Devious Little Lies (21 page)

Chapter Thirty-Four

Rejection had become a new way of life for Rena. Although she’d called on more than a few occasions, Tricia still refused to speak to her. For so long it had been just she and Tricia. Without her daughter in her corner, she was lost in a way she never had been before. She could only pray that Tricia would decide that one day she was worthy of her forgiveness, but she had no idea what to do in the meantime.

Though the last few days had been filled with a myriad of things, from the re-opening of the new and improved Distinction
,
to the launch of her new fashion line, none of it had brought her the least bit of happiness. It didn’t matter that the backlog of orders they had would fill over a million dollars or that Ashley was fielding calls from some of the hottest fashion magazines in the country. Or that she was well on her way to becoming the new “It Girl” in fashion. She just didn’t care. Success meant nothing without someone to share it with.

She had nightmares, reminding her of everything she’d lost. Now she had nothing left but money and a threatened criminal empire. The men in her organization still had no idea who was behind the Aprea massacre and she was growing antsy. She needed a glass of wine.

Heading to the kitchen and pouring herself a glass of white wine, she downed it in a few gulps. The coolness soothed her throat but did nothing to soothe the ache in her heart. Though she’d tried not to think about it, Shane’s silence was a glaring absence. She’d hurt him and now he was done with her. It seemed that everyone was.

The doorbell rang and she yelled for Cesare to get it. She wasn’t in the mood for visitors. She just wanted to enjoy her wine and wallow in her sorrows.

“Boss Lady, you’ve got visitors.”

Putting her glass down, she went to the front corridor. Three men stood with Cesare.

“Gentlemen, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

Carmine stepped forward first taking her hand and kissing it. “You look lovely today as always,
La Bella Mafia.
”

Carmine always managed to make her smile. Today was no exception.

“Ever the flatterer.”

“It’s not flattery, when it’s the truth,” he said and winked.

She shook her head and turned her attention to the other two men who had come to her home. Anton Vernaducci extended his hand. “Mrs. Rosetti, I must say the pleasure is all mine.”

Anton was tall with a thin build. With dark hair and light blue eyes he didn’t look like the typical Italian mob guy and he wasn’t. With a half-Russian mother, Anton was another reminder of how diverse the Mafia was becoming. Fifty years ago the American Mafia would never have had any mixed race members but now as long as your father was Italian you were free to climb the crime ladder.

“Call me Rena. If we’re going to be working together, I think we should all be on a first name basis.”

“I agree and can I say how impressed we were to hear how you handled that scum-sucking bastard. You are one woman I would not want to cross.”

“Then make sure you don’t.”

“No problems here. Perhaps you could come by sometime and see how we do business.”

“I’d like that, Anton. I’ll be sure to take you up on that offer.”

He nodded, a pleased smile on his face as he released her hand. Rena held out her hand to the last man, Giorgio Borgia, who ran the loan sharking part of the family. He wasn’t smiling.

“Giorgio.”

“Rena.”

They shook hands, but something about his demeanor didn’t sit right with her.

“Is there a problem?”

“Of course not. Why would there be?”

“Perhaps the lack of respect I’m feeling might have something to do with it.”

“I assure you I mean no disrespect. In fact the reason we’ve come is to show you the respect that is due a new boss. We would like to request the honor of your presence tonight.”

She lifted a brow. “And what will be happening tonight, gentlemen?”

“We have a few recruits that have proven themselves and we want to make them made men in a ceremony dating back all the way to the origins of
La Cosa Nostra
,” Anton said.

“I had no idea that kind of tradition still existed.”

“It’s a way to promote solidarity and brotherhood among the men,” Carmine added.

“Not to mention a way to honor the founding fathers and make sure that men understand the importance of the oath they’re taking,” Giorgio interjected.

“Well then, gentlemen, I will be more than happy to attend tonight’s festivities. I wouldn’t want to miss out on such an important part of our history. Thank you for inviting me.”

“It’s our pleasure. We’ll send a car for you and the big guy here,” Carmine said while playfully punching Cesare in the shoulder.

Her bodyguard glared. “Did you forget I was shot recently?”

“Hardly, but I figure you’re a tough guy. You can handle it.”

“He can. He’s a big boy. We’ll see you tonight, gentlemen,” she interjected.

Rena shook their hands as they took their leave, but not before Carmine winked at her again. When she and Cesare were alone, he looked at her shaking his head.

“What?”

“I don’t doubt his abilities, but don’t you think Carmine is a little inappropriate? He looks at you like a horny teenager.”

“Cesare, let you tell it, everyone looks at me like that.”

“I call it the way that I see it.”

