It's All About Respect
"I never lie to any man because I don’t fear anyone. The only time you lie is when you're afraid."
It was never a good thing to be asked to see Mr. Capone in his office. Draco always got a phone call or met him else where to give the money owed or to be asked to do a task. Draco knew why he was being asked to see him at his office. Frankie was the only name coming to mind. Draco knew he was wrong and it was only a matter of time for Mr. Capone to ask to see him. Either he will get yelled at and threaten about being fired or he could kill him for messing with his daughter. Thought Draco feels that she doesn’t belong in the mob He would never say that to the boss.
As He walks to the door Sweat on his brow began to form. Outside Draco looked calm but inside he was terrified of what could happen. Taking a deep breath Draco knocked on the door lightly and waited to be let in.
Lucian looked up from his books, waiting as the butler opened the door, exposing a rather put together Draco who entered his office, giving the Don a humble nod. Draco may not have been perfect, but he was punctual and practical. Those were qualities that he looked for in his men, and he had no intention of getting rid of one of them although they may have made a rather grave mistake.
“Please, take a seat.” Lucian said as he clasped his hands in front of him on top of his desk. He watched as Draco unbutton his coat, making sure to lean forward in order to show the interest and respect that Lucian deserved.
“I’m sure you already know why I asked you here. ” Lucian said, tapping his thumb as he waited for Draco’s acknowledgement.
Angelo couldn’t avoid to smile with Gene comment: his description about Aidan was the best he could listen. But for his own nature he didn’t want to feel confidence, with him or with any Irish: they could be a surprise box and they can’t be unprepared.
When Angelo listened to Lucian talk about the plan, he admired how he organized everything so fast: that were the skills he wanted to learn being close to Mr. Capone. Having that on his mind, he knew the next step is talk with Draco and Alban, but he wanted to add something.
“The only way how a little lie works, is covering it with a big truth. I know this will be hard because we will be hungry too. Everybody will have hungry. Carlotta can’t know this, not Amanda, not every single of workers in Dimitri’s and Rita’s. That will be the only way to do it, because that won’t be a lie. Will be an undeniable truth.”
Gene nodded in agreement with Angelo. “Then I’d suggest letting the boys know to mind their tongues, otherwise they’ll never eat again.” He sighed, knowing that while not everyone was disposable, a man with a loose tongue was more of a threat than a help and would be dealt with accordingly.
Looking back to Lucian he nodded, a small smile touching his lips even with the serious topic. “Good, it’s been too long since I’ve run with him.” He sighed and leaned back, unconsciously mimicking Lucian’s movements. “Shipments come in on Thursday’s so the stores can have fresh foods for the weekends. It gives us a couple days to get the men organized.” He mused and nodded, looking between Lucian and Angelo.
“Is there anything else? I’d rather get started mapping out the plan and having a back up in case of unwarranted interruptions.”
I won’t be involving but a few of our men, Like you said Angelo, we all need to suffer in order for this to go off without a hitch, and Gene you’re correct - loose lips sink ships. I don’t need the hassle of men that are willing to run their mouths. Both of you, make sure that isn’t a problem that we need to worry about. For now, our deed here is done. We get started on Thursday. Make sure that Luis knows to head up his own division and the men in order to take over the trains. They need to dress the part since there is more than one of them.”
Nodding, Lucian moved from his seat, buttoning his suit jacket before taking the final swig of his drink. Their plan was solid, and he knew that it would be executed with precision and perfection so long as the two men with him kept their eyes on things.
“You’re dismissed gentleman. Come back to me with reports. Both of you. I want to know how well this all turned out.”
He nodded slowly, knowing there was nothing that he’d be able to say or do to stop this plan from going forward. “I understand, Mbret. I know this is drastic measure, but if this is plan you’ve decided on, then it must be only option left to us.” He stared at the glass in his hand as it rested on the table. “I only pray that this solution is swift for us.”
He finally looked up at Lucian, giving him a small nod. “Of course, I will do anything that is necessary. You have my word.”
“Good.” Lucian stood, rounding his desk in order to shake the man’s hand. Although Alban wasn’t directly linked to the family, he still had been an intricate part of planning and scheming. He was a hard worker, and although Lucian couldn’t be sure he liked his tone, he appreciated the man and his hard work enough to not say a word.
