The noise coming from the outer office swirled around Jason as he attempted to focus on the figures in the files that were spread out before him. While he knew very well that his father had barred him from all aspects of the Coronary Care Benefit, Jason was still the person responsible for allocating the matching funds for the event. It was the one tie to the gala that he had done his best to maintain.
Jason let his fingers graze the keypad on the phone in front of him. He had Elizabeth's cell phone number committed to memory and toyed with the idea of calling her. The image of her laying naked across the king-sized bed at the Four Seasons Ritz Carlton was burned in his mind. Jason shifted in his chair as the heat radiated from his loins. The scant thought of the heights they had achieved together not more than twenty minutes before was getting the better of him. In the last week, the pair had made the rounds throughout the city's hotels. They had made stops at Hilton & Towers, Embassy Suites, Congress Plaza Hotel and now the Ritz Carlton. Each time they adorned a new alias and pretended that the world outside the four walls of the hotel room ceased to exist. While Jason treasured all of those stolen moments, they were just that – stolen moments. He wanted so much more than just some afternoon delight. He wanted more for himself and Elizabeth.
Jason walked over to the wall of windows that overlooked the cityscape. The stone peaks of Excalibur loomed large in the distance. He chuckled to himself as he recalled Elizabeth's reaction to the club. That night had been the beginning for them, and each subsequent time together only served to draw Jason further into a tangled web of lies. A web of lies that he wasn't looking to escape.
It was so easy for Jason to let himself get lost in the throngs of passion that he and Elizabeth shared. He closed his eyes and let his mind drift to the picture he had of their bodies melded into one form. He recounted the ecstasy Elizabeth had brought to him and controlled a shiver as it raced down his spine. Ecstasy that before her touch Jason hadn't even imagined existed. He could hear the thumping of his heart resounding in his ears and feel his breathing quicken as the rapture came to consume him again. In moments like these it was so easy for Jason to get lost in the rush of emotions he felt for Elizabeth. It was in times like this that he could delude himself with his own wishful fantasy, a fantasy that held a future for them. A place where Elizabeth was Jason's wife and not Anthony Malucci's. The idea that Elizabeth was Anthony's wife needled at Jason, as did the argument that he had had with Joseph. His father's words raced through the cavities of Jason's mind – no matter how much he attempted to stop them......
"So you were with Anthony's wife?"
"Like I said, her marriage isn't even a marriage."
"That's not the answer I was looking for. Were you or weren't you with Anthony's wife last night?"
"What if I was?"
"Jason – what have you done?"
"Nothing that Anthony hasn't done to Elizabeth."
"Do you hear yourself? Elizabeth and Anthony are married Jason. Married – do you know what that means?"
"Yes – but might I suggest you try explaining to her husband. If I recall not that long ago he was standing in this very house with a woman we know wasn't his wife. Why is it I am the one getting the lecture?"
"You can't twist the facts around to suit your own needs son. I don't care what Anthony does or doesn't do. He and Elizabeth are still married and in my book that's all that matters!"
Jason let a heavy sigh escape his lips as pinched the bridge of his nose. His head knew that Joseph was right – his head screamed those very same words on numerous occasions. However it was Jason's heart that was now in control. His heart had forced him to take leave of his senses. It had forced him to forget all the rites and rituals that made the system he lived within actually work. Up until a few weeks ago that had been enough for him, but now the allure of money, power and domination took a back seat to things such as tenderness, companionship and true love. The sound of the phone's shrill ring caused Jason to leave the life he dreamed of and return to the life he had. "Morgan."
"We got a problem boss." Johnny's voice came through the line.
"What kind of problem?" Jason had instructed Johnny to keep a watchful eye on Anthony Malucci. He couldn't rid himself of the feeling that he had to always be one step ahead of Elizabeth's husband, especially now.
"Looks like Tony boy is playing hide and seek with a few of our trucks again. The two trucks on the New York run never made it."
"SHIT!" Jason's hand hit hard against his ebony desktop.
"What do you want me to do?" Johnny asked.
"Malucci must have a death wish," Jason more to himself than to Johnny.
"The New York boys are seeing red, Jason," Johnny continued. "They expected their shipment and they got zilch!"
