*Flash Back 1931*
The brisk fall breeze carried the scent of Hoover Stew from the soup kitchens as Anthony strolled down the New York City streets. Passing lengthy queues of laborers seeking a hearty meal, he kept his head low, avoiding eye contact with the makeshift shanty towns and closed businesses that lined the sidewalks. The aftermath of the market crash a few years prior had cast a shadow over the city, and even the Thanksgiving specials felt like desperate attempts to restore a semblance of normalcy.
Times were tough, and the city's mood was somber. Anthony couldn't shake the feeling that things would only deteriorate further. The Great Depression was not confined to American borders; international troubles were brewing. News circulated that Germany was stirring up unrest, and Italy's prime minister had embraced fascism. Whispers hinted at potential negotiations between Germany and Italy, yet most New Yorkers seemed apathetic, dismissing these distant events as irrelevant to their lives. Some even spewed racial slurs and stereotypes about Italians, blending ignorance with arrogance.
The prevailing sentiment was one of detachment, with occasional assurances that nothing substantial would arise from the global turmoil. Despite the unsettling rumors, Anthony observed an unsettling indifference among the people around him. It left a bitter taste in his mouth, prompting him to resist drawing hasty conclusions while grappling with the disconcerting atmosphere of uncertainty.
His immediate thoughts turned to his sister as he navigated the city streets. She had sent him a letter announcing her return to New York after spending a week in the Hudson Valley. Just yesterday, Molly had phoned him, urging him to meet her at a hotel that afternoon. Initially resistant to requesting time off from his family obligations, Cirillo eventually yielded when he discovered Molly's return to the city.
However, Cirillo made it explicitly clear that, despite being Anthony's sister, Molly remained an outsider in the family business. Under no circumstances was Anthony to disclose any information about the family or its dealings. The reminder served as a stern warning, emphasizing the need for discretion in a world where trust was a precious commodity.
The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, exuded an air of opulence as he stepped through its grand entrance. The lobby, a vast expanse of marble and gilded accents, echoed with the murmurs of the city's elite. Men in sharp suits and women in glamorous gowns moved gracefully across the checkered floor.
His eyes swept across the room, taking in the chandeliers that hung like crystal constellations overhead. The murmur of conversations and the distant tinkling of a piano added to the sophisticated symphony of the space. Amidst the well-dressed crowd, his gaze settled on her—the woman whose memory would be etched in his mind, even beyond the age of 106.
There she was, Molly, perched in an elegant armchair near the colossal clock that presided over the lobby. Her posture exuded confidence, a testament to the time she spent in the Old World. The blue crepe of her Italian art deco dress clung to her figure, and long cut velvet sleeves whispered of sophistication. Her olive skin, kissed by the Italian sun, had taken on a toasty bronze hue.
The cascade of her golden-brown hair framed her face, now adorned with a shorter, wavy style that accentuated her features. It was a stark departure from the trends of the time, but Molly had always possessed a flair for the unconventional.
Seated beside her was an unknown man, engrossed in an animated conversation. The ebb and flow of their discussion resonated with energy, drawing the attention of onlookers. Molly's eyes sparkled with a mixture of intelligence and charm as she spoke, captivating those fortunate enough to be in her orbit.
The lobby was a stage, and Molly, the captivating protagonist, held court with grace. Occasionally, a well-dressed gentleman would approach, drawn to her magnetic presence. Yet, with a subtle gesture, Molly indicated her companion as someone intimately involved in her world, gracefully warding off potential interlopers.
As though sensing his presence Molly's face turned in her direction, before she got to her feet a wide smile on her face. She was in his arms within three strides. If he could have stopped the world in that moment he would have stayed forever hugging his beloved sister in that moment. Tears pricked at his eyes, it felt like a life time since he had seen her last, even though it the last time he had seen her was before...before the moment that placed him in two years of exile from his family. It was as though the hands of time had conspired to bring them together, erasing the years of separation in an instant.
Tears threatened to escape the corners of his eyes, a testament to the emotions that surged within him. It felt like a lifetime since he had last seen her, a span of years that held both longing and regret. The unspoken ache of the moments missed and the separation that had marked his own exile from family hung in the air.
Yet, in this sacred moment, surrounded by the elegance of the hotel lobby, none of that mattered. The world could have stopped, and he would have willingly stayed in that embrace forever. Molly's presence was a balm, a reconnection to a part of himself that had been absent for too long.
