THE ITALIAN MAFIA'S KARMA

Chapter 78: IMPERFECT PLAN

The heavy electronic sound coming from the club instantly ceased behind closed doors."Neravalle never ceases to amaze me."

Luciano smiled and patted the curly hairs back. "When you build something with intentionality and passion, it becomes a wonder," he said in a proud voice.

"It really is."

They walked into his office closest to the club, to find Elio already seated.

"Chris!" He jumped to his feet, and walked over to Mr curly hair.

"You grow an inch taller every time I see you, Elio," he laughed, as they hugged.

Luciano continued to his own seat, leaving the boys to catch up.

"So what have I missed in my one year absence?" He questioned, as he walked with Elio towards the seats at the desk.

"Guess who is the reigning champion for the annual horse race event?"

"Definitely not you. Last I checked, you had a losing streak."

Elio frowned. "Keyword, Chris-had."

"Right!" He bobbed his head and smiled.

"Anyway, you’re looking at your new champion." He spread his arms proudly.

"No way! That means you’re like really liquid. How about a little Ferrari for my troubles?" He lifted a twitching brow, as he plopped into a seat.

Elio chuckled. "I’ll think about it."

The door opened in that same moment, and Vittorio walked into the room.

"Salva is taking bets on the odds of you going into space someday. About fifty people so far have placed a bet," he said, shaking his head.

Chris chuckled. "That guy. He never changes."

"What side has the highest percentage? For or against me?" Luciano brow knitted in curiosity.

"What do you think?"

He walked over to one of the drawers where they hid alcohol, and pulled out a bottle of whiskey.

"I’d have voted against you though. I don’t think you’re interested in going to space," Elio said.

Luciano hissed through his teeth. "You traitor. Even if I’m not interested in going, how dare you vote against me?" He grabbed a pen from his table, and flung it towards Elio.

Elio ducked, and Salvatore, who had just opened the door to come in, caught the pen just before it could hit his eyes.

"I didn’t know we were having a pen flinging contest in here," he grinned, shutting the door behind him.

Luciano’s eyes squinted. "Are you creating betting stakes with my name?" He questioned directly.

Salvatore’s face swiftly wore a betrayed expression, as he took a quick glance at Vittorio.

Vittorio, who was drinking straight out of the whiskey bottle, shrugged.

"You—" he kissed his teeth, swallowing the rest of his thoughts.

"Were you?"

"Carpo, I can totally explain. You see–well–anyways they’re betting massively in favour of you." He finished it off with a clownish smile.

Luciano chuckled. "That’s good enough for me."

"Hear that sucker?!" Salvatore slammed directly at Vittorio.

Once again, he shrugged nonchalantly.

Chris let out a short hearty laughter. "Why exactly do I not come around more often? I’ve missed this."

"Well you’re here now. And we have got to talk business."

The playfulness in Luciano’s eyes gave way to seriousness, as he sat up.

"Alright Luce. Hit me with your questions. Why did you urgently request for my presence?"

"You know why. What’s the update on Ross?"

Chris popped a half smirk. "Of course. Ross Voltron. You’re talking about the rumors of him making an appearance in Italy?"

"Some are of the opinion he wouldn’t dare. What do you think?"

Chris shrugged slightly. "We all know Ross is as stubborn as they come. If there is even a single rumor that he’s coming to Italy, then there is great truth in it. My guys in his camp have been a bit silent though. Apparently, he has grown suspicious of the people around him. He thinks he has traitors in his camp."

Luciano rose to his feet, walked over to Vittorio, and snatched the bottle from his hand.

"You’re welcome?" Vittorio muttered under his breath.

Luciano began to pace. "See the problem is, if Ross is coming to Italy, it means he has help. It also means there is something here for him. What could a man like him who has enough wealth to last centuries, be looking for here?"

"Excellent question, Luce. That brings me to another rumor spreading fast."

He moved the bottle which was already on its way to his lips away. "What rumor?"

"There’s been a leak but it’s only just a rumor. At least as far as I know. Apparently, Allen Wallace’s daughter is alive, and she’s in Italy," he said.

The three men behind exchanged glances, but Luciano kept his gaze on Chris.

"Where is this rumor coming from, and say it’s true, what does it have to do with Chris?"

"You’re kidding right, Luce? Everyone wants the map. Allen used to brag about his daughter being the only one that knows the map. If she’s truly alive, she might be the single most important person on earth. Because it’s not just the US government looking for her. It’s the Italian government too. It’s every Mafia fraction between the states and Italy. For a man like Ross, he would do anything to be in charge of that map, and resurrect project Blackstone."

Luciano swallowed the drink that had stayed in his tongue for a hot second, and it burned down his already heated throat.

"So whoever has the girl, is practically in the lead?"

"That’s exactly what it seems like," Chris said. "You ask as if you know something," he quickly added.

"All I know for now is that if Ross is coming to Italy, I want to be privy to every detail."

"Thats the good thing about being LuceNera right? You’re always one step ahead," Chris said with a smile.

"Sure. Thanks for coming as quickly as you did Chris."

"Anytime Luce." He saluted.

Luciano turned to the rest of them. "Leave me and Vittorio alone," he ordered.

In a heartbeat, everyone disappeared from the room, except Vittorio.

"You have a plan," he said, spotting the twinkle in Luciano’s eyes that only appeared when he had something figured out.

"Who do you think is the only one dumb and greedy enough to grant Ross safe passage into Italy?"

Vittorio’s eyes squinted a few seconds in thought, and then it snapped. "Lorenzo Barone!"

"Exactly! If Lorenzo is in cahoots with Ross, then he’ll definitely try to convince the seven Mafia districts to buy into whatever bullshit he’s selling. I only trust Don Carlo and Niccolo so far not to fall for his madness. That’s why I need to be in that conversation."

"How? You never go to those meetings. Trust Lorenzo will not inform you whenever Ross arrives and chooses to speak to the other lords."

"Yeah, you’re right," he said with a wry grin.

"But---" Vittorio waited for the continuation.

"Not if the meeting is held here in Neravalle."

Vittorio’s heart double jumped. "Have you absolutely lost your mind?!"

"Hear me out," Luciano lifted a finger up. "I want my wedding to Daniela to be moved forward."

Vittorio nodded. "That’s a good thing. Still has nothing to do with the fact none of the other lords have ever ventured into Aurivilla. And now they’re not just going to be coming into the city, but into Neravalle as well? That isn’t very wise, is it?"

"Let me land, Vitto."

Vittorio spread his hand a little in surrender.

"As I was saying, Daniela and I never had a grand engagement party. So that’s what we’re going to do. Absolutely everyone is going to be invited. Do you think the lords will pass up an offer to come into my city and my home for the very first time?"

"It’s a good plan but–"

"No buts. I have a feeling Ross is either in Italy already or on his way. We have to move faster," he said as he walked to the door, and opened it. "The engagement party is in exactly three days. And at that party, Valentina will be present."

He walked out, leaving Vittorio’s mouth hanging open in absolute shock.