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I’d given him a terrible choice, and he knew it.
The Venice attack was actually an idiotic mistake. Before Venice, Fausto had framed me and my brothers for the death of the Agrellas. He had made everyone in theCosa Nostrabelieve we were traitors and murderers.
But Fausto couldn’t exactly admit to that, could he?
Afterthe attack on Venice, the Widow vouched for our family because of everything Massimo did to save Lucia.
And everyone realized Aurelio was a treacherous son of a bitch who absolutelywouldgo after one of the most powerful members of theCosa Nostra.
So:
Was Fausto going to publicly agree that his son was an idiot who died because of his own incompetence and stupidity?
Or was he going to try to salvage his son’s reputation and say that the plan was good –
Thereby implying that maybe, justmaybe,Aurelio had had some help?
My argument was mostly innuendo.
However – as Sofia had demonstrated when she questioned my witnesses and effectively discredited them – innuendo could be a powerful weapon indeed.
The entire room was quiet as they waited for Fausto’s answer.
My uncle remained silent, which was damning in and of itself.
“Well?!” I demanded. “Was your son a fool? Or was he just a patsy who…took a fall?”
I smirked as I said,Took a fall.
I meant both ‘to take the blame’…
Andto literally fall.
Like out of a bell tower.
Fausto knew exactly what I meant –
And he exploded.
“YOU FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT!” he screamed as he rushed at me.
“FAUSTO! STOP!” Don Severino shouted as he gestured at his men to intervene.
“Fool or patsy, Uncle?Fool or patsy?”I yelled as I quickly backed away.
“I’LL KILL YOU, YOU GODDAMN – ”
Severino’s foot soldiers grabbed Fausto and barely held him back as he lunged at me, screaming like a rabid animal.
“I’LL HAVE YOUR GODDAMN HEAD!”
“I think I’ll let the witness compose himself,” I said with a smile.
I turned to face my brothers and Lars –
Who were all staring at me in shock.
“The Council will recess immediately!” Don Severino shouted, then turned to face me. “Dario and Niccolo Rosolini – my private office – NOW!”