Affirmation by S. W. Frank Read Free Book Online

we on Alberti’s killer ?”
    “ We’ve got n othing boss.”
    “That’s not acceptable Lou.”
    “I’ll have the guys increase the pressure.”
    “Do that.” A lfonzo scrutinized the older man’s face. Lou served his father for many years. He was considered an old school Mafioso, loyal, and unquestioning . “Lou, you’re privy to information concerning my father’s business associates. What’s your take on his relationship with Bruno?”
    Lou’s jaw tightened. This i s the first time Alfonzo asked his personal opinion about someone. Alfonzo read a person better than anyone . Lou figured he wanted a fresh pair of eyes on the matter, mainly because he couldn’t remain objective w hen it involved his mom. He couldn’t offer Alfonzo anything other than what he’d already told him , which really wasn’t much . “Luzo and Bruno were good friends. H e onc e said Bruno was his own man. He comes from old mone y, but made his fortune by sweat and smarts and didn’t take a dime from his father to do it. Your father said he respected that. ”
    Alfonzo snort, “ I asked what you witnessed and not hearsay Lou ! ”
    Lou respected his young employer. He’d been with his father, walked side by side with Luzo and heard and saw a lot of things. A man standing in that position was entrusted with confidential information and expected to keep a closed lip. Death didn’t negate the confidentiality rule. See, there’s some information a loyal soldier never disclosed and took that information to their grave.
    The organizers add ed final touches to the tent. Circular solar lamps were being placed in strategic areas near the entrance and walkway. At night they’d cast an illumination skyward to give an illusion of gold balls. Lou observed the faces of the people and their mannerisms as they worked. He learned in this business, any one, at any time could do a man, but there were always signs, you just had to know what to look for and he did. He answered his boss, “Bruno spoke forthright to your father. He never caged the truth even if Luzo didn’t like it. He also gave him sound business advice on occasion. Overall, I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary.”
    “Humph.”
    “There’s another matter that’s arisen. Don Schifani is requesting a personal audience.”
    Alfonzo’s brow furrowed, “ Why ?”
    “His man didn’t say. He issue d a formal appeal invoking the Giacanti name .”
    Alfonzo gave an exasperated sigh; h e needed to speak to Giuseppe since Don Schifani was on his brother’s payroll. However, out of respect for his loyalty to his grandfather, he’d hear the old man out. “Schedule him after the meeting in Malta. Make certain he’s aware Giuseppe will be present. I do not engage in subterfuge when it comes to my brother. ”
    Lou nodded, “ Got it.”
    “Good.” Alfonzo replied. His trip to Malta was very important. He planned to have a sit-down with five of the most influential families in Italy about Josef Timpico. There was something nagging the shit out of him. His gut was screaming. It wasn’t a coincidence another of his investments was seeing a significant drop in profits and he needed to find out what the hell was going on.
    Alfonzo ceased talking shop and scoffed. Business!
    Lou gestured to the enormous tent. The silk material shimmering in the sun near the porticos flowed like silk drapes when a slight breeze blew. “It looks good.”
    “Yeah, it does.” Alfonzo replied . He started walking and his long strides were matched by the Capo. “Do a thorough check on the security and then I expect you at my wedding , minus the office ramblings , comprende ?”
    “ I hear you boss .”
     
     
     
    CHAPTER SIX
     
     
     
    Amelda put the finishing touches on Selange’s hair and stepped back to view her masterpiece, “Bellissimo!”
    The other women nodded their agreement. Selange’s eyes turned to the mirror, which Amelda forbid her to peek at until she finished. She’d even