“Angelo and Draco will be coming to you with detailed instructions. As for now, we are done here.”
Lucian watched as Alban nodded once more, placing his half-empty glass of scotch on the edge of the desk before taking his leave. As the door shut, Lucian sighed, knowing all too well that this wasn’t going to be easy nor was he going to have everyone go along willingly with the plan, but this plan was one that he stood behind one hundred percent. And despite the disposition of his men, they were going through with it, whether they liked it or not.
“That was a waste of time.” Angelo could say the things in other way but he didn’t want: that wasn’t a moment to play, and he really believed, only for few details, be there was more a word entertaining than a negotiation. “For what I could see, their business is recovering, people is beginning to forget what happened there. About Aidan…” He was upset remembering the conversation. “Sorry, but he is a clown. His answers were a mockery.”
That conversation left to Angelo a sensation: “If he is one of the heads, I can’s say they aren’t absolutely organized. They act for instinct. That is a powerful weakness, but we can’t feel fine about that. When I asked if they wanted an agreement about Montford, his exact words were: ‘If it’s that small for you, get out…That’s what I want.’ I believe that is a clear message.”
The only thing he thought was if Connor McReary is different, because Angelo knew nothing about him and that was a worry. Even in his position how advisor and intermediary, he felt that needs proper measures: they were so comfortable and defiant in a place what don’t belong to them.
Gene listened attentively to Angelo as he briefly went over his feelings of the ‘negotiation’ with Aidan, noting the sharpness of his voice. It wasn’t hard to become irritated with the Irishman, hell, he was irritated and he’d never even met the man.
“McConnell’s an underdog with delusions of grandeur.” Gene said softly, his fingers trailing around the lip of his glass of water. “If there’s anyone in charge of that pack, it’s Connor McReary, but I have my doubts that he’d have agreed to negotiations.” He looked up from his glass, between the two men and shrugged a shoulder. “He’ll want a fight.” He said simply before sitting forward and looking to Lucian.
“Tell me what you need me to do.”
Lucian felt the annoyance well within him at the paraphrasing of McConnell’s words, his hands now gripping the sides of the table as he leaned back in his seat. He’d known that this would be the outcome, but he at least had the cordiality to come to them during this time of stress. Now, however, it was time for action. He hated sitting around, waiting for things to happen and it was past time they did something to get this show on the road.
“Well then it’s settled. I’ll set Luis, Rick and Dante on the trains. Angelo, you and Draco will resolve the truck that comes in to see Alban. He is aware of the situation and knows his place, but be sure you have a plan. Gene you will spearhead the produce trucks that come in from the fields. Take Joseph with you, and be careful, those men have a tendency to be armed. Do what you need to do in order to take care of business.”
Even when he took the time to arrive on time, Angelo knew Mr. Capone would be the first on arrive, and he was right. Excited with the idea to give the first step in the plan, he arrived to Dimitri’s. The other side of the meeting wasn’t pleasant. He did his job and, how he expected, the meeting with Aidan was so far to be a success. But will have time to talk about that.
He gave a quick look on the place: Gene wasn’t there but he wasn’t unpunctual, he would be close to appear. This meeting was a little delayed, but everything has his own time. He approached to the Don: “Good afternoon Mr. Capone.” And after, politely, sat in a chair, close to him.
Gene straightened his coat as he stepped out of his car. He was the sort of man that didn’t sweat in nearly any situation, but at ten in the morning and already at eighty degrees, he was feeling the discomfort of the humid weather. Tugging at his collar, he ducked quickly into Dimitri’s, grateful to shrug out of the coat. Striding purposely over to where Lucian and Angelo sat waiting, he unbuttoned his suit jacket as he sat, nodding in greeting.
“Lucian, Angelo. Pardon my tardiness.” He ran a hand through his hair and looked expectantly at Lucian. “Whenever you’re ready sir.”
He was aware of the way Lucian wanted things to go, where Angelo’s negotiations to fall through, but he, along with Lucian, wanted the Irish gone. It wasn’t that he had anything in particular against their sort, he just knew that an Alpha like Lucian could not reign comfortably, knowing there was another Alpha, even of a different sort, in town. He wasn’t fond of the idea of that Lucian had, but he also knew that there weren’t many options on the table.