"I'll handle smoothing the ruffled feathers in New York."
"What about Tony?" Johnny couldn't stop himself from asking the question as he imagined what the Morgan family would have in store for the younger Malucci.
"Not to worry, Malucci will certainly get what's coming to him. My father made it perfectly clear that there would be no second chances. Too bad Tony was too stupid to heed the warning." Jason leaned back triumphantly in his chair secure in the knowledge that Anthony Malucci had just hung himself.
"So what am I supposed to tell the New York boys?" Johnny questioned anxious at being the one left holding the proverbial bag.
"Tell them that they will be equally compensated for their loses and that either my father or I will be in touch shortly."
"If that doesn't wash?" Johnny couldn't help but doubt that a few words about making up what had been lost would be enough to pacify the men standing just beyond the glass of the phone booth.
"Make it wash," Jason's voice was cryptic.
"Got it."
"When you get back to Chicago," Jason added, "I think it's time that we set a few of those traps my father mentioned." Jason felt a gleeful sneer emerge on his face.
"You got it boss."
Jason placed the receiver in its resting-place as he practically somersaulted around the room. Anthony Malucci had just served himself up to the Morgan family, on a silver platter no less. There would be no reason for Joseph to deny Jason the action that he had so long sought against Anthony. Joseph made it known publicly that he wouldn't tolerate Anthony's need to write his own rules and Rocco had sanctioned whatever actions Joseph deemed necessary to keep his son in line. What was to happen next would certainly be in keeping with the rules that had been ingrained in Jason for years. This was one time he would savor such protocols.
Jason wrestled with either calling the LaCocca's in New York or heading straight to his father with the news that Johnny had just delivered. He was filled with the desire of seeing Anthony swinging from a noose so much so that placating the LaCocca's was the last thing on Jason's mind. He got up and headed straight for his father's office but he stopped short as he wondered what other things Anthony's sticky fingers might have touched. Jason crossed the room to where his computer sat and logged into Morgan Enterprises company network. His eyes scanned the many 'companies' that deposited funds into the various Morgan family holdings. His father had set up a very intricate map of twists and turns that to the naked eye, or even to the best IRS auditor, appeared to be on the surface above board. Each clan under the Morgan jurisdiction had one legitimate company that funneled money in and out of the various divisions of Morgan Enterprises. The splinter companies were the ones used to launder the money that would eventually hit the legit books. It was a large continuous cycle that netted Jason's family and the other millions and millions of dollars. Each of the other families were paid handsomely for their affiliation with Joseph and Jason Morgan, and the Morgan family was compensated for being the ones to take the heat should the Feds ever came a calling. Jason knew the likelihood of that was something next to impossible.
Jason pulled up the files regarding Malucci Manufacturing and its splinter companies. At first glance nothing seemed out of place. However on closer inspection Jason noticed that the money that was to circle back and hit Morgan Enterprises on the third run through was nearly ten grand shy of what was expected. Each splinter company was holding back nearly three G's each time that the money was filtered back through to the Morgan Enterprises accounts. "Back to your old tricks I see?" Jason hissed as he printed out the incriminating pieces of paper.
To satisfy his own curiosity Jason reviewed the many records of the other families that were in bed with his own. He wanted to be sure that none of the others had decided to take it to the mattress along with Anthony Malucci. If there would be war, the Morgans needed to know just who their allies were going to be. It appeared that Anthony Malucci was the only kamikaze in the bunch. Ammunition in hand, Jason headed toward his father's plush office. He couldn't wait to blow Anthony Malucci out of the water. It brought Jason great pleasure to know that all the aggravation that Malucci had inflicted on Jason's family would now be atoned for. Jason walked passed Joseph's secretary, Rita, without so much as a word to her. He was a man on a mission -- a mission that would finally rid himself of the ever-present thorn in his side known as Anthony Malucci. "I think we have a problem," Jason stated.
"What's that?" Joseph countered with a hardened tone. He and his son had yet to make amends from their fight a few days before.
"Anthony Malucci," Jason said smugly. He was thoroughly enjoying the fact that, for once, Joseph would have to take action.
