Page 8 of Forgetting the Enemy
Chapter 3
Michael
About five years ago, my father had a full fitness center installed on the compound. The gym is complete with a lap pool, weights, a boxing ring, and all the cardio machines one could hope for. This place is my solitude. It is where I do my best thinking, sorting of problems, and unwinding.
Today, I’m thinking. I’ve not heard from Vince, but I expect to hear from him soon. My mind is consumed with how we’re going to pull this off. This could be a new era for our family, as well as the other three families of New York. Vince is right. We do have the muscle to pull this off, and I believe the actual deed of snuffing out Alberto and Victor should go without a hitch. But there is one thing in all of this continuing to gnaw at me.What happens to Zaira?
Vince said he was doing this mainly for Zaira, so she wouldn’t have to marry Victor, but he never said what would happen to her after this. He never indicated whathehad planned for her future. Being the oldest son, technically he takes over after the deaths of Alberto and Victor. He may not be interested in being the Don, but he is still in control of his family members. Before I agree to anything, I must know what his plans are in that respect.
Just then, my cell rings. Looking at the caller ID, I see the display readsUnknown Caller. I’m assuming it’s Vince. I had Ricco give him this particular burner cell to get in touch with me. Nobody other than Vince has this number.
I answer the phone with a “hello.”
“Michael, Vince here,” he says. “Do you have an answer for me?”
“Before I give you an answer, I have a stipulation. Consider it payment for services rendered.”
“Anything,” he replies hesitantly.
“You mentioned about the two families merging into one that I would run. I want Zaira included in that merger.” I wasn’t planning on claiming her, just inquiring about her, but the words were out of my mouth before I could stop them.Holy fuck, what did I just do?You’re taking what you want, Michael, as you should,my subconscious says, answering me.
“Zaira?” he asks.
“Yes, Zaira. She will be mine, and our marriage will seal the merger between the two families.”
“Marriage, Michael? What the fuck! I can’t agree to that. If I do, then I am no different than my father by forcing her into a marriage she may or may not want,” he replies.
I don’t want to force Zaira to marry me, but I know, based on our history, I won’t have to. I will win Zaira’s heart back. I know without a doubt that if we were able to pick up where things left off, before the whole your-family-murdered-my-mother thing, she willwantto marry me. At one time, she loved me. She told me and begged me to take her away from her father. She knew then what was gonna happen. She tried to tell me, but I wouldn’t listen. In retrospect, I wish I had.
So how the fuck do I make this work without forcing her hand?Time. That is what I need. Time.She could get to know me again, and I guarantee she will choose to be with me. This obsession with Zaira has been brewing for a long time, and my gut is telling me to pursue her. I need to find out if this consuming feeling to have her is real or if it is just some fucked-up confusion in my head. I know one thing; it’s something that has been deep-rooted in our minds by our families since we were young. “I won’t force her either.”
“Well then, what the fuck are you saying?” he asks.
“Put Zaira in my path. Give me time.”
“Time? What do you mean, time?”
“How the fuck do I know? Think of something to bring us together. Something you want her to deal with for the family. I don’t know. You figure it out,” I say in reply.
“And what makes you think anything will come of it?” he asks.
“Because she gets to know me again. We had something five years ago, and it will resurface. I have no doubts about that. Then she gets the option to choose, and I get Zaira. Because, Vince, I guarantee she will choose me, and if she doesn’t, well then fuck, I don’t deserve her. And when the day comes for our marriage—and that day will come—you give your blessing wholeheartedly.”
“Michael, if it happened that way, I couldn’t imagine a better brother-in-law. I’ve always admired you and your father. I know you would respect and love my sister if you married her.”
“Vince, this isn’t about love. Respect, yes. You know she will always have that. She’ll be treated like a fucking queen. But this is about getting something I want, plain and simple. I do you a favor; you do me one. That’s how it works.”
“So if she does not choose you, you will leave her alone?” he asks.
“That’s not gonna happen. But if it will put your mind at ease, then yes, I will leave her alone,” I reply.
“Agreed then. We have a deal.”
I’m not sure why I was worried about his response, but I find I am quite relieved by it. “I’ll need you to get me all the info you can on when and where you want the hit to happen. I can’t reiterate enough that it has to be precise, Vince, no fuck-ups on the information train. Once we have the when and where, my boys and I will take care of the rest.”
“Already have that. Zaira’s engagement party is two weeks from today. It is being held at our home, in the solarium and outside gardens. I will make sure your men have access to the party without my father knowing. And I will ensure Zaira, Mia, and I are not in the line of fire.”
“Got it. I’ll keep you posted with the plan. If I have any questions, how can I reach you?”
