Page 6

I didn’t bother to knock before entering.

There was no need, and it was unlikely anyone would hear me anyway.

When all of us were there, it was loud, and you could barely hear yourself think if everyone was talking at once, which happened.

I listened to the moderate rumble of voices coming from the family room.

It was the less formal room we used when it was only us or close friends.

When the DeSantises arrived, we’d move to the formal one.

“There he is. We thought we’d have to come to tear you away from your house. Why are you hiding away?” my brother, Rory, asked.

“I wasn’t hiding. I was doing a bit of work and other stuff. Darragh said noon.”

“I did. Nothing is wrong with Crystal Castle, I hope. You don’t typically work on the weekends,” Darragh said. He wore a concerned look.

“Everything is good, Dar. I’m planning a trip soon.

I have those two employees I have to decide about.

It’s time. Other than that, it was emails and a couple of reports.

You’re right. I tried not to, but I had time, so I did it.

I checked with Mama , Momma, and Agatha to be sure there was nothing they needed my help with. ”

“Yes, you did, mil , honey. And I told you everything was under control,” Mama said, smiling.

“Yes, you did, and so did Agatha. I should go see if that’s changed,” I muttered.

Agatha was our family chef. She worked for the parents, though if we needed her, she’d do things for the kids.

She didn’t cook three meals a day, seven days a week.

All three of the mamaí , moms, enjoyed cooking as well.

As I talked to Mama , Darragh took out his cell phone and glanced at it.

When I offered to check with Agatha, he stopped me.

“There’s no need. We already did it twenty minutes ago.

Agatha ran us off. Besides, our guests are here.

They’re at the gate. Let a few of us go outside and greet them properly.

I want to keep it small, so we don’t make them feel like we’re ganging up on them.

Hopefully, this time, they’ll feel more relaxed with us,” Darragh said.

Eagerness hit me hard as Darragh, Dd , Dad, and Uncaili , Uncles Sean and Cormac, stood.

I was still standing, so I casually joined them, as did Cian and Aidan.

The others remained behind. We arrived at the top of the steps as a black SUV approached the circle that the driveway formed in front of the house.

They would’ve been instructed at the gate to park anywhere along there.

Not seeing them followed by any of the guards, I assumed this time they would be allowed to meet with us without a security detail in the house.

I thought it was appropriate. If they planned to hurt us, they had the opportunity to do so on those missions.

The SUV stopped, and the engine shut off.

I was impatient and had to hold myself back from rushing down the stairs and yanking a door open.

She had to be in the back. I saw Alphonso in the front passenger seat. Luciano was driving.

All four doors opened, and out stepped all four DeSantis men.

How they moved and their alertness made you aware that they were dangerous men you wouldn’t want to fool with.

I bet when they went after people, those individuals wanted to shit seeing this bunch chasing them.

My smirk of amusement changed to a frown when they shut the doors, and no Gianna got out. What the hell?

Darragh called out to them. “Welcome. We’re so glad you could make it. I hope the drive wasn’t too bad. I know traffic is getting worse, no matter where you are. I can remember when driving from Hastings to here was fifteen minutes.”

He went down the steps, and the rest of us followed.

As greetings and handshakes were exchanged, I tried not to let my agitation show.

Where was Gianna? Was she coming later? I had to ask as we directed them ahead of us on the stairs.

I was next to Dar. I leaned over to whisper so only he could hear me.

“Where is Gianna? Wasn’t she invited?”

“She was invited, but Alphonso told me the other day that she had a prior commitment that she couldn’t miss. She sent her apologies. I thought I mentioned that. Anyway, with the others here, we should have no problem discussing and coming to a decision,” he answered.

We topped the steps when Alphonso turned to look back.

He had been talking to Sean. “Darragh, Gianna wanted me to apologize again for her absence. She hated to miss this. However, she had an obligation to her close friend that she couldn’t miss.

It had been arranged before this. I assured her we’d tell her every detail we talk about. ”

“Yeah, Gia hates to miss out on anything work-related. If it hadn’t been Aurora, she would’ve come,” Rocco said.