"It's so good to see you, Fratello," Molly's voice carried a warmth that resonated with familial affection. The embrace lingered for a moment longer before she pulled away, her eyes reflecting the joy of their reunion. Her companion, a man of confident stature, joined the reunion. Handsomely built and exuding a quiet strength, he approached with a self-assuredness that hinted at a world beyond the polished façade of the hotel. Deep brown hair framed his kind face, and horn-rimmed glasses added an intellectual air to his appearance. His brown eyes, both friendly and discerning, regarded Anthony with a keen awareness. "This is my immediate older brother, Anthony," Molly introduced, a note of pride in her voice. The connection between them was unmistakable, a bond that transcended time and distance.
"Ah, so you're Anthony," The man greeted, extending his hand in a gesture of camaraderie. "Molly's told me a lot about you." His warm smile suggested a genuine interest in the family Molly spoke of. "I'm Paulo Li Voti, and I have the honor of being Molly's fiancé." The revelation hung in the air, and Anthony couldn't help but register the significance of the moment. His sister, once a part of his past, had now woven her life with another. The complexity of emotions danced in the unspoken spaces between them, a silent acknowledgment of the changes that time had wrought.
"You two are engaged," Anthony said, his words tinged with a mix of surprise and genuine warmth. He tried to wrap his head around this new reality, aware that the passage of time had shaped his sister's life in ways he couldn't fully fathom. He felt a swell of happiness for Molly, knowing that she had found someone with whom to share the intricacies of her world. "I'm happy for you both, but..." he began, the unspoken ellipsis hanging in the air like a question mark. There was a part of him, hidden beneath the layers of joy, that grappled with the suddenness of this revelation. The years of separation had created a void, and now, in this moment of reunion, he found himself faced with the evolution of his sister's life that had unfolded in his absence.
Molly, attuned to her brother's unspoken thoughts, looked at him with a mix of understanding and anticipation. The lobby of the Waldorf-Astoria, with its grandeur and history, became a backdrop to the complexities of family dynamics. The bond between the siblings, resilient despite the trials of time, faced the challenge of adapting to the changes that life had wrought.
In that pregnant pause, Anthony grappled with conflicting emotions, a testament to the intricate tapestry of family ties.
"Maybe it would be better to explain things tonight when I introduce him to Papa and Fratello," Molly proposed, her eyes holding a mixture of anticipation and reassurance. "I wanted you and Paulo to meet first because I know he would have a better impression from you than he would seeing the family as a whole."
Anthony appreciated the foresight in Molly's approach. The family dynamics, with their intricate history and unspoken nuances, were not something to be navigated lightly. Meeting Paulo in a more intimate setting before the larger family gathering provided an opportunity for connection and understanding.
"Alright, Molly," Anthony agreed, his small smile breaking through the complexities of his emotions. "We'll save the grand family reunion for tonight. I look forward to getting to know Paulo better." His tone carried a genuine warmth, an acknowledgment of the significance of the moment for his sister and the evolving narrative of their family history.
He chuckled, a hint of seriousness in his eyes, as he continued, "Though the way Pops has been lately, maybe it would be better if you guys just up and eloped or something." The suggestion was lighthearted, a nod to the unpredictable nature of family dynamics, particularly when it came to introducing new chapters into their lives.
Molly's laughter, a delightful melody, filled the grand lobby of the Waldorf-Astoria. "Oh, Anthony, you know Papa. He might surprise us all. But don't worry, tonight will be the real test. Paulo's ready for the challenge, though." Her laughter resonated with optimism, a testament to her confidence in both her partner and her family.
However, the mirth vanished from her expression when she caught the troubled look that crossed her brother's face. Sensing the shift in the atmosphere, Molly's concern deepened.
"Paulo...do you mind if Anthony and I speak privately?" Molly's request carried a note of urgency, and Paulo, ever gracious, nodded in agreement.
"Of course not," Paulo said with a warm smile. "It was good meeting you today. I'm going to go back to the room and get ready for tonight." With a brief nod to Anthony, he excused himself, leaving the siblings alone in the elegant lobby.
Molly turned to Anthony, her expression serious. "What's on your mind, Fratello?" she asked, her concern for her brother evident in her gaze. The opulent surroundings of the Waldorf-Astoria seemed to fade away, leaving only the siblings in a space of shared history and unspoken understanding.
