Page 39 of Reign of Fate
“He was there on business. Ruggero told me he was sent on a special project on Raffaele’s orders. I swear to God!” he exclaims, staring at Raffaele, his eyes pleading for him to believe him.
Raffaele stands and pulls out his gun, aiming it at Bruto’s heart. “If you’re lying to me, I’ll find out, and I’ll end you and the rest of your family.” His voice is menacing and cold.
“I’m telling the truth. I swear it,” he pleads. “Ruggero came to me two days ago. He asked for more money. I told him no. I called Danilla right after and explained and she and my grandchildren can come to live with us until Ruggero sorts out his financial issues. Danilla suspected something was amiss, but she didn’t know the extent of their financial situation. Ruggero’s gotten more volatile, and I just found out that he’s taken a hand to my daughter. I’m on the hunt for him myself,” he says angrily. “For his sake, I hope you find him first, because if I do, I’ll have no mercy.”
Raffaele scans the room, and his gaze settles on Dino. “Organize your men. We’re on the hunt for Ruggero. I want a thorough search.”
“The fucker’s gone underground. He’s in the wind, sir. I’ve had all the men I could spare looking for him.”
“The wind shifts, and eventually, we will find him,” Raffaele states. I’m pissed. In the wind? Fuck, no! I’ll find him.
THIRTEEN
Baby Celebration
IVO
Raffaele might not have pulled the trigger, but he’s unhappy. Bruto should have called me or Raffaele immediately when Ruggero approached him. There’s no reason for Ruggero to be in this situation. He’s given a handsome income on a monthly basis. Ruggero’s story doesn’t make sense. He lied to his father-in-law and, in part, Bruto has offended Raffaele by not coming to us.
I feel slightly better knowing that Bruto wasn’t responsible for Ruggero’s attack on Elisa, but only slightly.
“I want him followed,” Raffaele says. I make arrangements, sending Massimo along to set the wheels in motion. Dino is then contacted and reminded that his loyalty belongs to Raffaele andUltimo Morte.
“I believe him,” I tell Raffaele.
Raffaele slides his eyes to me. “Yes, but he should have come to me.”
“Agreed.” I nod.
“Ruggero’s up to no good. You know it and so do I. Who is he working with, and what does he hope to get from it?” Raffaele isn’t looking for an answer. He knows the only way to find out what’s going on is to find Ruggero, and to do that, we must set a trap for our rat.
For several hours, Raffaele and I plot different scenarios to get Ruggero to show his face. The greatest opportunity is dangling a bait that he can’t refuse. The best option is to leak an event at the newest casino where an obscene amount of money will be sitting in the back room waiting to be taken. An opening night with crowds of guests would be the perfect time to sneak in unannounced.
Raffaele and I will have to be there for certain, as will Evangeline and the new Mrs. Avante. This isn’t the way I’d like to introduce my wife to our men, but this is our plan. There will be tight security, and, knowing Raffaele, he’ll leave nothing to chance. His wife will have her own army surrounding her, as will mine.
I’m itching to get back home. This business with Ruggero makes me ill. When I think of all the time, money, and energy we put into growing him in the family, it makes me want to vomit. Time is precious, and to know I’ve wasted it on a man who doesn’t deserve it turns my stomach. I’ve learned to mask my displeasure in front of the men. They need a leader, not a hothead.
I’m glad to be back at the house. Raffaele is the first to get out of the car and go inside. He left Evangeline feeling poorly, and he’s anxious to check in on her. Elisa is sitting with Adriana on her lap, on the floor, reading her a book. Evangeline is sitting up with a bowl and spoon in hand, eating while she watches them.
Elisa must sense my presence and looks up to see me. “Daddy’s home, Adriana,” she announces, and, as always, Adriana comes bounding toward me. Raffaele makes it over to the couch where Evangeline is and sits next to her, giving her a light kiss.
“How are you feeling, tesoro?” he asks. Elisa bustles about packing away Adriana’s toys as quickly as possible. “Did the doctor come?”
“Yes, and I’m fine,” Evangeline replies, taking his hand in hers.
“We’ll just get out of your way,” Elisa murmurs.
Evangeline stops her. “Actually, could you stay for a few more minutes? I’m sure Ivo and Raffaele would love some soup and biscuits,” she says.
Even I know it’s an excuse to have us hang around.
“Of course,” Elisa replies. “Come give me a hand, my monkey,” she coos to Adriana. “You too, Ivo. I can’t reach the top shelf.”
Once in the kitchen, Elisa puts Adriana to work, placing the freshly baked biscuits on a plate. While Adriana is busy, I corner Elisa against the counter.
“Want to tell me what’s going on?” I ask.
She smiles shyly and says, “Wait for it.”