“Well then tell me what you made of Mr. Borgia’s reaction?” she asked.

“He’s uncomfortable with a woman in charge. You know he’s one of the old guard. All the changes you’ve made have to be throwing him for a loop.”

“Are your male egos really that insecure? It beats all I’ve ever seen,” she said while walking away.

“My ego is firmly intact. I call you Boss Lady. Obviously I don’t have a problem with you running things,” he called from behind her.

“See that it stays that way.”

“No worries.”

Returning to the kitchen she occupied herself with another glass of wine. Plans for the evening made her raise the glass to her lips as the home phone rang. Getting up from her seat at the bar, she grabbed the cordless phone on the counter and answered.

“You have a collect call from…”

The automated voice trailed off and fresh fury washed over her body. Her lying husband had finally decided to acknowledge the presence of his long suffering wife. She accepted the charges and then waited for his voice to come on the line.

“Hey, wife.”

“You lying, two faced son of a bitch.”

* * * * *

Shane had received his orders and had no choice but to act on them. He wasn’t happy but he’d promised himself when he decided to take this case that nothing would get in the way of what he had to do. He was a fool to think that things would be so black and white. They had crossed to gray a long time ago, especially where she was concerned. Rena Rosetti was a murderer and if he hadn’t seen the evidence with his own two eyes he wouldn’t have believed it. Pictures and audio didn’t lie and no matter how hard he’d tried to walk the line he had a choice to make and he didn’t know what to do.

If everything went according to plan, he had an opportunity to bring in some major figures in the crime world. It would be an even more incredible boost to his burgeoning career, but there was a catch. His higher ups wanted to take her down too and he didn’t know if he could. He wasn’t ready to see the look on her face when she realized she’d been blindsided once again. Despite the terrible things he knew she was capable of, he couldn’t help but feel some kind of way about hurting her. He’d really gotten himself into a situation, but he had no choice but to follow through on the oath he took. He just hoped he could live with himself afterwards.

Chapter Thirty-Five

“What the fuck, Rena?” Tony yelled.

“What the fuck is right, you piece of shit. Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?”

“I have no idea what the hell you’re talking about.”

“Of course you don’t. You thought you did such a fantastic job of covering it all up, but it’s true that whatever is done in the dark will come to light.”

“Baby, tell me why you’re acting like this? I thought we fixed things.”

Squeezing the phone tight in her hands, Rena turned and leaned against the counter. She wished she was close enough to Tony to stab him in the neck, but for now she would have to settle on verbally venting her hate.

“I thought we fixed things too, but apparently I was being a fool, something you’re used to when it comes to dealing with me, but no more.”

“You’re not making any sense. Tell me what I’ve done so I can fix things.”

“There is no fixing this, Tony. You’ve screwed up one too many times and I am sick and tired of it. I know, Tony. I know about Angelica and the girls.”

Silence.

Rena wasn’t surprised. She’d thrown Tony for a loop and now he had to scramble and try to come up with a convincing lie. It was what he did and always had, only now she was taking off her blinders and realizing it.

“Rena…I…”

“What, Tony? There’s nothing you can say. Nothing.”

“How did you find out?”

“Wow, you’re not denying it. I’m very surprised considering the way lies roll off your tongue like butter these days. It doesn’t matter how I found out. I know.”

“It does matter, Rena. Did you hear from Angelica?”

“No. I don’t think your whore is bold enough to set foot in this house again after the last time she was here and she sure as hell didn’t call me either. You trained the little bitch well.”

“Then I don’t understand,” he stammered.

“Of course you don’t. Let’s just say I have a guardian angel out there somewhere who thought it was important that I knew exactly what my so-called loving husband was up to. A package made its way to me and it was filled with pictures of you and your mistress from six years ago as well as a few recent photographs of her and your daughters on their way to visit you in the pen.”

“Someone is trying to mess us up, Rena. How can you not be suspicious about something like that?”

Slamming her hand down on the counter she yelled at him. “Don’t you dare try to turn this around! You cheated on me and got a woman pregnant that you carried on with for years. How many others are there, Tony?”

“It was a mistake. Angelica was a mistake. The only reason I was even attracted to her in the first place is because she reminded me of you.”

“Your
puttana
and I are nothing alike and don’t you ever say that to me again.”

“Baby, there is nothing going on between her and me anymore. It all stopped when I realized she was pregnant. I haven’t touched her since then.”

“You are such a damn liar. You’re rotating us out, fucking us both while you’re behind bars. I’m done. If you want the twit you can have her, but she will never be me.”

“I don’t want her, Rena. Damn it, I’m married to you. You’re the one I want.”