"Don't you ever tire of the same old song and dance?" his father questioned letting out an exasperated sigh. Jason's tenaciousness regarding Anthony only complicated matters for Joseph. He hadn't been able to rid himself of Rocco's not so hidden request to handle Anthony by any means necessary. He still found that thought unsettling and now having his own son standing before him grinning like some Cheshire cat made him for the first time in his wish that someone else had been "The Boss".
"You could ask Malucci the same question," Jason countered agitated by his father's nonchalant attitude.
"Jason, would you please stop with the riddles?" Joseph sighed again as he stared into the determined eyes of his second son.
"Apparently your little talk with Anthony did little to alleviate his habit of pocketing things that don't belong to him."
"JASON!" Joseph spat angered by the fact that his son was still making little if any sense. He had to wonder if his anger came from the fact that he didn't want to hear what he knew Jason was about to say. It would be one more thing to add to the growing list of Anthony Malucci's indiscretions.
"I just heard from Johnny."
"About?"
"The trucks never made it to the LaCocca's"
"Excuse me?"
"Wait, it gets better. Anthony has decided that he likes eating alone. He's been neglecting his taxes again."
"Rocco assured me....."
"Could you just save the tired rhetoric, Papa? Rocco, no matter what you want to delude yourself into thinking can't control his son! It's time that we control Anthony for him!"
Jason's words conjured up Joseph's conversation with his long time friend.
"I need you to control him. You are the only one, Joseph, even remotely able to take on such a task."
"If I can't control him, then what?"
"Do what needs to be done. Will you help me?"
"I will do what I can."
"Papa!" Jason's voice pulled Joseph from his past thoughts.
"What?"
"It's time we set those traps for Tony. I think he's played our family for a fool for the last time. Don't you?"
"What proof do you have?" Joseph questioned.
"PROOF?! Here's the damn proof!" Jason almost threw the folders he had in his hands on his father's desk. "It's all there in black and white. Follow the money trail, or should I say the lack of the money trail?"
Joseph eyeed the papers in front of him cautiously. He did his best to hide his fury from his son. The last thing Joseph Morgan needed was for Jason to see just how enraged he truly was. This was a slap in the face for him. Anthony Malucci had taken Joseph's respectful gesture and made a mockery out of it. "Are you sure these are the correct figures?" Joseph strained to remain composed.
"YES!" Jason was now exasperated by his father's seemingly calm reaction.
"You are certain that there can't be a mistake in these somewhere?"
"WHAT!? You are kidding right? Besides myself, you and Mikey no one has access to those accounts." Jason was at a total loss as to why his father couldn't see what was so obviously staring him in the face.
"There are some legitimate accounts here, Jason. Isn't it possible that there could have been an accounting error? Why is it that your first instinct is to assume that Anthony is up to his old tricks?"
"Why is it that you don't?!" Jason countered with an angry voice.
"Maybe it's because I know how desperate you want Anthony Malucci eliminated from the equation."
"WHAT!?"
"It would be much easier for you if Anthony wasn't part of the equation any longer. I feel that you are looking for a way for this family to take action against him. That would clear the avenue for you to have Elizabeth without any repercussions. I am sorry son, but I don't plan on helping you do that."
"WHAT!?" Jason's voice bounced off the confines of the office. "I can't believe that you think that little of me!" Jason tried to hide his hurt, but it spilled through nonetheless. "Anthony was making his own rules long before I even knew who his wife was! That hasn't changed."
"No – but you have."
"How? I still want what's best for this family, and what's best for us is to make an example out of Malucci before the others decide that they too can take what they feel they deserve!"
"If you wanted what was best for this family, then you wouldn't have taken up with Anthony's wife......"
"Now look who's singing the same tune? Why doesn't it matter to you that the LaCooca's think we duped them or that our accounts are shy tens of thousands of dollars? Why is it that all that seems to matter to you is whom I share my bed with!?"
"You're sharing your bed with a married woman Jason!"
"Like I need reminded of that fact!" Jason shot back.
"Then you are saying that you know it's wrong, not to mention explosive, given who Elizabeth's husband is?" Joseph was hoping to see a glimmer of understanding in his son's eyes.
