Chapter 2

“How bad is it?”

The meal had been eaten and the delicious serving of Tiramisu had been consumed with a pot of excellent strong black coffee. Both men had deliberately refrained from talking about the problems facing the family, but now it was time.

“Bad.” Graham said succinctly, eyeing the younger man. “Your father got rid of the gambling hell in both Las Vegas and Manhattan, something that took a hell of a lot of balls. But the partners are not pleased.” He picked up his napkin and twisted it around his fingers absently.

“When George was alive, no one would dare come up against the family, but we are definitely not as scary. George is dead and Grant is dying, which leaves just us.” He flickered a glance at his nephew. “Some might say we are the weak links.”

“They would be wrong.” Years of Moretti arrogance and pride was stamped on Gary’s face. “What’s left?”

His uncle shrugged, gray eyes wandering around the other patrons. It was late, but then it was an Italian restaurant, and they kept the tradition of late dining. “The business is more or less legitimized.” A grimace settled over his attractive features.

“I am ashamed to say that Moretti’s Enterprise was mostly based on ill-gotten gains. There was a lot of bloodshed in the past that cannot be erased. The family is damned and tainted, Gary, and there is no getting around it.”

Picking up his coffee, Gary took a sip and felt the anger simmering inside him. He was part of this family. He had seen what they did and heard enough rumors to know that their arrogance knew no bounds. They strongarmed people into getting what they want, regardless of the consequences.

“It’s still a multi-billion-dollar enterprise.”

“That it is. The restaurants are doing very well, despite the competition. The apartment buildings are top of the line and in high demand.

The plazas, well there are several since you have been away, and they are unique in their designs.” He paused and took a sip of his water, his expression contemplative. “They were leased before the paint was even dry.”

“But that’s not the problem, is it?” Gary surmised.

“No!” Graham shook his head. “It’s the reputation and the sharks circling because they scent blood.” He gave his nephew a frank stare. “Maurice is leading the pack, and you know how ruthless he is.

His daddy put him in charge when he retired, and he is even more ruthless than that son of a bitch was. My brother eased out of the partnership of the casinos with little fanfare and gave up the forty percent shares with no fight and for little to no profit, but that is not enough.

The Moretti’s name was synonymous with fear and destruction, and they are losing power because we have pulled out.” He took another sip of water. “You know how he was as a boy; he is even worse now as a man.”

Gary’s lips tightened at the mention of the name. Maurice Gotti was a bully and had terrorized the kids in that corner of the world. But he feared Gary. Mainly because of the name Moretti which held so much power and respect, but Gary wasn’t a pushover.

“Now he’s in charge…”

“Yes!” Graham took another sip of water.

“I can’t do this.”

“You cannot just leave like before.” His uncle pointed out.

Gray eyes flashed. “You were the one who encouraged me to leave before...”

“Yes.” He nodded. “It was for the best. I promised your mother I would take care of you. Things were getting out of hand, and I did not want to see you get hurt.”

“Yet you stayed.”

His uncle smiled grimly. “Someone had to keep my brothers in line.”

“Why weren’t you like them?”

“Because I hate violence and what they were doing to people was wrong. I grew up in Brooklyn and spent time in the underbelly of the city. I saw violence from gangs wanting to establish their authority.

My family, my dad and granddad were terrifying, and I lived through a period where I didn’t know if I would live to see another day. I saw things,” he flicked a glance at the younger man, “horrible things, stuff that turned my stomach and the rest of my family despised me, because they thought I was weak.” He shrugged his shoulder.

“I was taught to shoot when I was ten – guns were all over the house, never locked away, just there for the taking. Even though I was taught to handle all of them, I was terrified and tried to hide it.” He smiled slightly. “I knew the damage a weapon could do to the flesh, and I wanted no part of it.”

“Yet you stayed.”

Graham nodded. “The old man’s word was law, absolutely and we had to abide by his rules. I couldn’t leave. My brothers loved the lifestyle of course and the power and infamy that went along with it. We were respected because of our name and reputation.