“Gentleman.” Lucian announced; his body going rigid in his seat as he looked from Angelo to Gene. “There isn’t much to discuss that you don’t already know other than the plans that we need to implement.”
Taking a puff from his cigar he watched it for a moment; enthalled by the way the smoke billowed from the fat orange ember. It was hot to the touch, yet so easy to snuff out. Much like Montford. This town was thriving, more people were wanting to become a part of the community. Business was booming, but they were nothing but the ass end of a hearty cigar in Lucian’s aged and capable hands. This had to be done if no headway was made. They had no choice.
“Angelo. Elaborate for us please on your meeting with Aidan. Was there any information you were able to find out? Do we need to halt our plans?”
He nodded his head. “Anything, Lucian.” Dimitri responded. He was quick to lend a helping hand to anyone, even quicker to do anything to help out the Family. With eagerness in his demeanor, Dimitri sipped at his drink before he sat it on Lucian’s desk. He wondered what the job would be this time; whether he had to go out and murder someone or help beat up another Irish scumbag. Hoping for either, he patiently waited for his new objective with an open ear. He knew that Lucian’d always had trouble with them. What else could the man be thinking to do?
Lucian smiled at Dimitri’s urgency. It was nice to know that the man was settling into his role as soldier as well as he was. He seemed eager to learn - eager to fight, and even more so, eager for revenge. Nodding, Lucian brought his own glass to his lips before moving forward with his proposition.
“Angelo, Gene and I have come up with a plan. One that will ultimately result in a food shortage around Montford. I will need every single one of you for this mission. Every truck, every train that makes it’s way toward Montford will be stopped, and the produce and food that is to come here needs to be taken care of. Leave only the necessities to come back to town . Do it by any means necessary. Even if that means holding a driver at gunpoint and stating you’re from Ireland. Gene and Angelo will be disposing of the extra goods. Your restaurant will suffer, but I promise you’ll be compensated.”
Lucian’s words were literally hard to swallow. The man was going through with Angelo’s plan to enact a deliberate food shortage. He’d already given his opinion on this to the consigliere. Now that he was face to face with the Don, the man he’d once looked up to as a father, this decision tore him in two. All he could think about was the way things had been when he was a child in Albania. While his family weren’t nearly as wealthy as the Capones, they also did not want for much. The same could not be said for many other families in the province. Famine and hunger were a product of poor economy, not a toy to be played with by power hungry mafiosos.
He took another swig, a slightly longer one this time, before speaking. “My losses are not what concerns me, although I do appreciate your offer. I have more than enough in savings to get me through this time.” He paused a moment, raising his eyes, but not his face, to meet Lucian’s. “What troubles me is the people. I know this plan will weaken the Irish, but it will also weaken the innocent, including our own.” He chose his next words carefully, doing his best to not offend the boss with his concerns. “Can we afford such risk?”
Lucian understood Alban’s concerns, and although he was annoyed by the man’s willingness to discuss them at the moment, the Don knew that he had to give as much thought to the neutral folks of Montford as he needed to his own cause. If the vector were to find out about his dealings, there was no way in hell he would be able to operate in this town again - but he also realized that if something wasn’t done and soon about the Four Points Gang, that everyone in the God forsaken town would be up shit creek without a paddle. It wasn’t just about power. It was about restoring the balance.
“Alban, I’m afraid we don’t have a choice. This is not a war to be won or lost. And the townsfolk of Montford need to be made aware that the Irish are the one’s doling out their punishment. If they were not here, none of us would be suffering. Consider us their saviors. They will see that when we are able to eradicate these mongrels from our town. When everything goes back to the way it was.”
Giovanni found his way to the seat in a matter of seconds, not wanting to waste the older man’s time. He sat up straight, his posture barely comfortable, but he had to look official for the boss. He listened to every word carefully. The attention in his eyes showing that he understood him, nodding his head between each sentence as he took it all in.