"That's not what I came in here to discuss and no matter what you may think this had nothing to do with Elizabeth Malucci! It's all about Anthony! It's always been about him. He's an arrogant, son of a bitch who thinks that the rules don't apply to him. I think it's high time that we make him see otherwise. Don't you?" Jason leaned his hand against his father's desk and let their eyes meet. He was totally flabbergasted that his father didn't see the magnitude of what he had just brought to his attention. Instead of enacting the justice that Jason knew was necessary, Joseph was content on focusing on his son's motives. That very thought angered Jason to no end.
"Jason, this is more complicated than you realize. I need more proof."
"Since when do you need more proof than my word?"
"Jason ...."
"I know Rocco is your friend." Jason mocked the words he was sure were about to pass by his father's lips.
Joseph ignored the blatant jab. "I need more proof since this has become far too personal for you."
"It's always been PERSONAL!" Jason practically screamed. "Anthony made it personal, not me!"
"I disagree."
Jason felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand erect. Never before had his business savvy been dismissed by his father. "So what, you are just going to let Anthony get way with stealing from us?" Jason asked again.
"I will handle this. The further you are from the Malucci's and I mean all of the Malucci's the better it will be for everyone."
Jason threw up his hands in frustration as he stormed from the room.
Joseph crossed the room closing the door behind Jason. He was finally able to expel his own rage at the arrogance of Anthony Malucci. He again looked at the files that Jason had brought to his attention. The fire in the pit of his stomach grew with each account that Joseph flipped to. Not only had they lost tens of thousands of dollars but Anthony had also taken two truckloads of electronics that the LaCooca family in New York had been expecting.
He sat torn by his racing thoughts. Joseph wanted nothing more than to exact the justice that he was so famous for, yet he couldn't bring himself to do it. No matter what Rocco said, Joseph was certain that his friend didn't have the strength to weather his son's funeral. There had to be another way. "Dom?" Joseph's voice pierced the phone wire.
"Yeah boss?" a husky voice returned.
"Beef up security on all of our runs and put two of our best men on Anthony Malucci. I want to know if the man so much as sneezes. Am I making myself clear?"
"Crystal."
"I want daily reports on his activities."
"You got it."
Joseph leaned back in his chair. He knew this wasn't exactly what Jason had wanted, but for the time being it was the best his conscience would allow.
Jason let his fingers graze the keypad on the phone in front of him. He had Elizabeth's cell phone number committed to memory and toyed with the idea of calling her. The image of her laying naked across the king-sized bed at the Four Seasons Ritz Carlton was burned in his mind. Jason shifted in his chair as the heat radiated from his loins. The scant thought of the heights they had achieved together not more than twenty minutes before was getting the better of him. In the last week, the pair had made the rounds throughout the city's hotels. They had made stops at Hilton & Towers, Embassy Suites, Congress Plaza Hotel and now the Ritz Carlton. Each time they adorned a new alias and pretended that the world outside the four walls of the hotel room ceased to exist. While Jason treasured all of those stolen moments, they were just that – stolen moments. He wanted so much more than just some afternoon delight. He wanted more for himself and Elizabeth.
Jason walked over to the wall of windows that overlooked the cityscape. The stone peaks of Excalibur loomed large in the distance. He chuckled to himself as he recalled Elizabeth's reaction to the club. That night had been the beginning for them, and each subsequent time together only served to draw Jason further into a tangled web of lies. A web of lies that he wasn't looking to escape.
It was so easy for Jason to let himself get lost in the throngs of passion that he and Elizabeth shared. He closed his eyes and let his mind drift to the picture he had of their bodies melded into one form. He recounted the ecstasy Elizabeth had brought to him and controlled a shiver as it raced down his spine. Ecstasy that before her touch Jason hadn't even imagined existed. He could hear the thumping of his heart resounding in his ears and feel his breathing quicken as the rapture came to consume him again. In moments like these it was so easy for Jason to get lost in the rush of emotions he felt for Elizabeth. It was in times like this that he could delude himself with his own wishful fantasy, a fantasy that held a future for them. A place where Elizabeth was Jason's wife and not Anthony Malucci's. The idea that Elizabeth was Anthony's wife needled at Jason, as did the argument that he had had with Joseph. His father's words raced through the cavities of Jason's mind – no matter how much he attempted to stop them......