I was miserable. I lived in a household run by a tyrant. Your grandmother had no say whatsoever, she was just as afraid. It was when I met your mother that I had something to live for. But even that was taken away from me. Dad decided that she should marry your father because he was the eldest.”

Gary looked out the window. It had taken him a long time to come to grips with the fact that all three brothers were in love with his mother. But after a while he had come to understand that Graham was the only one who loved her selflessly.

“It must have been torture for you watching her with him.”

“Yes!” He acknowledged. “But then my brother did what he always do. He turned into a monster who ended up making her unhappy.” His hands clenched on the tabletop. “I wanted to kill him for hurting her.”

Inhaling sharply, Gary took another gulp of water. “This family…!” He shook his head. “And you wonder why I never had a meaningful relationship. How can I introduce someone into this mess?”

“You deserve happiness, and I hope to God, you find it.”

*****

“You fired the servants.” Coming here this morning had been a chore, but he promised his uncle he would make the effort.

“I did not want them gawking at me,” he said gruffly, watching his son as he pulled up a chair and sat down at the side of the bed. He had spent last night, in and out of consciousness, thinking of him and how proud he was. “I found them other employment, if that makes you feel better.”

Gary lifted thick dark brows. “What makes you think I care one way or another?”

“You were always a bleeding heart.”

His gray eyes flashed. “If by that you mean I do have a heart, then yes. I care about people and do not think of them as disposable commodities. Not that you would know anything about that.”

His father held up one thin hand. “I did not say it to offend you son. It was meant as a compliment.”

That earned him a skeptical look.

You don’t believe me?”

“Should I?”

“I suppose not.” Closing his eyes wearily, Grant lifted a hand to rub his temple. “I know I have not been a good father to you, and I truly regret that.” He opened his eyes to stare at him. “You have to understand the way we were brought up.”

“Uncle Graham was reared in the same household.”

“Yeah. You are so much like him. We used to tease him mercilessly. George and me. We made his life miserable.” A sadness settled over his haggard features. “He stood up to us and that was not easy, but he has this indomitable character that made him strong.

I admired that and I envied it as well. I envied him for his ability to be in the household and remain pure. He was never into the goings on. He distanced himself as much as possible.”

“The old man would harass him, he would be punished almost every night, but he withstood it. Our mother clung to him, and he did his best to protect her.” He let out a breath and zeroed in on his son. “I am asking for a chance to make it up to you son.”

Gary felt a jolt. There were so many times in the past that he would have longed to hear those words, but it was too late. He had suffered. As an only child, he had borne the brunt of everything.

He had been a disappointment to both his father and his uncle George. They had wanted him to be part of the ‘group’. His mother and his uncle Graham had tried to shield him from the worst of it, but he still suffered and that was something he could never forget.

“What does that entail?” He asked mildly.

“Setting things right. I am assuming that Graham already filled you in on what I have been trying to do.”

“He has, but isn’t it a bit too late?”

“I hope not. The casinos are gone and several of the questionable businesses, we had with the others.” He plucked at the sheets. “I know there have been some complaints from our former partners, but it is what it is. It has to be done, and I want you to take your rightful place at the helm.”

“Of a sinking ship.”

His father’s mouth tightened. “That is far from being the truth. Ask your uncle. Moretti Enterprise is a lucrative, legitimate business. The restaurants are doing exceptionally well and the commercial as well as the apartment buildings are the finest in the part of the country. The new plazas…”

“I know all of that. But it was built with blood money, and I don’t think I want to be part of it.”

“It’s your legacy, boy!”

Gary’s eyes flashed dangerously. “That might have worked in the past, but I am an adult now and your raised voice means nothing to me. And I see you are reverting to the man you always were. You cannot force me to stay, dad, I will come and go as I please.”

Grant held up a hand, a contrite look on his face. “I apologize. All I am asking is that you stick around. I am dying. You are the last of the Moretti and the legacy belongs to you. Just think about it.”