Anthony's silence spoke volumes as he scanned the room, searching for a secluded spot where their conversation wouldn't be overheard. The grandeur of the lobby, with its high ceilings and spacious layout, masked the potential privacy concerns. Despite the elegant decor and the buzz of conversations, the risk of even soft whispers reaching unintended ears loomed large. He motioned towards a more secluded corner, away from the main flow of traffic, where the ambiance was a bit more hushed. Molly followed his lead, her concern deepening as they found a discreet spot to converse. Once they were nestled in a quieter enclave, Anthony finally spoke, his voice lowered to ensure their words remained between them. "Molly, it's just... it's a lot to take in, you know? I mean, I'm genuinely happy for you, for both of you. But I can't help but feel like I've missed so much, and now there's this whole new chapter that I'm stepping into." His eyes met Molly's, a mix of emotions dancing in their depths. The familial bond that had endured over the years faced the challenge of adapting to the changes that time had brought, and Anthony grappled with the complexities of reintegration into a family that had evolved in his absence.
Molly's keen intuition cut through the unspoken complexities, her gaze locking onto Anthony's. "It's not just this," she said, her voice a mix of understanding and concern. "Something happened, didn't it?"
Anthony met her eyes, a heavy sigh escaping him. "Yeah," he admitted, the weight of untold stories and hidden truths hanging in the air. "What exactly have you told him about our family?"
"Only what I'm expected to say," Molly replied, her words carrying a hint of resignation. "That my family is involved with business, and I can't say anything more than that. I know I'm not allowed to know the details of what our family is involved in. I get that; it's safer for me to be kept out of our family's secrets. Still, I'm not blind, Fratello. I know there are things that our family is involved in—questionable things—and has been for some time."
Anthony nodded, acknowledging the unspoken realities that lingered beneath the surface of their familial bond. Molly continued, her words revealing the depth of her understanding and the challenges she faced. "Paulo also understood what I was suggesting, and he isn't interested in that sort of life. I know Papa isn't likely to approve of him. But if I marry, I want it to be someone who wants to be with me because he loves me for who I am. Not a bargaining chip that Papa can use to fuel his ambitions or a means for some man to feel he could be in good standing with our family."
The vulnerability in Molly's words echoed through the secluded corner of the lobby, a testament to her desire for a love untainted by the shadows of their family's history.
"I understand that," Anthony responded, his tone acknowledging the complexity of their family dynamics. "And I'm glad you found a fella you think is good for you. Still, with the turn in the economy, Pops is in a real sour mood. Fratello's also going through a hard time as well with his wife. You and Paulo are better off just skipping the wedding, pledging yourselves in marriage to Reverend Bedpost, signing a marriage certificate at city hall, and leaving the rest of us behind."
Anthony's words held a mixture of humor and sincerity, a reflection of the challenges that loomed over their family. The reference to "Reverend Bedpost" brought a touch of levity to the conversation, but the underlying message was clear – the current state of affairs in the family, both economically and emotionally, presented hurdles that transcended the joy of a wedding celebration.
He continued, his gaze reflecting the weight of his concerns, "I don't want to see you and Paulo caught up in the storm that's brewing. There are things happening, Molly—things you shouldn't have to be a part of. I've seen too much, and I don't want that for you. It's not just about Papa's approval or the family's expectations. It's about your happiness..."
"Don't tell me..." Molly said, her voice trailing off as the realization dawned on her. "You are part of..."
"I wasn't given a choice, Molls," Anthony interrupted, his tone carrying the weight of his past. "I was given two options: join the family or be dead to the family. If I chose one, I'd essentially be signing my soul over to what the family wants from me. And if I chose the other thing... I'd never see you again. Even if I did hitchhike my way to Zia Felicia's house, Pops would have already informed her to turn me away if she saw me. So yeah... I'm involved with the family."
Molly's concern deepened as she absorbed the harsh reality of Anthony's predicament. "When... how?" she asked, her worry evident. "If Fratello wants to follow our family, that's his choice—or the one Papa wants him to believe is his choice. But you, you don't need to be part of the family in that way..."
"You know what I am, Molly," Anthony pointed out, his voice tinged with a bitterness born of lived experience. "I'm something much of the city sees as unnatural. You know I've lost a year of my life because Pops thought I'd be 'fixed' if I was locked up. After you and Fratello got me out of the psyche ward two years ago, he didn't want me hanging around as dead weight. He forced me to agree to pledge to the family, and I was given work with an association. After a handful of months, the guy I was working for told me he knew what I was and threatened to report me to the other families if I didn't service him. I ended up killing the guy when I was defendin myself. It was only after everything was over that I began to realize what I'd done. Celani offered to have me stay at his family vineyard until things were settled, but then the family went into a conflict, so Celani and I weren't able to return until a couple of months back. After that, Pops said I was now part of the family... It was the only way he knew to keep me where he could see me."