"So you were with Anthony's wife?"
"Like I said, her marriage isn't even a marriage."
"That's not the answer I was looking for. Were you or weren't you with Anthony's wife last night?"
"What if I was?"
"Jason – what have you done?"
"Nothing that Anthony hasn't done to Elizabeth."
"Do you hear yourself? Elizabeth and Anthony are married Jason. Married – do you know what that means?"
"Yes – but might I suggest you try explaining to her husband. If I recall not that long ago he was standing in this very house with a woman we know wasn't his wife. Why is it I am the one getting the lecture?"
"You can't twist the facts around to suit your own needs son. I don't care what Anthony does or doesn't do. He and Elizabeth are still married and in my book that's all that matters!"
Jason let a heavy sigh escape his lips as pinched the bridge of his nose. His head knew that Joseph was right – his head screamed those very same words on numerous occasions. However it was Jason's heart that was now in control. His heart had forced him to take leave of his senses. It had forced him to forget all the rites and rituals that made the system he lived within actually work. Up until a few weeks ago that had been enough for him, but now the allure of money, power and domination took a back seat to things such as tenderness, companionship and true love. The sound of the phone's shrill ring caused Jason to leave the life he dreamed of and return to the life he had. "Morgan."
"We got a problem boss." Johnny's voice came through the line.
"What kind of problem?" Jason had instructed Johnny to keep a watchful eye on Anthony Malucci. He couldn't rid himself of the feeling that he had to always be one step ahead of Elizabeth's husband, especially now.
"Looks like Tony boy is playing hide and seek with a few of our trucks again. The two trucks on the New York run never made it."
"SHIT!" Jason's hand hit hard against his ebony desktop.
"What do you want me to do?" Johnny asked.
"Malucci must have a death wish," Jason more to himself than to Johnny.
"The New York boys are seeing red, Jason," Johnny continued. "They expected their shipment and they got zilch!"
"I'll handle smoothing the ruffled feathers in New York."
"What about Tony?" Johnny couldn't stop himself from asking the question as he imagined what the Morgan family would have in store for the younger Malucci.
"Not to worry, Malucci will certainly get what's coming to him. My father made it perfectly clear that there would be no second chances. Too bad Tony was too stupid to heed the warning." Jason leaned back triumphantly in his chair secure in the knowledge that Anthony Malucci had just hung himself.
"So what am I supposed to tell the New York boys?" Johnny questioned anxious at being the one left holding the proverbial bag.
"Tell them that they will be equally compensated for their loses and that either my father or I will be in touch shortly."
"If that doesn't wash?" Johnny couldn't help but doubt that a few words about making up what had been lost would be enough to pacify the men standing just beyond the glass of the phone booth.
"Make it wash," Jason's voice was cryptic.
"Got it."
"When you get back to Chicago," Jason added, "I think it's time that we set a few of those traps my father mentioned." Jason felt a gleeful sneer emerge on his face.
"You got it boss."
Jason placed the receiver in its resting-place as he practically somersaulted around the room. Anthony Malucci had just served himself up to the Morgan family, on a silver platter no less. There would be no reason for Joseph to deny Jason the action that he had so long sought against Anthony. Joseph made it known publicly that he wouldn't tolerate Anthony's need to write his own rules and Rocco had sanctioned whatever actions Joseph deemed necessary to keep his son in line. What was to happen next would certainly be in keeping with the rules that had been ingrained in Jason for years. This was one time he would savor such protocols.
Jason wrestled with either calling the LaCocca's in New York or heading straight to his father with the news that Johnny had just delivered. He was filled with the desire of seeing Anthony swinging from a noose so much so that placating the LaCocca's was the last thing on Jason's mind. He got up and headed straight for his father's office but he stopped short as he wondered what other things Anthony's sticky fingers might have touched. Jason crossed the room to where his computer sat and logged into Morgan Enterprises company network. His eyes scanned the many 'companies' that deposited funds into the various Morgan family holdings. His father had set up a very intricate map of twists and turns that to the naked eye, or even to the best IRS auditor, appeared to be on the surface above board. Each clan under the Morgan jurisdiction had one legitimate company that funneled money in and out of the various divisions of Morgan Enterprises. The splinter companies were the ones used to launder the money that would eventually hit the legit books. It was a large continuous cycle that netted Jason's family and the other millions and millions of dollars. Each of the other families were paid handsomely for their affiliation with Joseph and Jason Morgan, and the Morgan family was compensated for being the ones to take the heat should the Feds ever came a calling. Jason knew the likelihood of that was something next to impossible.