He looked up at the waitress and ordered a coffee, not willing to disrespect any offer from the most powerful man in Montford if not all Chicago itself. “Thank you, sir” he nodded, feeling the nerves dwindling a bit. This was about business and not scolding, so he loosened up, but just slightly. “Whatever it is you need, Mr. Capone. I’m your man.” Sure, it was a bold statement, but Giovanni meant it, he would never let the don down.
Lucian nodded, taking another sip of his joe before snubbing out the butt of his cigar. Tough times called for tougher breaks, and right now was his open window of opportunity. Frivolous beatings and petty shoot ups of vacant businesses where getting neither the Irish nor his family anywhere. Something drastic needed to be done in order to force these garish hooligans out of his town, and since Angelo’s meeting with Aidan didn’t seem to end so well, it was time that Lucian laid down the law.
“We have a plan to set in place and I need all hands on deck. Produce and food shipments come in on Wednesday of this week. I need my men to infiltrate these shipment whether they’re by truck, bus or train and get ahold of the goods. Montford is going to have a bit of a shortage on their hands, and there’s only going to be one suspect. I’m sure you can guess who that is?”
Nerves filled every last inch of the soldier’s body. He could feel his hands starting to sweat as the nerves took over. Despite the wreck of state he was in on the inside —on the outside he was cool and collected. You had to fake it in this line of business if you wanted to survive. Have enough balls to keep up that confident front despite the anxiousness that you were most probably drowning in. Frightening and bold figures gained respect, Lucian Capone had such respect; and Giovanni? Well, he would be grateful enough to even earn a speck of that recognition.
He looked himself over one last time, making sure he looked presentable for the don. His hair slicked to the back, his cuffs buttoned up, and his shoes shined. He took a deep discreet breath as he approached the door. He knocked on the doorframe and stepped at the open door, revealing himself, but not daring to step into the office unless told to do so. “You wished to see me, sir?”
Lucian nodded, his hands clasped in front of him as he waited for Gio to take the seat in front of him. “Indeed I did, son. We have a few things to discuss, and I need yo make sure that you are aware of what is happening within the next few days. We need all the man power that we can get and you’re going to be involved more than usual.”
Snapping his fingers, Lucian called for their waitress, ordering himself another coffee and one of Dimitri’s famous cannolis. “Are you hungry Gio? My treat.”
His volume made her heart jump, and she sank backward in the chair. He had never held this tone with her before, and the rage struck fear into her heart. Woman… He hadn’t referred to her as such before - at least not to her face. There was no reason she shouldn’t be allowed on her own. He wasn’t her father, and she had no idea why she was even asking his permission in the first place. “It was a courtesy of me to ask, Lucian. You aren’t my father, brother or husband. You have no right to keep me here!”
And then her heart broke. He wasn’t talking to her; he was talking to Laura. Of course, he had envisioned his wife in her. Many people had throughout her life. But, this hurt, more than any of those times before. A single hot tear fell down her cheek as he barked his last words. Wanting nothing more than to slap him, she stood up and tried to compose herself. “I am not my sister,” she spat, her voice low as she tried to prevent it from wavering. Turning to leave the room, she half-expected him to call her back. “I’m leaving.”
Lucian stared at the door as it slammed, his cigar billowing smoke into his face even though it was registered in the ashtray. He hadn’t even realized the words he said until Carlotta had confronted him about them. Never once had he referred to his wife while in a conversation with her, let alone another woman. It was embarrassing, but even more so, Lucian found himself infuriated.
With trembling hands he picked up his cigar once more, his fingers fumbling with the flint of his lighter as he attempted to relight the wilted thing. Rubbing his temple, he made not to speak with Pete, and look for a home suitable for Carlotta that was close enough for him to be comfortable.
Dimitri’s as always. Meetings at the manor always seemed to be far too formal. Not only that, but if Lucian we’re to hold every conversation in his office at home, he would never be able to see the light of day. It was due time that he spoke with Gio. With Carlotta’s impending moving date, it seemed as if Eliza was becoming more rebellious. Why women felt the need to search for independence these days was beyond him. With Carlotta, there was only so much he could do. With Eliza, however, he had every intention of keeping her at the manor, even long after he passed away.
Bringing his piping espresso to his lips, Lucian’s eyes remained on the front door, his cigar mashed between his index and middle finger as he waited for his soldier to arrive.