The weight of Anthony's revelation hung in the air, a harsh reality that reshaped the narrative of their family history. Molly's eyes reflected a mix of sorrow and understanding, the siblings now bound not only by blood but also by the shared burdens they carried.
"Let me talk to Papa," Molly suggested with determination. "I could convince him to release you from your obligations to the family... or maybe find ways you can work for the family without bein' in it. There's folks out there just waiting for ya, Anthony."
Anthony met Molly's gaze, gratitude flickering in his eyes. "Molls, you know as well as I do that convincing Pops of anything ain't an easy feat. But I appreciate the offer. I've tried before, and every time, he pulls me back in, remindin' me of the consequences if I step too far out of line." A mixture of frustration and resignation crossed his face. "And it ain't just about me, Molls. There's some things I've seen, some things I've done that I can't just walk away from. The city might see me as unnatural, but in the family, I do have uses. It's the only way I can ensure that Papa doesn't decide to 'fix' me or makin' me disappear. I don't want to be a pawn in his games, but I've learned that survivin' sometimes means playin' a role you never wanted. It's the one we find ourselves on, and we gotta make the best of it." The weight of his words lingered, a reflection of the intricate web there family had woven.
"Don't let Papa and our family name hold ya back," Molly said, her voice filled with a determination that echoed the strength of their shared bond. She gently moved her brother's hand, cupping it against her cheek. "Find some pals, build a new kind of family. Once ya got that, ya make a break. Cut ties with Papa and the rest of the family, and ya hit the road."
Anthony looked into Molly's eyes, a mixture of gratitude and sorrow in his gaze. "Molls, you always did have a way of seein' things clearer than the rest of us. But it ain't that simple. You know this thing is for life, Pops might not have cared all that much if I had up and left a couple years back, but now...after all I've had to do under orders. I'm in deep Moll's...the only way out for me is to snitch to the authorities about the family or to be carried away in a body bag."
The siblings lingered in the secluded corner of the lobby, the weight of their conversation hanging in the air. The elegant surroundings of the Waldorf-Astoria, with its grandeur and history, seemed to fade away, leaving only the complex dynamics of family ties and the unspoken understanding between brother and sister.
*End Flashback*
"So, what transpired after this?" Charlie inquired.
"Molly rolled into the homestead with her fella," Angel kicked off. "At first, everything was copacetic, but in my family, if you're thinking about tying the knot, you better brace yourself for the third degree. If Pops sniffs even a whiff that you're not bringing anything worthwhile to the table, he'll 'politely' - and I use that term loosely - recommend you hit the bricks and never darken our doorstep again. Now, while Molly was gallivanting around Italy with our Aunt, Uncle, and cousins, she had free rein. One spot she hit up was Rome, the big cheese of Italy. That's where Molly and Paulo crossed paths for the first time. Paulo was in Italy catching up with kin and diving deep into his historical studies. The guy was on track for a history degree at some fancy university. Pops, though, would've called that strike one because he didn't put much stock in book smarts. He wasn't dumb, but growing up, education was a luxury his family couldn't afford. He learned what he needed at home. So, if you were hitting the books in some highfalutin college, trying to better yourself, Pops saw it as throwing money away just to act all high and mighty. It was a bit of envy on his end - he wanted that life but didn't have the chance or schooling to snag it. So, he carried a grudge against those who did."
"Strike two came when Paulo suggested Molly could hit up a women's liberal arts college while he wrapped up his bachelor's. Remember, Pops wasn't exactly cutting-edge when it came to his views on women in any profession."
"Oh right, you mentioned something about that... about his perspectives on women being able to work," Charlie commented.
"Yeah, Pops was stuck in the dark ages when it came to women, thinking they belonged in the kitchen and nursery, not in the classroom chasing careers. To him, dames were just there to be easy on the eyes, whip up a meal, tidy up, take care of the hubby, and pop out some kids, who they'd also be stuck looking after. Sending Molls to a women's college was like waving a red flag in front of a bull for him - he couldn't stomach the idea of women getting ideas about their place. My sis tried to school him, telling him it was a new era and women were just as capable as the gents in the workforce. But, you know, Pops wasn't budging."
"Strike three came when Paulo turned out to be from up North in Italy," Angel spilled. "You'd figure with Italy being one country, it wouldn't matter, but there's some serious bad blood between those Northern and Southern types. Pops laid it out: if she hitched her wagon to this guy, her dowry house was out of the picture. Her hubby wouldn't be family, the marriage wouldn't get a nod from us, and any little ones she had wouldn't be legit kin. So, she had to mull it over. Molly straight-up asked if that meant getting the boot. Pops didn't exactly say no, just reminded her it was her call."
