Avarice (3 page)

Selange entered the shop. A chime alerted the shopkeeper to the potential customers. A woman emerged from a backroom with hands covered in clay. The smile with an exaggerated, “Buongiorno,” immediately faded at the sight of Selange.

Selange stepped forward, leaving the massive guard
s at the door. Her stylish coat, designed by Amelda’s House of Fashion was tailored to accentuate the statuesque woman with envious curves. Innocent is the face, soft and kind that greeted the sculptress to put her at ease. “Buongiorno, you have many lovely pieces.” Selange smiled as she looked around at the variety of life-size figures carved in marble, wood and stone.  The woman was extremely talented and pretty. The voluptuous craft person appeared to enjoy keeping a certain Don warm in her spare time and that of course could not continue.

“Is there a piece you like?” The woman asked.

Selange circled a statue of a man’s penis implanted in a woman while orally pleasing another. The surrounding platform had smaller carvings of various explicit acts and she commented, “This one’s interesting.”

The woman smiled. “Sí, you have great taste.”

“What is the inspiration for this piece?” she asked.

“Decadence of a woman’s heart. The man’s wife is sexually exploring and brings another into the marital bed. She thoroughly enjoys the tryst as does her husband.”

“And which one is the wife?” Selange asked.

“The one in the missionary position.”

Selange’s brows slanted inward. “He does not respect his wife.”

The sculptor examined the beautiful woman with creamy brown skin. “But he does. It is the wife he gives his seed, no?”

Selange disagreed. “Oral sex is a very intimate act. The male’s mouth is not attached to the micio of his wife, but a third party; which I see as an open demonstration he lacks respect or does not love his woman, no?”

The shop owner became silent at the interpretation. She watched as the Capo de Tutti’s wife strolled around the spacious shop
before halting in front of a mermaid with overly large breasts. “That is called the Seductress of the Sea, La Seduttrice del Mare.”

Selange had seen enough. The woman Alanda was sexually liberated; she was also very self-assured. As long as she remained
in the picture, any reconciliation between Shanda and Giuseppe were slim to none. “Have you read The Cardinal's Mistress by Benito Mussolini?”

“No,” the woman answered.

“An interesting novel published in 1929.” Selange walked to a rather sinister bust of a scowling man with horns. “And what is this called?”

“The Wrath of Man.”

Selange found the woman’s work impressive, which she would not attest aloud. As a lover of the arts and Greek Mythology she spoke her knowledge openly. “Are you familiar with the tale of Hades and Persephone?”

“Somewhat.”

“The tale in summation is Hades who ruled the underworld lacked a queen to rule with him over his large dominion. Eventually he found his wife in Persephone, although not entirely by his own accord. When Hades was out among the mortals, Eros shot one of his arrows dipped in Aphrodite’s love potion, which caused Hades to instantly fall in love with the first person he saw. This person was Persephone. Hades became enamored and had to have Persephone, so one day while she was out picking flowers Hades opened up the very earth beneath her feet and took her. Hades’ abduction of Persephone did not go without opposition. You see Persephone was the daughter of the goddess Demeter. Once Demeter realized Persephone was missing she searched for her daughter. Demeter who controlled the seasons, plants and harvest was consumed by grief. She refused to allow the crop to grow and mankind suffered. The great Zeus sought to restore balance and enlisted the help of Hermes to retrieve Persephone from the underworld.

Unfortunately, because
Persephone had consumed six pomegranate seeds she could only return to Olympus for six months, but then back to the underworld with Hades she was bound the duration of the year. Some believe Persephone was unaware of the effect of eating the pomegranate seeds and was tricked into doing so. Others feel she intentionally ate the seeds. In any event, when Persephone resides in the underworld, Demeter gives bad weather to the world which we know as the seasons fall and winter.”

Alanda spied the burly men guarding the door.
Her anxiety escalated. These were her only customers since opening an hour ago. The woman’s tale was intriguing, however she felt extremely uncomfortable. “And the point of this story Signora?”

Selange concluded. “Hades wasn’t entirely faithful. Not surprisingly Persephone wasn’t sympathetic towards his affairs and any mistress her husband took experienced her wrath.”

Alanda responded boldly, “Mio Geo is not married. We are consenting adults who commit no offense to a wife.”

“That is not entirely true,” Selange said
with a steel gaze. The woman’s fear was as visible as a child when faced with the threat of punishment. “Perhaps you misunderstand. You are not meant to rule beside a Don. Love’s arrow struck another, yet you flaunt a stolen position. Unlike Demeter I am not a charitable mother to bring bad weather part of the season. One of the greatest offenses to Greek gods was arrogant mortals boasting equality. Therefore, I come as Hera, the wife of Zeus, goddess of women and marriage. If you are familiar with these myths then you will agree she was considered unforgiving to mortals who crossed her and extremely vengeful. Now do you understand?”

Alanda understood perfectly. “Sí.”

“Buono!” Selange smiled. “From your bio, I read you would love to stay in Marseilles for a year or more to sculpt.” Selange removed an envelope from her purse and placed it on a nearby stand. “I suggest you leave immediately.”

“And what should I tell Geo?”

“The truth is always best. You are compelled to pursue your passion for art and fearful your dreams may perish like forgone winters if you do not.” Selange’s cheeks dimpled when she smiled. “Giuseppe is practical. I’m certain he will not ask you to stay.”

Alanda stood rooted in place
. Her hands shook nervously as she watched the visitor’s graceful strides toward the door. The large men with dangerous faces blended in step with the exotic foreigner. Beautiful flowers may appear innocent and harmless, yet carry a lethal poison. Alanda’s presence had become a nuisance and attracted a dangerous foe.

CHAPTER THREE

“I’m going to bed
; you call me every night with the same bull-shit!” Alfonzo said sleepily and then disconnected.