“I understand, Alphonso. This was last minute. I wouldn’t want her to leave a friend in a lurch.

It’s no problem. If she would like to meet and discuss it with one of us directly, we’ll be more than happy to do it.

Please, come inside. The family is waiting.

Prepare yourselves. We haven’t decreased in size,” Darragh jokes.

This observation got chuckles from the four DeSantis men.

I hung back. My pleasure in the day was gone.

There was a lot of talk and pleasantries inside with the rest of the family.

Before we got into business, we sat down to an excellent lunch prepared by Agatha.

Her food always was a treat, but this time, it could’ve been cardboard I was eating. The whole day became bleak for me.

Alphonso and his sons enjoyed it and had nothing but praise for it.

Daid asked Agatha to come out to receive the praise in person.

She blushed prettily and thanked them before rushing back to the kitchen.

She was confident and vocal with us, but preferred to remain in the background with those she didn’t know.

“Excellent meal. Thank you so much. Gia couldn’t have done better,” Alphonso said as we moved into the formal living room.

Several large sectionals and conversation huddles were scattered everywhere.

This room had a bar, just like the family room.

They were offered drinks, but none were accepted.

A couple of family members got up to make themselves one.

“Gianna cooks?” Mama asked.

“She does. After my wife died, I was fortunate that a neighbor and friend of my wife’s, Pia, took care of the kids when I couldn’t. She taught Gianna everything she knows,” he said proudly.

“ Papà is being modest. Yes, Pia taught our sister a lot, but he’s a great cook too, and he taught her as well,” Luciano added.

“I love it when a man can cook. Did you guys learn?” Aintín , Aunt Brenda asked his sons.

“We did, but we don’t enjoy it like he and Gia do. We won’t starve and don’t mind helping, but we’ll never be chefs. I agree, Agatha’s cooking is excellent,” Gerardo stated.

It was a few more minutes of that before the chatter died down. When it did, Darragh saw his opportunity.

“You have to be wondering why we invited you here. It’s about our current working situation and the future.

First, I’d like to say that these last two times went smoothly, and I was pleased with how well we all worked together.

Your assistance has allowed us to stretch our resources further.

The Hounds do more than just track down those Christopher sold and the bastards involved in that whole horrible affair. ”

When he paused, Alphonso replied, “We’ve been happy to help and are glad to know it helps in other ways.

I’ll be honest. I’m not exactly clear on what the Hounds of Justice do.

I’ve heard rumors circulate about them. They seem shrouded in mystery.

People believe that if you have a problem and you can contact them, they might be able to help you with it.

It depends on what the problem is. And payment is said to take many forms. We haven’t discovered actual statements or confirmations from those helped by them. Mum’s the word, it seems.”

He stared hard at Darragh and then scanned our faces. No one gave anything away. Even the women were good at masking their expressions. Kynedi was quickly catching on.

“Are you going to tell us how you tie into the Hounds? Why are you involved with them in the first place? And why is a supposedly former Mafia family still seen as the largest and most feared Irish Mafia family in the States?” Luciano asked.

We discussed as a family whether to tell them. The consensus was that we should. The older generation nodded, even though it was Darragh’s decision.

“It’s simple. The Hounds of Justice were formed while our family was still very much part of the illegal world of the Mafia.

Even though they weren’t legitimate businessmen, our fathers had certain morals they wouldn’t compromise.

For example, we would never kidnap or sell people.

They formed the Hounds to combat those things they disagreed with secretly.

The Hounds continued to exist and expand as we transitioned to what we are now.

We no longer have any illegal enterprises other than taking out scum like what you’ve seen.

“As head of the family, the Hounds report to me. Alistair is the leader of the Hounds. He assumed that role after his dad died. As for why we’re still feared, when someone fucks with us, we fuck them back even harder.

Those who betray us are shown the error of their ways.

Sometimes, that’s in blood and death right away.

Other times, it could come as a severe warning,” Darragh explained.

“You’re warning us that if we do anything against you or betray you in any way, we’ll face the same. I get it. I can understand it. You would have a lot to lose if this were to become public. Many of you would face life in prison,” Gerardo said.