"Guess Pops figured he could keep her around as a kind of leverage against me," Angel sighed. "We were tight, grew up side by side. So, Pops made it clear: if I didn't toe the line, she'd be seen as a distraction, and I'd be saying goodbye. While Paulo was off doing his degree thing, Molly stuck around with me and Pops. Back in the city, she snagged Nonna's old room as her own. Fratello had set up shop across the street with his missus, but we kept his old room on standby for family shindigs. Corrina had her share of rough times, with a couple of miscarriages and a stillbirth, all happening while I was rekindling things with Luca."
"Back when we were knee-high, Molly and I were spitting images of each other. So, we cooked up this little game where we'd swap outfits just to see if anyone could tell us apart," Angel reminisced, a gentle grin playing on his lips. But the warmth in his expression quickly dimmed. "I called it quits on the game, not 'cause folks were catching on, but more because in one of those moments when Pops mistook me for Molly, he treated me with a kindness he never tossed my way as his son. It was the only time I felt any sort of affection from him. I got the same TLC Fratello always got from Pops. At that point, it didn't matter that he thought I was Molly. That's when Pops started laying it on thick. If he knew I wasn't Molly, he probably would have been more direct with things he did at that moment rather then feeling he could confide his feelings for me to his daughter. The gist of it was saying that compaired to her and Fratello, I was a letdown and that he didn't expect anything worthwhile from me. He even floated the idea that I might not be his. According to him, if I had any value, I'd be into what Fratello was up to, not playing house or helping Mamma in the kitchen. So, when I was shuffled back to the room I shared with my sister, I was left scratching my head. When Molly asked if I wanted to switch outfits again, I just told her I wasn't up for pretending to be her anymore. Never spilled the real reason; just said the game lost its charm."
"But you were quite young at that time," Charlie pointed out. "No one knows what kind of person a child might grow up to be."
"True enough," Angel sighed. "But Pops had this way of sizing up folks, seeing what he wanted to see and conveniently ignoring the rest, so he'd cook up assumptions. Honestly, I can't say I ever saw Pops truly happy. Even when he was spinning words of pride for Molly or Fratello, that pride never reached his eyes. He always had this icy, calculating look, like he knew exactly what they could be for him, and if they put a foot wrong, gave him any reason to doubt, he'd toss 'em aside like they were yesterday's news. I get that some of what I've said about my brother might sound harsh, painting him as nothing more than a thug, but I know things weren't a cakewalk for him either. Pops had him on this path to follow in his footsteps, take over the reins, but Fratello had to claw, sacrifice, do whatever it took to earn Pops' nod of approval. Even if it meant dancing on the edge and maybe becoming a monster just like Pops. After all, you don't earn the title of the family's top enforcer for no reason."
"A few years after I got back to New York, I bumped into Luca at a family gathering. His Ma had been fretting about him while we were off doing our thing. He tried to spin this tale about Pops giving us a job and us using the winery to keep the lights on. But his Ma, she'd been harboring suspicions about the family's connection to the mob, and Luca being away for a 'job' just fueled that fire. So, she straight-up asked if we were tangled up in the organized crime mess. Luca, he couldn't lie to his Ma, so he couldn't confirm it, but he didn't deny it either. Ma Celani hit the roof, demanded he ditch the family gig, announced she was packing her bags back to Italy, and he should tag along for a fresh start, you know? But Luca couldn't just up and leave; he couldn't spill the beans, but it wasn't his call whether he stayed or split. One big reason? Love. He'd gone and fallen for someone. When he dropped the L-bomb, his Ma got all excited, wanting to know when she'd meet her future daughter-in-law. That's when Luca dropped the bombshell – she'd already met his love interest. He reminded her of the day he brought me home, back when everything was on the up and up, just helping a guy out in the rain. Then he let her in on the real scoop: he was bi, and during our time at the winery, he'd fallen for me. He made it clear I wasn't pulling any tricks; he'd been smitten before anything happened, and he only spilled the beans during our time away. Sadly, she didn't take it well, convinced I must've done something to mess with his head or lure him into this 'sinful' situation. Since Luca was staying in New York, his Ma went all out trying to 'fix' him. First, she grilled him on any contact with me; Luca swore there was none, but since he couldn't reveal anything about the family, Ma Celani wasn't convinced. Then came the parade of eligible Catholic girls, hoping he'd pick one of them over me. Polite dates happened, but Luca always came back saying his heart was firmly locked on yours truly. Next, she dragged him to every Catholic church in town, praying some priestly intervention would steer him away from me. When that flopped, she wanted to talk to Pops herself, demanding Luca's exit from the family. He warned her that her knowing would suggest he had outed the family to her meant they'd visit St. Peter, but if she wanted to scoot to Italy, he'd sort it, yet he wouldn't disavow who he was or who he loved. Shortly after, Luca's Ma sailed off to Italy, leaving him with parting words about love for her only son but hoping he understood how embarrassed she was about him."
