Page 77 of Single Malt Drama
“Sophia has always been bossy. She used to boast that she’d take over for her father one day.” Nico hitched a shoulder. “Then Tommaso named his son his heir and Sophia went from bossy to power hungry and violent.”
“I can understand why. Tommy Jr. is an idiot.”
She grinned. “You’re right, but a stupid boy beats out a brilliant girl every time in our world.”
Once again, I found myself wincing at mob politics. “You think your father promised Sophia some sort of position in his organization?”
“Yes, but I don’t think he’ll go through with it. At most, he’ll force one of my brothers to marry the psycho.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “You really don’t like her, do you?”
“From what Maria tells me, Sophia was close to my mother. She was ten when I was born.” Nico dipped her chin and lowered her voice. “She blames me for her death.”
“That’s ridiculous.” I could understand how a kid might feel that way, but Sophia Abruzzo was in her thirties.
“Maybe so, but last time we spoke, she threatened to kill me and piss on my grave.”
Ouch.“Okay. No family reunions with the Abruzzos.”
“Definitely not.” She laughed softly. “Call Gabe. He needs to know you’ve found a possible connection between the Abruzzos and my father.”
“I’ll put him on speaker. I’d like your input on anything that has to do with the business.” I scrolled through my contacts.
“You don’t have to do that to make me feel better. I’ve accepted being born into a mafia family without a penis.”
“I, for one, am very, very glad you were born with an innie instead of an outie, but that’s not why I’m doing this.” I squeezed her hand. “You’re wicked smart and know the players and the politics better than I do.”
Nico sat a little straighter. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” I dialed Gabe’s number.
“Marco, I was just about to call you.” Gabe’s words came out in a huff. “It’s been a hell of a day.”
“Tell me about it.” I winked at my wife. “Nico’s here with me. We need to catch you up to speed on a few things before I ask how the meeting went.”
“Good. That’ll give me time to knock back this scotch.” Gabe laughed, but it lacked his usual humor.
Nico and I spent the first five minutes explaining the conversation with Tara, Sophia Abruzzo’s psyche, and the grim realities of being born female in a mafia family.
Gabe cleared his throat. “First of all, you’re right about Miss Abruzzo. She’s definitely angling for power, but after today, she’ll have a hard time getting it.”
“What happened?” Nico glanced from the phone to me and frowned.
“Long story short, she was ordered to return to Palermo. Enzo’s waitress caused quite a stir after she spoke to the capos.”
The news gave me hope at least one of the families standing against us would be muzzled. “They believed Tara’s testimony about the poison?”
“Yes, but the weird thing was Tommaso seemed shocked by the entire thing.” He chuckled. “Which makes sense if Pietro was the one calling the shots.”
Nico’s voice wavered. “Even if Tara testifies again, Sophia and my father will deny it.”
“We’ll need tangible proof.” I scratched my jaw. “I’ll have our guys in IT double down on hacking into Lazios’ network.”
“I know some of his passwords. I may be able to help.” She glanced away.
“Thanks, Nico.” Gabe sighed. “This can’t be easy for you.”
“I’ll be fine, but Tara and her kids are in even more danger. You’ll continue their protection?”