Giuseppe stared at the cell.
His fratellino hung-up before he had finished. How rude, he fumed and shouted, “Ay, buona notte!” But no one heard except the empty spaces in the office.

Irritable, he swung open the door and barked at the secretary who merely eyed him with patience. “Sí Signore Dichenzo,” she said when he ordered her to send another bouquet of flowers to a stubborn woman named Shanda.

Days had become weeks and the novelty of Shanda’s playing hard to get had worn off. He tried everything; candy, flowers, gifts, corny love letters of apology and now more flowers. He growled at himself for caring so damn much. The woman owed him money dammit for vandalizing his car. His nostrils flared. Then that one married to his fratellino had called a gathering of the women which could only mean one thing; the ladies were banding together. This was not good. No, he did not like it and his stubborn fratellino refused to aid in his cause. Each time he asked the cazzo to have Selange speak to Shanda and convince her to come home, his answer was always, “We’re hands-off. That’s between you and your lady.”

“Hands-off,” Giuseppe scoffed.
Then his cell rang and he answered for Alanda. “Buongiorno bella, come stai?”

“Cia bello, I am calling to tell you arrivederci.”

“Arrivederci…but where are you going?”

“I leave for France today to gain inspiration for my art.”

“Ah, vedo.”

“But if you would like me to stay…perhaps I will reconsider.”

Giuseppe frowned. He liked Alanda but his motives for her staying would be selfish. If France is where she needed to go for whatever reason, well au revoir! “Enjoy France Alanda. We are not committed; you will always be my sculptress. Grazie bella for your company.”

Then a sigh followed. “Sí, which I will be. Ciao bello.”

“Ciao!” he said and then slumped in his seat and swiveled around several times thinking. Alanda’s timing was suspect and he wondered if his mother had a hand in the sudden decision. Sophie Dichenzo could be very meddlesome at times. He wasn’t a fool about what really happened to Geovonna. Accidental death, che scherzo! Of course, his mother ordered her demise after her spiteful disclosure. He would have done the same to the agitator.  Yes, mother and son were alike in many ways.  

He turned in the chair again and again in deep hypnotic thought until Matteo’s voice interrupted his reverie.
“Playing musical chairs eh mio amico?” Matteo asked from the doorway.

Giuseppe’s feet gripped the floor to stop the momentum and he faced his brother-in-law. “When did you return?”

Matteo shook watery snowflakes from his hair. “This morning.” He unbuttoned his dark wool coat and sat. “I understand I missed Alfonzo.”

“Um.”

“Was there a meeting?”

“Sí.”

“Why was I not informed?”

“Hmmm. You were in Tripoli on Peglesi business,
sí?”

“And
had I received a summons I would have returned.”

“But you were not needed. The matter is handled.”

“Was I deliberately excluded because I voiced disapproval about Lucia and Sergio?”

Giuseppe
stretched his long powerful legs and put his hands behind his head. The question was answered with a curt. “No.”

Matteo frowned. “
Are you sure?”

“Eh,
very certain but that petulant expression suggests you are angry because you hoped to see Alfonzo to have a face-to-face. He does not need to constantly hear the nagging about Lucia and Sergio once is enough. Besides I have listened to the complaints and will spare my brother the annoyance of this flaw you possess to consistently air your feelings.” Giuseppe shrugged. “But, I am not offended that you leave on Peglesi business without notice. Wineries are your family’s legitimate means of income passed down for generations. You are right to ensure they flourish. However, just as situations arise for the Peglesi’s, urgent issues for the Giacanti’s do not always require your presence Matteo. We have survived generations without your arrogance, capisce?”

“Bene. But as a trusted member of la famiglia, it is my duty to stay informed.”

Giuseppe chuckled at Matteo’s sensitivity. “You are listening to a donna mi amico; soon you will become a woman.”

Matteo was offended
. “Cosa?”

“How did you know of
the meeting?”

Awareness touched Matteo’s face.

Giuseppe nodded. “Esattamente, Amelda’s name is not Giuseppe. Tell me why do you allow Amelda to intervene in matters between men?”

“Amelda informs me of things as a good wife should.
She is not my lesser.”

“Amelda gossips and stirs trouble
for her brother. She has done this since we were children.”

“And what trouble has she caused between brothers through marriage?”

“The kinds that have you question me!” Giuseppe countered. “You have become too bold when you forget who I am.”

Matteo crossed his leg. His fingers interlocked and folded hands rested atop his knee. “
I have known you a long time Giuseppe and this title that you wear like a crown does not impress family.” Matteo’s polished teeth formed a smile. “Our famiglia have mutual interests and your sister has every right to be involved.”

“Then let her rule your home stronzo; she cannot dominate in mine. B
usiness that we discuss is not for her ears Matteo. I also do not like my actions used as weapons to wound me. You tell her too much and it’s her vicious mouth I do not trust!” Giuseppe snarled as he thought of his latest argument with Amelda in which she tossed in his face a confidence he’d spoken only to Matteo concerning a gift for Shanda. “Do not share my personal affairs when you fuck my sister cazzo!”

Matteo scoffed. “Your personal affairs are not
the topic when I make-love to my wife bastardo!”

“Bene, make certain it remains that way. As for this meeting which took place in your absence, you missed nothing except brothers ensuring whoever assisted the African in kidnapping Selange and Ari receive proper punishment.”

Matteo sniffed. “Since we speak of matters between blood, then let me address the topic of Sergio.”

Giuseppe sat forward with a groan. His anger at Matteo over Amelda was set aside. “Cosa Matteo, this gripe is tiresome?”

“I prefer Sergio ceases pursuit of Lucia.  He is not mature enough for my sister and is an opportunist.”