He opened his mouth to say something but decided against it. “We’ll see.”

They both looked up as the nurse came into the room. “It’s time for your sponge bath and medication.”

“Damn nagging woman,” his father complained without heat.

“I will come back in the afternoon.” Nodding to the nurse, Gary left the room and without pausing as he did yesterday, he went outdoors.

Hesitating slightly, he stopped and looked around the neglected space, a twinge of regret shadowing his face as he noticed the weeds choking his mother’s rose bushes. His father had fired the gardener too.

Making a note to rehire the man, he got into the car and drove out the long curving driveway.

*****

“You didn’t tell me you were dropping by.” Graham jumped up from his desk as soon as his nephew stepped in. “Greta, hold my calls for the next hour please.” He ordered the woman who had followed Gary inside.

“Yes sir.” Withdrawing, she discreetly closed the doors behind her.

“What brings you by?”

“I am here to check out the place.” Gary wandered over to the cabinet and without invitation, poured a steaming cup of coffee.

“Have you had breakfast? I could call the kitchen…”

“No.” Taking the coffee with him, he sat on a curved sofa braced against the floor to ceiling window and looked around the lofty office. “I haven’t been around for five years, but I do not recall your office being this elegant. You have made changes.”

Graham sat back down and angled his chair to face Gary. “It’s not my original office. It belonged to George and was bigger than mine. When he died, I decided to take over it and make the changes.

He was into heavy upholstery and dark colors. I prefer things of a lighter shade.” He nodded to the pale gold wallpapers and the matching carpet. Expensive artworks were displayed on the walls and the fireplace took up an entire section of the room.

“I like it. The old man’s office?”

“Will be yours, if you decide to stay.”

“I won’t.”

“You only just got here, give it time. I need your help, Gary.”

“You seem to be doing very well on your own.”

“Looks are deceiving. Moretti’s is a diversified business and it is finally where I dreamed it would be. The employees are satisfied and no longer staying because they are afraid of the consequences of them leaving. I would love for you to be part of it.

We have made incredible strides since my brother decided to become legit. There is a plaza just a few blocks from here that is my pride and joy.” His gray eyes glowed. “It took several years to build, but the result is amazing.”

Gary sipped his coffee and could not help but notice his uncle’s enthusiasm. And he had to acknowledge it was contagious.

“You are running things now.”

“For the time being.” He gave his nephew a meaningful look. “As much as you refuse to admit it, the company is your inheritance. I have a minimum share in it. Yes, I am interim CEO, but eventually, it will go to you. And it’s not a bad company now. It’s on its way to be something to be proud of.”

Finishing the coffee, he rose to pour himself another cup, taking it to the window where the spectacular view of buildings towering towards a serenely blue sky captured his interest for a minute.

“I used to dream of one day working here.”

“You did. During the summers and when you were back from school in the UK.”

“Then I hated coming home. I couldn’t bear the stifling atmosphere.”

“You came back because of your mother.”

“I did.” Taking a sip of coffee, he continued to stare blindly at the scene. “She was the one motivator that had me coming home. And the old man used that. He tainted everything, turned it into shit.” He swiveled around to meet his uncle’s eyes. “I don’t see how you can ever forgive him.”

Graham shrugged. “He is my brother and yes, he has done some terrible things, but you have to understand what we were brought up with. They wanted to please your grandfather so badly and would have done anything to earn his approval.”

“But not you.”

“No.” A smile touched his lips. “And I suffered as a result of my disobedience and disloyalty. I hated Grant for the way he treated your mother and wanted nothing to do with him for a long time.

Then we lost George and things changed. I think losing him brought home the fact that he was not invincible. It forced him to realize his mortality. Then he was diagnosed with his illness and that was the final straw. Pour me a cup, will you?”

Gary brought the coffee over to him and went to sit on the sofa. “He called me son.”

Graham’s eyes crinkled with laughter. “What was your reaction?”

