steps ahead of me, because if I could have a do-over?I would research the fuck out of Rina before I faced her.”
“Thanks, boss.Will do,” Arturo mutters.
We talk through a few other issues that need our attention.Even though I have a lot of people underneath me to handle everything, it still forces my hand to let every issue pass through me before a final decision is made.
My uncle was the head of the Famiglia before my father and I moved back here from living in Italy to take over the responsibilities.He was the same way and rarely let capos do whatever the hell they want to do.There always needs to be order.Every single person is different and so is leadership.Though, within the Famiglia, we all have the same loyalty, respect, and standards.
And this is also something Fredo is throwing to the wind.Even if he comes to me now and comes clean, he’s a thorn I need to rip out.He’s disrespecting everything we stand for.I don’t care if his father was loyal to the bone or if a few other capos support him.Fredo needs to be dealt with.
The information Arturo was going to send me comes in late afternoon and I’m still going through it when someone is knocking on my office door.
Without looking up, I grumble, “Come in.”
