AWAKENING by S. W. Frank

which allows him to forge his own way , but we owe him a duty, and that is to keep him safe. Violence, Nico is an inevitable fraction of that. How else will we survive when dark clouds hover over our heads? It will come to him and he will not seek it, just as it comes to us all.”
    Alberti took a large velvet box from the chest. He opened it and Nico squint under the brilliance of the many diamonds and gems on the crown. “This was given to Semira as were other priceless gifts. These men who sit with us have protected it well, as have their fathers. The term assigned to these men when extreme violence was necessary is referred to as La Costra Nostra, however the public and law enforcement blend us with riff-raff. The II Circolo di Protezioni , our Circle of Protectors have only done what is necessary to protect these items and to ensure Semira’s children and her legacy survive. The massacre would have ended us, had it not been for these men. My brother, Carlo saved my life by sending me to Ernesto, The Circle a re responsible for aiding Luzo and Carlo to return to Italy with new identities. If not for their loyal service, the Giacanti’s would have perished.
    We have enemies who hide in front of our eyes. Do you understand this Nico ?”
    “Yes,” Nico said.
    “ Do you still love Alfonzo, for he is your blood ?”
    “Yes.”
    “Then you must protect Alfonzo’s family and yours. I have done so for many years and grow old. Giuseppe is wayward, but Sophie has the means to rein him in and with Matteo among the many, his walls are fortified . Alfonzo has gaps in his wall on the outer shores. You have ties there, family as well and are best suited to guide and protect him. He’s falling low because of what you’ve done. I implore you to catch him my son and restore him to solid ground. He ’s ignorant of our history , but in confidence I share it with you because you’re equipped to oversee his welfare. Had Vincent lived,” the older man’s voice cracked under the emotion he tried to hold in, “he would have ensured Alfonzo’s protecti on and you would be seated here, with me .”
    Matteo’s father offered Nico a straw to grab, “We see there is no lie in your heart Nico. You are a man of honor, we have all agreed –but now you have a choice to make and it is to restore trust within your family and prove your loyalty or die here with the secrets your father has told you. Know that your sons will face trials in your absence and the love in death you have for so many will not prevent future crimes against them which a re certain to come .”
    “How am I supposed to do that ?” Nico asked out of curiosity, since there wasn’t an angel on earth who’d broker reconciliation between him and Alfonzo .
    “You said you love Alfonzo, no?”
    He did say that. Yeah, he loved the brat , but didn’t particularly like the fucker . “That’s what I said.”
    “He has legal concerns. Remove the witness Gregorio and give him a reprieve . This is how you begin to make amends for your actions . ”
    Alberti and the men waited for his response and h e took a deep breath. “ Sul sangue della famiglia Giacanti , I rispetarre .” He said. This was his answer , recital of the Gi acanti oath. It meant; ‘ On the blood of the Giacanti’s, I abide. ’
    The men waived his death sentence and Nico’s mission , under the direction of these eight became the enforcers’ hand of The Circle of Protectors for the f amilies. Nico must follow orders and act accordingly , they warned . It was admirable to be an individual, yet for the good of the whole , there could be no further dissent with his cousin .

     
     
                                         
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    Selange put down the cell after receiving an urgent call from her attorney. He’d gone on vacation, returned and stopped by the office and discovered