Chapter 12 - The Patriarch's Warning
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While Elena assembled her forces at the hospital, Matteo was summoned to a grand estate in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.
This was the home of Don Antonio Moretti—Matteo’s father. At seventy-three, Antonio was a legendary mafia boss who had survived federal indictments, gang wars, and betrayal. He sat in his leather armchair in a dimly lit library, smoking a cigar as his son walked in.
"Sit down, Matteo," Antonio commanded.
Matteo sat. "Father, the police are asking questions. The driver took her to Bellevue instead of Lexington—"
"I know where she is!" Antonio slammed his hand on the desk, the wood cracking like a gunshot. "You absolute fool!"
Matteo stiffened. "She had our financial records, Father! She was building a case for the feds!"
Antonio leaned forward, his ancient, dark eyes glaring into his son’s soul. "Did you see her print them? Did you see her download them?"
"No, but they were on her desk—"
"On her desk!" Antonio laughed bitterly. "Elena is a woman who locks her shoe closet! She leaves nuclear launch codes sitting on her mahogany desk for you to find while she takes a nap? Are you really that blind?"
Matteo swallowed hard, feeling a cold sweat break out on his neck. "Vivian..."
"Vivian Rinaldi has been playing you like a fiddle!" Antonio roared. "She planted those papers so you would eliminate Elena for her! And instead of using your brain, you used your fists on a pregnant woman!"
"I... I lost my control," Matteo stammered.
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"Control?" Antonio spat. "You ruined us! Bellevue Hospital filed a domestic violence report. The district attorney is licking his chops. If Elena speaks, you go to prison, and our whole family goes down with you!"
Antonio stood up, turning his back on his son. "Get out of my sight. My lawyers will handle the police. But if you touch her again, I will deal with you myself."