“That’s exactly it. However, if we didn’t believe you could be trusted, you wouldn’t be here or have been allowed to join our efforts the past two times. We have a proposition for you,” Darragh stated.

Alphonso gave a head bob, indicating he wanted Darragh to continue.

“We’d like the alliance, if you will, via the Hounds of Justice, to become permanent between you and us.

We’d like it if you could assist us in other missions, as time permits, to eliminate situations like the Brynes’ one and others that you agree with.

We can and will provide information to the authorities anonymously, of course, on certain people, which allows the authorities to arrest and prosecute them.

For those guilty of more horrendous crimes or involvement, such as leadership like Chris was, we know that serving time in prison, even if guaranteed, won’t stop them.

Despite all efforts, they might find a way to avoid prosecution.

The Hounds will dispense justice in those cases, and those people will be permanently removed,” Darragh added.

There was no response at first. The sons looked at their dad and waited for him to speak first. Alphonso took a minute before he replied.

“We’re honored that you want us to join your efforts long term, and I’m slightly surprised you trust us with your secret.

You’ve given me and my family a lot to think over and discuss.

On the surface, this sounds like something we’d want to be involved in.

However, I can’t decide without conversing with my family.

We need to deliberate on its implications and potential repercussions. ”

“We absolutely understand, and we’d do the same. As head of the family, I make the ultimate decisions in most things, but it’s rarely without consulting with my family. We’re more democratic than some might expect,” Darragh said, smiling.

“We’re the same,” Alphonso said.

“I have a question. Why would you so bluntly tell us this? Why trust us? We could have a device going, recording this to take to the police,” Rocco stated.

“You could, but you don’t,” Fallon said, smirking.

“How do you know? You didn’t pat us down, and neither did your guards at the gate. They let us enter without knowing if we’re armed,” Rocco added. His dad was glaring at him.

“Rocco, you’re being rude to our hosts. Stai zitto !” Alphonso hissed.

I knew enough Italian to know he told him to shut up. Learning a variety of languages was part of our education.

“Alphonso, please, let your son speak. He’s right.

How do we know, and why trust you? Simply put, we know you have no listening devices because if you did, I would’ve been alerted.

We have many safety measures in place, and monitoring for such is one of them.

As for why the guards didn’t check you for weapons, it’s simple. They were told not to.

“We knew that you’d come armed. It’s part of your personality, and you’d be foolish not to with the work you do.

You had no idea what you were walking into.

We weren’t concerned or had guards here in case you turned guns on us for this reason,” Darragh stated.

At his nod, guns came out all over the room.

Everyone, including the women, had one in their hands. The DeSantis men’s eyes widened.

“We never leave our safety to chance. And despite having bodyguards, we’re able and willing to defend ourselves. Anyone coming at us, thinking we’re weak, will learn a very hard, deadly lesson,” Darragh said, the last part grimmer. At his chin lift, we put the guns away.

“Well, I think that almost made me shit my pants,” Gerardo muttered. His remark broke the tension and made us all relax and chuckle.

“Thank you for overlooking my youngest son’s rudeness. We don’t see you as weak, not after what we’ve observed that night with Brynes or the two other times we’ve dealt with the scum of the earth. As I said, I need to discuss this with my family. When do you want an answer?” Alphonso asked.

“Would a week from today work for you?” Darragh asked.

“It would certainly work. I will have our answer to you by then, though it might be sooner,” Alphonso assured him.

With this out of the way, Daid led the conversation in another direction. One that wasn’t work-related. Conversations flowed around me. I had to concentrate to seem involved to anyone paying attention, but my thoughts were on Gianna. What would she say to the proposal? And what about mine?

By the time the DeSantises left, I knew one thing for sure.

I couldn’t delay speaking to her. She was out with a friend.

Most likely, her family would be with her tonight to talk about today’s meeting.

That meant I’d have to wait until tomorrow.

Thankfully, it would be Sunday, and she wouldn’t be working.

I planned to contact her early in the morning to see if I could meet with her.