"She was ashamed of him?" Charlie balked. "For the person he was..."
"Like I was sayin'," Angel grumbled. "Back in my day, anything beyond the usual guy and gal duo was seen as unnatural and sinful. Folks were taught that's how the whole procreation thing worked. Here, you got everything from straight to gay, lesbian, polyamorous, and whatever the hell Alastor is... Sure, there's still a few sour grapes, but most of the time, people don't give a damn about who's getting cozy with who. So yeah, Luca's Ma laid it on thick, telling him she was ashamed of him."
"How did your sister come to accept who you were," Charlie asked cautiously? "I know the two of you were close, but..."
"She had her reservations," Angel explained. "Mostly due to the stigma around such relationships, but she'd often set her personal judgments aside because she cared about my happiness. So, if I swung towards men, she'd have my back but throw in a cautious word or two. Now, Fratello... wasn't thrilled about me being gay. He'd hit me with warnings, saying if I had any sense, I'd find a cover or force myself into the whole marriage and kids deal with a woman. Whenever Luca and I did meet, especially in public, we'd play it off as a business meet-up. Cafes were our go-to since they were neutral, and to any onlookers, we'd just seem like two guys chatting over coffee. When Molly tagged along on my 'business' dates with Luca, she'd have one of her dresses stashed away. We'd find a discreet spot for me to change, making it look like I was just a gal pal. But we kept that routine on the down-low; too much of the same thing, and people start picking up on patterns."
"During one of our 'business meetings,' Fratello busted us."
*Flash Back 1933*
Luca commented to Anthony as the two of them sat at a table in DecoBeans Café, a bustling establishment in New York City. The two had chosen to stay inside the cafe, wary of anyone who might find their conversation a tad too convenient. To ensure privacy, they opted to converse in Italian, and between them sat two steaming cups of hot black coffee in ceramic mugs.
"Si dice che il Congresso stia valutando l'abolizione del 18th emendamento," (Congress is said to be considering abolishing the 18th Amendment,) Luca remarked, his eyes scanning the room cautiously
"Fantastico...Se il divieto finisse, potresti svendere il vino che è ancora in deposito nella tua cantina." (Fantastic... If the ban ended, you could sell off the wine that's still in storage at the winery.) Anthony responded, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Questo è quello che spero, ho provato a parlare con il consigliere per sapere se il capo sarebbe interessato ad avere un'azienda vinicola come parte dell'attività. Finora tutte le risposte non sono favorevoli." (This is what I hope. I tried to talk to the consigliere to see if the boss would be interested in having a winery as part of the business. So far all the answers are not favorable.) Luca agreed, glancing around discreetly.
"Sarà difficile da fare, I papà avevano la tendenza a usare le attività legittime come qualcosa che potesse nascondere traffici illeciti come il contrabbando di armi o... oh no." (That will be difficult to do. Pops had a tendency to use legitimate businesses as something that could hide illicit dealings like gun smuggling or... oh no.) Anthony explained, his eyes narrowing as he took a sip of his coffee. As Anthony voiced his concern, his gaze shifted across the street, where Enzo, a dark-haired figure with a hard expression, stood. Anthony nervously observed his brother, aware of Enzo's connections with dangerous individuals. Enzo's presence could only mean two things: either Luciano and the other five families had caught wind of their secret meetings and wanted them eliminated before problems arose, or Enzo was there as a family favor.
"You think he saw us?" Luca asked, switching to English as he eyed the dark-haired man across the street. The question was answered when Enzo's cold, deep brown eyes seemed to momentarily fixate on the cafe window they were seated by before scanning the street again.
"Yeah... I'd bet money on that," Anthony said, rising from his chair. He downed the last of his black coffee, using the act to gather some courage. "We better go see what he wants." Luca shot a glance at the dark-haired man across the street, exhaling through his nose as his eyes narrowed. Meeting Anthony's gaze, the two men exited the small cafe.