Jason pulled up the files regarding Malucci Manufacturing and its splinter companies. At first glance nothing seemed out of place. However on closer inspection Jason noticed that the money that was to circle back and hit Morgan Enterprises on the third run through was nearly ten grand shy of what was expected. Each splinter company was holding back nearly three G's each time that the money was filtered back through to the Morgan Enterprises accounts. "Back to your old tricks I see?" Jason hissed as he printed out the incriminating pieces of paper.
To satisfy his own curiosity Jason reviewed the many records of the other families that were in bed with his own. He wanted to be sure that none of the others had decided to take it to the mattress along with Anthony Malucci. If there would be war, the Morgans needed to know just who their allies were going to be. It appeared that Anthony Malucci was the only kamikaze in the bunch. Ammunition in hand, Jason headed toward his father's plush office. He couldn't wait to blow Anthony Malucci out of the water. It brought Jason great pleasure to know that all the aggravation that Malucci had inflicted on Jason's family would now be atoned for. Jason walked passed Joseph's secretary, Rita, without so much as a word to her. He was a man on a mission -- a mission that would finally rid himself of the ever-present thorn in his side known as Anthony Malucci. "I think we have a problem," Jason stated.
"What's that?" Joseph countered with a hardened tone. He and his son had yet to make amends from their fight a few days before.
"Anthony Malucci," Jason said smugly. He was thoroughly enjoying the fact that, for once, Joseph would have to take action.
"Don't you ever tire of the same old song and dance?" his father questioned letting out an exasperated sigh. Jason's tenaciousness regarding Anthony only complicated matters for Joseph. He hadn't been able to rid himself of Rocco's not so hidden request to handle Anthony by any means necessary. He still found that thought unsettling and now having his own son standing before him grinning like some Cheshire cat made him for the first time in his wish that someone else had been "The Boss".
"You could ask Malucci the same question," Jason countered agitated by his father's nonchalant attitude.
"Jason, would you please stop with the riddles?" Joseph sighed again as he stared into the determined eyes of his second son.
"Apparently your little talk with Anthony did little to alleviate his habit of pocketing things that don't belong to him."
"JASON!" Joseph spat angered by the fact that his son was still making little if any sense. He had to wonder if his anger came from the fact that he didn't want to hear what he knew Jason was about to say. It would be one more thing to add to the growing list of Anthony Malucci's indiscretions.
"I just heard from Johnny."
"About?"
"The trucks never made it to the LaCocca's"
"Excuse me?"
"Wait, it gets better. Anthony has decided that he likes eating alone. He's been neglecting his taxes again."
"Rocco assured me....."
"Could you just save the tired rhetoric, Papa? Rocco, no matter what you want to delude yourself into thinking can't control his son! It's time that we control Anthony for him!"
Jason's words conjured up Joseph's conversation with his long time friend.
"I need you to control him. You are the only one, Joseph, even remotely able to take on such a task."
"If I can't control him, then what?"
"Do what needs to be done. Will you help me?"
"I will do what I can."
"Papa!" Jason's voice pulled Joseph from his past thoughts.
"What?"
"It's time we set those traps for Tony. I think he's played our family for a fool for the last time. Don't you?"
"What proof do you have?" Joseph questioned.
"PROOF?! Here's the damn proof!" Jason almost threw the folders he had in his hands on his father's desk. "It's all there in black and white. Follow the money trail, or should I say the lack of the money trail?"
Joseph eyeed the papers in front of him cautiously. He did his best to hide his fury from his son. The last thing Joseph Morgan needed was for Jason to see just how enraged he truly was. This was a slap in the face for him. Anthony Malucci had taken Joseph's respectful gesture and made a mockery out of it. "Are you sure these are the correct figures?" Joseph strained to remain composed.