“Stop. Just stop. I’m done listening to your lies. I’m done hoping that you’ll realize everything you’re throwing away. You don’t care. The only thing you give a damn about is yourself.”

“That’s not true. I love you. I don’t love Angelica. I need you, baby. I always have.”

Her free hand twitched as she watched the ticking clock on the wall in an effort to calm her nerves.

“If you needed me, you never would have done what you did. If you needed me you would’ve called before now to make sure I was still alive after I was nearly killed. But that would require you to care and clearly you don’t care about or love me.”

“You’re wrong. If I didn’t love you, why would I have stayed married to you all these years?”

“Because it’s convenient and because somewhere in that demented brain of yours, you know that I’m an asset. Besides, why divorce me for some young whore who still hasn’t given you the one thing you want more than anything…a son?”

“It’s not about that, Rena. It doesn’t matter if you and I never have a child together because I will still want you.”

“Well guess what, Tony, I no longer want you. Our marriage is over.”

“You can’t divorce me, Rena. I will never sign the papers.”

“Oh, I’m not going to divorce you. Not right now anyway.”

“You’re not? Why?”

“Because I need to secure my empire before I concentrate on getting you out of my life for good.”

Rena ended the call. She was done arguing with him. She’d wasted enough time with Tony Rosetti. Ten years too long. She’d feared that hearing him confess would break her down again, but she was wrong. Numbness was all she felt. Her marriage was over and she was finally free.

“Are you okay, Boss Lady?”

She looked up to see Cesare standing in the doorway. His eyes were soft.

“Of course I’m alright. Nothing keeps me down.”

“You don’t have to pretend with me.”

“Trust me, I’m not. When you’ve been betrayed enough you come to expect it and soon it doesn’t even hurt anymore.”

Cesare nodded as he approached her. “For what it’s worth, I didn’t know.”

“Maybe you did, maybe you didn’t. Either way it’s not important. What is important is finding out who the hell tried to kill me. Get me some answers.”

Rena patted him on the shoulder as she exited the room. A weight had been lifted from her. Sometimes pain gave you a clarity you never had before and for that she was grateful. It was time to get on with her life, whatever it might be.

* * * * *

Shane sat listening to the briefing. What would soon go down would be a bust of epic proportions, courtesy of a man willing to throw his own under the bus to save himself. There was a lot of that going around lately. It was helping to get the job done but he couldn’t stop feeling a strong measure of disgust. The one thing about being the man his father had always taught him to be was accountability. Man up and pay for your mistakes, whatever they might be. That was a lost concept in this day and time.

And while it was true the man’s cooperation would make his job easier, it brought him no joy. More betrayal. More deception. It seemed that was what his life had become and now hers would too. He wished he could save her, but when the chips fell he would be lucky if he could save himself. He was certain his superiors weren’t going to be happy with the way he’d handled this investigation, but then again, as long as he had results maybe they wouldn’t care.

“Let’s get this scum off the streets tonight. Any questions?” his boss asked.

He looked around the room, but no one said a word. It seemed that everyone was ready to do what needed to be done. Everyone except him.

“Alright, let’s move out.”

As a unit they all rose and gathered their weapons. As Shane holstered his gun, a hand clasped his shoulder. It was his boss.

“You know if it wasn’t for all the ground work you’ve laid, we might never have had the opportunity that we have now. You should be proud.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Shane’s boss gave him a terse smile before he followed the others from the room. Alone, he took a breath. This was it and there was no point in dreading what he always knew had to happen. Armed and ready for battle he left the room, ignoring the fist squeezing around his heart.

* * * * *

Rena could get used to the high level of respect that came with being a boss. When she left her house there hadn’t just been a single car outside to escort Cesare and her. There had been four. Two of her
capos
, Anton and Carmine were part of the envoy. Giorgio was already at the location making sure things were ready for their arrival. She was intrigued about the festivities of the evening. Part of her was humbled that the men her husband left in positions of power were embracing her.

“Boss Lady, we’re here.”

“I hope this isn’t another warehouse. Show a little originality sometimes.”

Cesare laughed. “No. For something like this, I think the guys upgraded things a bit.”

“Good. I didn’t dress like this to be in another empty warehouse.”

“How you’re dressed might make me have to shoot a few good men tonight.”

“Cesare, shut up and get out of the car.”

Her bodyguard obeyed and helped her from the vehicle. Rena smoothed down her short fitted black skirt before making sure her breasts hadn’t jostled out of the red off-the-shoulder top she wore.

“Did I tell you how ravishing you look tonight?” Carmine asked sidling up beside her.

“You just did.”

