“Every good leader has a council of those he refers to for advice. Yes, I would confer with him on decisions to be made, but I only took his words as advice, not orders. I also received advice from Niccolo and Lorenzo. An extraordinary leader knows that his perception is not always the truth of the situation. In order to fully understand and digest a situation, you must combine several perspectives to get a clearer picture. So yes, I asked for my father’s advice when he was still living, but I made the decisions and I ruled this family.”
I let smirk play on my lips as the men around us begin to applaud me. I didn’t do it for that and I meant every word. Yes, my father told me what to do and I often did it, but it was because it was the right move. Had I disagreed, I would have done different.
I look to Niccolo and he gives me a small nod.
“Any other objections?”
With that, I became the most powerful man in the United States, possibly even the world.
Sofia
“Bella. It is so wonderful to have you here. How was your bus ride?”
The thick Italian accent rushes over me and calms me like balm to a wound. No one has called me Bella in a really long time. For my family, it is a term of endearment for a young girl. The last time I heard it was at their funeral.
“It was good. Thank you for helping me out, Uncle Tony. I really appreciate this chance you are giving me.”
“Of course. You are my blood. I will always take care of you.”
He gives me a hug and I squeeze him back. It’s been a long time since I have been around family. After my parents died in a car crash a couple years ago, I have been distant from the family and my friends. I guess that’s why I was idiotic enough to get into the relationship with that prick.
I shake my thoughts off and give one more squeeze before I pull back.
“Let’s get you home. You can tell me all about your trip on the way.”
I give him a small smile and nod as he wraps his arm around me and leads me to the car. Truth is, there isn’t much to tell him. After my boyfriend, excuse me ex-boyfriend, beat me senseless and threatened to kill me, I called Uncle Tony and begged him to help me get out. His response? Go to the bus station. He told me to only take the clothes on my back. That there would be an envelope waiting with the ticket agent along with a ticket to my next destination. Over the past four days, I have traveled to countless cities and changed busses six times and took a cab five. Finally, I ended up here, in New York City. More specifically Manhattan.
After a couple moments of silence Uncle Tony speaks up.
“So, your trip was well? Everything went ok?”
“Yep. I did everything you said. I checked over my shoulder at every turn and chose cities at random, sometimes even telling the cabbie to stop in the middle of some unknown town then calling another on the closest stores phone.”
“Good girl. That will cover your tracks. You are safe here, always, but I wanted to be sure.”
“I appreciate all the trouble you have gone through for me. Really. It means a lot.”
He just smiles at me as he focuses on the traffic.
“Listen, Bella. There are some things we need to go over.”
Apprehension fills my body. Of course, this wasn’t a free ride. I didn’t expect it, but what I didn’t know was what he would require from me. I didn’t have anything to my name.
“I am going to get a job. I will pay you back all the money you have given me. I am going to work on getting my own place as soon as possible as well.”
He lets out a loud, boisterous laugh.
“Oh, my Bella. I don’t care about the money, child. That’s not what I meant. I do suggest you find a job, but for now, you can work at the restaurant. If you choose to stay, you will always have a job there. I meant that there are some neighborhood rules that you should know. Especially since you will be living with me.”
“Oh. Ok. Sure. What are they?”
I feel a weight life at his words. A few neighborhood rules? I could handle that.
“Brooklyn is a safe place. The community takes care of one another. You will be safe with us. For the first couple of months, you will need to stay in Brooklyn. It’s the only way I can assure your safety. Until we know more about this Ryan.”
I nod my head mutely. I feel walls closing in on me slowly. Of course, I would need to be more careful. I knew that. It wasn’t the impending imprisonment. No, the sound of his name caused this feeling in me. Flashbacks of all the beatings he gave.
“I’m sorry, Bella. It’s only temporary. Just until I know more about the threat.” I give him a small smile as he glances at me. He takes that as the cue to continue. “You do need to be careful in the neighborhood though. There are men who run the neighborhood. They provide protection, but they also are dangerous men. I want you to be careful around them and stay out of their way. You will know who they are when you see them. Everyone knows who they are.”