"YES!" Jason was now exasperated by his father's seemingly calm reaction.
"You are certain that there can't be a mistake in these somewhere?"
"WHAT!? You are kidding right? Besides myself, you and Mikey no one has access to those accounts." Jason was at a total loss as to why his father couldn't see what was so obviously staring him in the face.
"There are some legitimate accounts here, Jason. Isn't it possible that there could have been an accounting error? Why is it that your first instinct is to assume that Anthony is up to his old tricks?"
"Why is it that you don't?!" Jason countered with an angry voice.
"Maybe it's because I know how desperate you want Anthony Malucci eliminated from the equation."
"WHAT!?"
"It would be much easier for you if Anthony wasn't part of the equation any longer. I feel that you are looking for a way for this family to take action against him. That would clear the avenue for you to have Elizabeth without any repercussions. I am sorry son, but I don't plan on helping you do that."
"WHAT!?" Jason's voice bounced off the confines of the office. "I can't believe that you think that little of me!" Jason tried to hide his hurt, but it spilled through nonetheless. "Anthony was making his own rules long before I even knew who his wife was! That hasn't changed."
"No – but you have."
"How? I still want what's best for this family, and what's best for us is to make an example out of Malucci before the others decide that they too can take what they feel they deserve!"
"If you wanted what was best for this family, then you wouldn't have taken up with Anthony's wife......"
"Now look who's singing the same tune? Why doesn't it matter to you that the LaCooca's think we duped them or that our accounts are shy tens of thousands of dollars? Why is it that all that seems to matter to you is whom I share my bed with!?"
"You're sharing your bed with a married woman Jason!"
"Like I need reminded of that fact!" Jason shot back.
"Then you are saying that you know it's wrong, not to mention explosive, given who Elizabeth's husband is?" Joseph was hoping to see a glimmer of understanding in his son's eyes.
"That's not what I came in here to discuss and no matter what you may think this had nothing to do with Elizabeth Malucci! It's all about Anthony! It's always been about him. He's an arrogant, son of a bitch who thinks that the rules don't apply to him. I think it's high time that we make him see otherwise. Don't you?" Jason leaned his hand against his father's desk and let their eyes meet. He was totally flabbergasted that his father didn't see the magnitude of what he had just brought to his attention. Instead of enacting the justice that Jason knew was necessary, Joseph was content on focusing on his son's motives. That very thought angered Jason to no end.
"Jason, this is more complicated than you realize. I need more proof."
"Since when do you need more proof than my word?"
"Jason ...."
"I know Rocco is your friend." Jason mocked the words he was sure were about to pass by his father's lips.
Joseph ignored the blatant jab. "I need more proof since this has become far too personal for you."
"It's always been PERSONAL!" Jason practically screamed. "Anthony made it personal, not me!"
"I disagree."
Jason felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand erect. Never before had his business savvy been dismissed by his father. "So what, you are just going to let Anthony get way with stealing from us?" Jason asked again.
"I will handle this. The further you are from the Malucci's and I mean all of the Malucci's the better it will be for everyone."
Jason threw up his hands in frustration as he stormed from the room.
Joseph crossed the room closing the door behind Jason. He was finally able to expel his own rage at the arrogance of Anthony Malucci. He again looked at the files that Jason had brought to his attention. The fire in the pit of his stomach grew with each account that Joseph flipped to. Not only had they lost tens of thousands of dollars but Anthony had also taken two truckloads of electronics that the LaCooca family in New York had been expecting.
He sat torn by his racing thoughts. Joseph wanted nothing more than to exact the justice that he was so famous for, yet he couldn't bring himself to do it. No matter what Rocco said, Joseph was certain that his friend didn't have the strength to weather his son's funeral. There had to be another way. "Dom?" Joseph's voice pierced the phone wire.
"Yeah boss?" a husky voice returned.
"Beef up security on all of our runs and put two of our best men on Anthony Malucci. I want to know if the man so much as sneezes. Am I making myself clear?"
"Crystal."
"I want daily reports on his activities."
"You got it."
Joseph leaned back in his chair. He knew this wasn't exactly what Jason had wanted, but for the time being it was the best his conscience would allow.