Enzo, with a cool expression, observed them as they crossed the street to join him, sending a shiver down Anthony's spine. His brother's unreadable demeanor made it challenging to gauge his mindset or anticipate his reactions.
With a gesture, Enzo signaled for them to follow. Luca placed a reassuring hand on Anthony's shoulder, his sage-green eyes offering comfort and assurance. The two trailed behind Enzo in a business-like manner. Anthony surveyed the surrounding street as if imprinting the scene in his memory. The shanty towns, remnants of the Great Depression, housed those left homeless by economic hardships. Many who still had homes struggled to maintain appearances, masking their financial struggles. Keeping his head down and avoiding eye contact, Anthony observed the hardships of the era. The Ragno family, despite their involvement in organized crime, provided loans and assistance to those in need. Repayments were steep, offering a temporary solution but perpetuating the cycle of debt.
Enzo led them into an alley for privacy, where Luca briefly met Anthony's gaze, signaling vigilance. Anthony stood on guard, aware of potential enforcers or button men. Enzo, carrying a colt revolver himself, halted in the middle of the alley.
"Fratello," Anthony began, but Enzo raised his hand to silence him.
"I don't need to hear your excuses, Anthony," Enzo's voice carried bitterness and disappointment. "You just don't think about what your impulses cause, what they cost this family. Here you are again, just thinking of yourself and not considerin' how you are makin' yourself look."
"You should be well aware that Cirillo's crew has nothing to do with Celani's, and even if it did, you're a soldier. If anyone was gonna have a sit down with him, it wouldn't be you."
"I requested a meeting with him," Luca interjected, his voice stern. He wrapped an arm around Anthony's shoulders. "I'm looking into having him as a business partner. That's why the two of us were together, and you can talk to Cirillo yourself; he'll have it on record that Anthony was requested."
Enzo processed this information, acknowledging that his assumption about Anthony shirking responsibilities was unfounded.
"So then, what was this meeting about?" Enzo inquired, suspicion lingering.
"I'm sure you're aware that there are debates about ending prohibition," Luca stated. "I have been sending requests to the Don about involving my father's winery in the family's business; the bulk of the profits would go to the Don of course."
"And where does Tony fit in?" Enzo asked skeptically.
"Tony was a business partner while we were living in that farmhouse at the winery," Luca explained. "He's capable of a lot more than the Don or even you give him credit for. Being a soldier for the family may actually be a waste of his skills, since he does have a way of drawing others and catching on when someone is playing someone for a sucker."
"Pops wouldn't go for it, Celani," Enzo asserted. "Not unless you plan to use the winery as a shell business for other things. Besides, yes, Congress is talking about overturning prohibition, but that doesn't mean you can start producing wine or turning a profit immediately."
"The vineyard should have recovered from being burnt down," Luca explained. "Tony and I could plant the grape vines in the meantime. After all, prohibition only prohibits the production, possession, and marketing of alcoholic beverages. It doesn't say we couldn't grow or farm components for said beverages. Wine grapes take three years to produce a suitable crop, and by then, Congress could overturn the 18th Amendment. I'm also not planning on running this whole thing with just the two of us. There are sleeping quarters for workers, and I can have a select group of crew members there to help with the vineyard. One of the members of my crew has shown promise towards becoming a caporegime, so he could captain the rest of my crew here."
Enzo considered this, asking, "Let's say Pops does agree to this. You said Anthony would be your business partner, but where would he be living? The farmhouse with you? Or in the workers' dorms."
"He'll be living in the farmhouse at first," Luca admitted. "I won't be able to assemble a crew immediately. When Tony and I were living there together, we used the narrative that we were cousins to keep the other farmers in the area from questioning why it was just the two of us and no girls. There is a third room, and Molly is welcome to reside there until her wedding. I know the Don isn't fond of who she has chosen, but unlike you and Anthony, she at least has the freedom to choose who she wants to marry."
Luca closed his eyes briefly, as if preparing for a heavy revelation. "When you were bringing Anthony's belongings to the farmhouse, you asked me what my intentions towards your brother actually were. At that time, I didn't have any intentions aside from wanting to keep him safe until the investigation into Valvano was completed. However, I actually did overhear the argument the two of you had that night I had him stay over at my place. So yeah, I knew he was gay, and in my time being with him, I did fall in love with him."
"Luca," Anthony said, and Luca pulled him closer protectively.