Next to her Cesare rolled his eyes, but didn’t say anything. Rena was well aware of the picture she’d painted of herself this evening. She could’ve gone for the full elegant mob wife look but she wasn’t sure if she’d have to get her hands dirty or not so she’d chosen to dress like a sexy boss lady. Her hair hung in loose black waves and she’d used eyeliner to make her eyes pop. Her lipstick matched her blouse and her kitten heels. She was firmly aware that she looked hot.

“Well then, shall we proceed?” he asked extending his arm.

She took his arm and they walked towards the old-fashioned style building in front of them. Manzelli’s
.
This was the place she and Tony had their first date. The bittersweet memory pushed its way to her mind and it was as if it was yesterday and she could see her and Tony sitting down to enjoy a loaf of fresh garlic bread and homemade lasagna. She’d had no idea at the time that it was a wise guy hangout. Before they reached the front door she was greeted by Antonio Manzelli himself. His face lit up.

“Rena. Come here and give old Antonio a hug.”

The older man pulled away from Carmine and enveloped Rena in a huge bear hug. She laughed at his excitement as she hugged him back, breathing in the scent of spices and red wine.

“You look
bellisima
. Tony did real good when he married you,” he said in his thick Italian accent.

She smiled at him. “I’m glad you still think so.”

“And I always will. You’re a good woman, Rena. You make us all proud.”

Antonio kissed her cheek before backing away to let her and the rest of her entourage enter the restaurant. Inside was just as she remembered it. Wood paneling, a hot brick oven that the place was built around and old-fashioned leather booths that Antonio said were brought over from Sicily when his grandfather first opened the restaurant.

Though the restaurant was empty, she wasn’t surprised. Not only was the place known for its fine authentic Italian cuisine, but it also had a secret meeting room that only a few knew about. Walking over to the large Italian flag hanging on the wall, Rena reached for the doorknob that she knew was there. When her hands found it, she twisted until the door opened. Cesare came to hold the door as she descended the stairs that lead down to the large fully-furnished basement that once served as both a speakeasy and a place for immigrant Italians to hide from the government.

The stairs creaked as she made her way down. When she finally reached the bottom there was a small segment of men waiting. Each of them stood military style in three divided segments. At the one in the middle stood Giorgio at the head. Beside him were Victor and Mario. Spying her they all left their posts and came to where she stood. As Rena waited, she looked around noticing the hundreds of candles illuminating everything around her. In the very front of the room was a large table with three small knives lying on it. Beside those was a massive hooked dagger with a black handle on it. A large red upholstered throne sat next to the table.

“Rena,” Mario greeted her.

They exchanged a quick hug before she shook hands with Victor and Giorgio. Both men greeted her with a coolness that was hard to ignore.

“Gentlemen.”

“Please join us up front,” Giorgio motioned.

Rena followed him and Victor. Cesare, Carmine, and Anton trailed behind them. As she walked through the rows of men gathered she studied the faces of the recruits. Some of them seemed so young and she wondered for the first time if inducting them into such a brutal lifestyle was the right thing to do. When they were all standing in front of the table, Victor stepped forward and addressed those assembled.

“You have all been gathered here to participate in a ceremony as old as time. When this night is over you will all be part of
La Famiglia Rosetti
. Now let me present to those of you who may not know her, the wife of the boss and the current leader of our family, Rena Rosetti.”

She hadn’t been expecting to be given a platform, but there was no reason to pass it up. Stepping forward, Rena took Victor’s place so she could address the crowd.

“You all are here tonight for one very important reason and that’s because you’ve shown that you have what it takes to be a worthy soldier in this lifestyle. Each of your
capos
has singled you out and for that you should feel proud. You should feel proud that you are on your way to being a part of my family. But there is one thing that I expect from each and every one of you here…loyalty. In a day and age when a man will sell his own mother to make a quick buck, I expect you to sell your grandmother if I ask you to.”

Laugher rang out and she laughed before she held up her hands for silence.

“I’m kidding on that last part. Honor your mothers and your grandmothers, but if I ask you to go to war, then I expect you to be ready. Our organization is being targeted from all sides and more now than ever I need strong soldiers to defend the kingdom that my husband worked so hard to build. So know that when you swear your allegiance this night, it means forever.”

With that said, she stepped back beside the others. She was surprised by the loud round of applause. Apparently this new set of recruits had no issues with a woman being in charge. Carmine motioned for her to take the only seat up front. As she did, each
capo
went to stand before his small section of recruits. Mario and Victor stood on either side of the table. Cesare stood near her. Anton led his regiment up first and they filed out beside him in a single line. With a nod towards her he picked up one of the small knives and turned toward the first man.