One Night Only

DANTE

“Dante, you can’t travel now. You can’t leave others in charge. It’s more necessary for you to stay in Italy. Things could get complicated with the Russians, and Ivan is not in a condition to take over.

“Do you think I care how complicated things are? You know me, and you know I won’t listen to you. Whether you like it or not, I have to be there. It’s my duty. Business is having problems again, and this time you can’t handle it alone. I can’t just stand by and do nothing.” I turned my gaze towards the window. I was on the plane. I had already arrived in Italy so that Ivan could disembark. Apparently, Edgardo didn’t like me leaving the country. “You may have a right to many things, but not to tell me what to do.” I ended the call.

I knew he cared about the organization and the businesses, but this time he needed help because he always did everything on his own. He controlled the corporate side of things, and I handled the organization. Business was rarely my forte; danger ran more in my blood. Ivan and I were in charge of controlling 80% of the drugs consumed in all of Europe and America. Most of the merchandise we distributed came from the southeast of the country and was then distributed on two more continents. One of them was where we had conflicts due to an ambush by the other rival Russians, with whom we had no affiliation.

It turned out that a part of Russia was divided into two cartels, allies and enemies. The other part of the country had no ties to our organization, and for them, it was an offense to take their territory. That’s how it worked in all the organizations in the world. No one was allowed to touch your territory unless they wanted war. Since those two organizations shared a country, that was the risk one ran when joining one of them. We had been fighting for control of all the drug trade in Russia for several months, but the Russians didn’t understand that with the Italian mafia, no one messed around, especially not with the Devil. They didn’t live to tell the tale. Edgardo was aware of everything; he knew who we were up against, but this was our business, the life we had chosen. In my case, it was the life that had been thrust upon me, and one I had grown to like. Ever since they killed my father, it had been this way. Because of my courage and cunning, I had become the Devil of Italy. It was a legacy my old man left for me, one that had been passed down from generation to generation. He always used to tell me that someday I had to take it on, and my son too. In that case, I would disappoint him because I had no plans to have children.

I arrived in America, in the city of New York, at night. When I traveled, I preferred to do it at night, especially if it was for organization matters. It was a way to prepare myself in case I had to eliminate an enemy.

“First, we’ll go to the company. “I told Franco when I saw him disembark.

I had a group of well-trained and capable men to follow all my orders, and those who watched my back all the time. Among them, I only trusted Franco. He was in charge of overseeing the others. He was the squad leader.

I knew it was very early, but I had to get up to speed on many things. It was dawn, and the sun would rise in almost two hours.

“Everything’s in order, sir “Franco announced”. Whenever you’re ready “he said what I wanted to hear, that everything was in order. I didn’t like surprises.

I nodded.

We headed towards the cars waiting for us near the runway. The arrival at the company took us less than thirty minutes.

I was already in my office on the top floor of the skyscraper. This was the headquarters of my companies in America. I was the damn king of this continent too, where I controlled an empire of businesses that served to cover up all my dirty dealings.

When I saw Edgardo arrive, I turned to greet him and gave him a warm hug. He was like a father to me. Since my old man died, he became one, as he started to protect me more and worry about everything I did. I knew he didn’t like me being controlled, and I rarely obeyed him, although I knew he was right about many things.

“Welcome, son. “He patted me on the back. I never minded him calling me that. I knew he considered me almost as equal to Ivan, and I was grateful for that”. I’m glad to have you back here, even though you always disobey me most of the time.

“And you know that’s how it’s going to be. “I replied”. How have you been?

I learned from Ivan that he hadn’t been well, as he had been suffering from heart problems for several years. To some extent, that’s why he stepped back from the organization. We decided it was best for him to take care of the companies and administrative matters. Besides, I needed his help on this side.

“Don’t worry about my health. I’m fine.

I looked at him and saw some weariness in his eyes. I would have to give him a few days off while he was here, but first, he had to inform me about everything related to the problems the company was facing. I glanced at Franco and some of the men responsible for our protection and walked over to the bar in my office. I knew it was too early to drink, but I didn’t care. Edgardo would probably scold me like a stupid teenager any minute now. I poured myself a Scotch whiskey and turned to look at him again.

“Dante, you have to take care of yourself. Drinking so early and all the time is not good for you. Your addiction to alcohol will ruin you “he said, concerned.

“I knew it.”

“I know what I’m doing. Besides, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’ve been drinking for over two years without getting drunk. I just have a couple of drinks a day. It helps me relax, and it works. It’s like a dose my body needs.

I reached the sofa in a room in my office and sat down. I swirled my glass to mix the drink. Then I gestured for the security team to leave. At my signal, everyone left. Franco closed the door behind him.