“I realized how much I had longed to hear that from him growing up, but when he said it, it meant nothing to me. I think he will do and say anything to get me to stay.”

Graham nodded. “We talked. You have to understand that I was never close to either of my brothers. We had nothing in common, except our names and our resemblance. We belonged to the same clubs and worked at the same company, but that was it. Nothing more. It was always Grant and George doing things together.

One was an extension of the other. When George died, I think your father died a little too. He came to me and broke down; I had never seen that happen before and it shocked me. He cried and asked for my forgiveness.”

He shrugged. “I couldn’t say no.”

“I can.”

His uncle grinned. “You are stronger than I am.”

“It’s not a matter of strength. I lived with years of abuse from them both. I witnessed his treatment of my mother and the way he flagrantly flaunted his paramours. It disgusted me and made me hate him.

I saw the way they treated their so-called enemies, People who just wanted to go about their businesses,” he looked around the office. “I am not certain I want any part of this place.

“I spent five years in Tuscany, living a simple life. I already knew the language, so I fitted in just fine. The vineyard was small, but a it was thriving, and I woke up each morning looking forward to an honest day’s work and mixing with simple people.

I got to hear stories of my mother and the kind of child she was. I was happy there. In that little village, no one knew who I was and even if they did, they did not give a damn. It was pure bliss.” He looked at his uncle. “By the way, I rehired the gardener.”

“Ah.” Graham gave him an approving look. “I should have thought of it myself. Your mother’s gardens were always a showpiece. It brought her a sense of purpose.”

Gary nodded. “I could never live there again.”

“Neither could I. That house has been in our family for several generations and it reeks of unhappiness and misery. I couldn’t wait to leave.”

“You stayed because of mother.” Gary gave him a curious look, “I have no idea how you did it.”

“Simple.” The smile was wistful. “Your mother needed me, and I could not bear to leave her. It was a sacrifice that I was happy to make.”

Gary stared down into his cooling coffee. “What’s it like?”

“What?”

“Loving someone to the point where everything else takes second place?”

Graham put his cup down and leaned back in the chair. “Encompassing.” He admitted quietly. “Scary as hell and exhilarating at the same time. I would have done anything for her and there wasn’t another woman for me. Not even now.”

Gary stared at him in surprise. “You are not seeing anyone?”

“On and off. Nothing serious.” He shrugged. “She left a distinctive mark on me, one that can never be erased. I mourn her and I have my memories to take out and play with when I am alone. I feel her in here.”

He lifted his hand and placed it over where his heart beats. “She is inside me and will always be.” A smile touched his lips. “I hope one day you will find something like that.”

“No.” Gary shook his head decisively. “It sounds too scary and damned lonely.”

“Don’t tell me there was not even one signorina that didn’t make a dent.” His uncle teased.

“None.” He was told firmly. Stretching out his long legs, he crossed them at the ankles. “Now tell me about the latest project.”

*****

Grant stared at the financial report running on the screen without much interest. His doctors had tried to dissuade him from staying actively involved in the business but had been unable to sway him.

He was not actively involved in the running of the company, but he was damned if he was going to stay away entirely. He was determined to know what was going on.

He was not dead yet!

But he could not concentrate on the screen. His son’s visit had upset him, leaving a bitter taste inside his mouth. He was not good at being humble, never good at apologizing and he was forced to do both. To no avail. The boy was determined to be upset. He was determined to delve into the past instead of letting it go.

Yes, he had not been a good father. Hell, if he was being honest, he had not been a father at all. He had never been there and when he was, he was not really there either, except to issue orders.

He did not blame his son for being so antagonistic. But he wanted peace. The company now belonged to him, and he wanted him to take his rightful place.

Graham was doing an excellent job, and he was grateful and pleasantly surprised. But the company would eventually go to Gary. Closing his eyes wearily, he leaned his head back and allowed the memories to consume him. It was self-flagellation, but he deserved nothing better.