"I know that's not something you like to hear," Luca responded. "But I do love Anthony. If you want to end us both right here, I won't stop you. After all, the two of us are just a liability. It might be doing your Pops a favor if we were dropped before anyone from a rival family discovered us together. Before you draw your gun, consider the fact that you will be the one who has to face your own sister knowing your only brother's blood is on your hands. If you don't mind carrying a Mark of Cain or finding a cover for our disappearances that doesn't expose what we were, she will still suspect what really occured."
For a moment, Enzo's hand moved towards the colt pistol at his side, but he stopped and seemed to consider something.
"How discrete are you keeping things between you?" Enzo asked, wanting to be sure.
"We've taken measures to not raise suspicions," Anthony explained. "Luca and I have had staggered meetings for coffee or a meal, and everything is kept strictly business between us. For more intimate meetings, we either meet somewhere private, or I show up somewhere to make it look like Luca has a lady friend, but I keep my regular clothes on hand. Luca also makes a point of saying where he would be so he can be in contact as one of the captains, and he checks which crews are needed on hand. If Cirillo's crew isn't needed, he drops me somewhere on the way, or I get a cab home. If it is, we travel together and meet with our respective crews."
"Okay, so you've kept things fairly discreet so far," Enzo responded. "Though sooner or later, the two of you will be discovered. If you know what's good for ya both, each of you'd find a dame to keep up appearances. Maybe a lesbian or at least one that don't mind playin' house. You got that. I don't like it, but I'll keep this an in-family secret. If the two of yah get caught, that is all on you."
"I know, right? Shocking, my own brother keeping secrets," Angel remarked. "He didn't have to, considering he was pretty much the family's muscle, tasked with keeping order, enforcing the rules, and safeguarding our interests. Enforcers like him often get down and dirty with punishments, using force or intimidation. Technically, Fratello had every right to report us to Pops or even handle us himself to make sure we weren't rocking the boat for the family."
"What did Luca mean about a 'Mark of Cain'?" Charlie inquired.
"The term comes from one of the stories in the Bible," Angel explained. "In the tale of Adam and Eve, the first man and woman lived in a paradise garden and could eat any fruit except that of one particular tree. God didn't want them munching on that specific fruit because it would put them on a level akin to God. Well, Eve goes ahead and eats the forbidden fruit, then passes some to Adam. God finds out, and, long story short, kicks them both out of paradise. They go on to have a bunch of kids, but the most infamous are their first and second sons, Cain and Abel. Cain farmed, Abel tended sheep. One day, they offered sacrifices to God to make amends for their parents' slip-up. God digs Abel's offering but gives Cain's the cold shoulder. Consumed by jealousy, Cain offed his own bro. When God asked him about Abel, Cain tried to play innocent. So, God slapped him with a curse that made it so he'd never find a place where he'd be accepted. However, to keep him from getting attacked or snuffed out by other people, God marked him, warning anyone who so much as touched him would face divine retribution. Hence, having the Mark of Cain is like wearing a badge of shame."
"I see," Charlie said. "So, even if your brother had killed you and Luca, even if he perceived it as something for the good of your family, he would still have issues because he killed a member of his own blood family."
"Not to mention, if word got out to the other families," Angel said, "questions would pop up about why the son of a Mafia chief ended up dead or vanished without a solid reason. Exile was an option, but Pops was the one who held that card, and even if he played it, I'd be the one getting the boot. Luca and I kept things on the down-low, even discussing the possibility of tying the knot with women willing to play along in a sham marriage. Like Fratello suggested, a lesbian could work, since she'd also be hiding her true self. We'd both have something to gain from it. However, with Fratello striking out three times in the baby-making department with Corrina, tensions were souring more than ever, putting a damper on that alliance too. Molly had picked her suitor, but since her beau was off wrapping up his BA and the family wouldn't recognize the marriage even if it happened, she was up for grabs, to an extent, for whoever Pops could persuade her to choose. That left me as the potential heir-producer for the family at that point. Like I said, Pops never pushed me into marriage, and maybe he figured I'd meet my end on a job. Or maybe there wasn't much point, because if he tried to broker an alliance through my marriage, the other family would sniff out a lousy deal, and the alliance would crumble. Pops had his ways of venting his frustrations with me, tossing out some not-so-nice comments in Italian under his breath whenever I was in earshot. Then there were those situations where he'd lock me in the basement room for days or give me a taste of the belt in his study, usually when Molly wasn't around. The one constant in those moments? He was plastered, the whiskey reek on his breath and the slurring in his speech. His eyes were always glazed, yet filled with venom. There were plenty of times I crawled out of his study because things got that bad. On my way out, the unspoken threat lingered—if I spilled the beans to Molly or anyone, I'd vanish for good."