The Narduchi Empire Trilogy

By Peggie Kahn

Alphonso Anthony Narduchi, a long-time high roller in the Sicilian Mafia, built the Narduchi Empire on blood money. He won the family businessolive grovesin a card game in Palermo and moved to Siracusa to ensure a rich future for his growing family. But Alfonso is brutally murdered by rivals in the French Mafia, and now his heirs must take control of the empire and keep it the power Alpfhonso dreamed of.
One of Alphonsos two sons, Rocky, trains his family to operate the olive-oil business while maintaining ties with the Mafia and a vendetta for the French Mafia family. Tony, Rockys oldest son, attempts to keep the olive-oil business legitimate but finds himself not only tangled up in murder and drug trafficking, but also immersed in ending the long-standing vendetta for his grandfather, father, and his uncle Angelo.
The Narduchi Empire portrays the dark side of life in the Mafia and shows that murder, shady business deals, illegal activity, revenge, and deep secrets dominate those involved at the core. The Narduchi family must stay one step ahead of their competition and enemies, or pay for it with their lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 8, 2010
• ISBN: 9781453553343

Book preview

Copyright © 2010 by Peggie Kahn.

Library of Congress Control Number:     2010911589

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

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Contents

Acknowledgements

Chapter One

The Villa

Chapter Two

A Night to Remember

Chapter Three

The Plan

Chapter Four

Olive Oil Production

Chapter Five

Venice

Chapter Six

Papillion

Chapter Seven

Betrayal

Chapter eight

Brazil

Chapter Nine

The Indictment

Chapter Ten

Vendetta

The Next Generation

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Conclusion

Dahlia

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the following individuals for their significant contributions, whether large or small. We all know that in the world of writing, every bit of support and help matters. No one can do it alone.

I would like to thank my son, Jeff Kahn, for his brilliant design of the cover art for books two; three and the trilogy, as well as Diana Carter for the cover art for book one. I’d like to thank Steve Salvaggio for allowing me to use the name of his deli for the fictional restaurant in Palermo and Michael DiGrazia for allowing me to use his name as a fictional character. I would like to thank Carol Pettigrew for the final editing. Lastly, I would like to thank all of my family and friends for their constant encouragement and belief in my passion for writing and creating

Books by the author are available at http;//www.xlibris.com, the iUniverse Bookstore, at www.iuniverse.com Amazon.com, www.bn.com. (barnesandnoble.com) www.narduchiempire.com e-books and any book outlets on line. Here is what you can find:

• The Narduchi Empire

• Dahlia: Book Two, from the Narduchi Empire series

• The Quiet Chemist—Book Three, from the Narduchi Empire Series

• Welcome to My World—a personal glimpse into the lives of people living on a psychiatric unit.

• The Narduchi Empire Trilogy

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Chapter One

The Villa

The Narduchi family’s roots were firmly planted in the Sicilian mafia. They were well-known throughout the country as both influential and ruthless in their business dealings. Rocky Papa Narduchi was the head of the family. He and his beloved wife, Olivia or Mama, raised five children, whom they named Tony, Meggie, Joe, Bella, and Nello.

Tony, the eldest of the Narduchi children, worked with Rocky to run the Narduchi Empire, while Meggie chose a more traditional career as a lawyer. Joe and Bella chose science for their career paths with Joe running the Narduchi Laboratories as a leading chemist. Bella chose a fulfilling career as a nurse. The youngest child, Nello, handled imports and exports in New York and was vital to the Narduchi Empire for his networking and influential contacts in the States.

Rocky Papa Narduchi was sitting lazily outside his villa admiring his vast olive fields in the warm Sicilian sunshine. Tired from a long day of checking the summer olives at the vineyard with his oldest son, Tony, Rocky ran a rough sun-burnt hand through his thick white hair. Olivia walked out to join him with a carafe of sweet summer wine.

Ah, thank you, Mama. Sit down for a while. Tony and I want to talk to you about the plans for Nello, now that he is coming home from New York. Now that he has a business degree from Cornell, I want to induct him into the family business. He has made many connections in New York that will help make our imports at the docks much more profitable. Do you remember Jack Baron? He was Nello’s best friend at Cornell and has since been working as an accountant for the District Attorney in New Jersey. He’s one of the best accountants in the States and has made some incredible connections. Jack set up some of the deals we have going in Las Vegas with our lawyer Nick Magdotti. However, something went wrong on the last hit, so Jack is going to lay low here at the villa. He will run operations for the business in the Michigan Import Services.

Are you sure he won’t be connected with Nello? Tony asked.

No, said Papa. Nello has stayed away from him and has only spoken to him by pay phone. They plan to meet on the plane from New York on Friday.

Olivia poured another glass of wine for Tony. When she tipped the carafe of wine above Rocky’s hand-crafted glass, her blue eyes seemed to gleam in the setting sunlight. Rocky smiled at Olivia, and for a moment they could feel their souls connect, just as they had done so many times before. Olivia kissed Rocky on his forehead and returned to her old wicker chair to hear the rest of the plans.

Rocky sipped his wine and continued, Saturday we are planning a huge homecoming party here for Nello. All the relatives will be coming and Meggie, Bella, and Mama are going to do all the cooking. It’s going to be the best party in Sicily! Your brother, Joe, will be back from Roma tonight, and we will fill him in on the plans. I want Joe to tend to the olive groves here, but I know that Joe and Angie are expecting their first child. So, I will just have to convince them both to move here. My first grandchild needs to be kept safe. There is too much violence surrounding our business these days, and we need to take all precautions necessary. Joe already has an idea, or thinks he does, about what I want him to do. Meggie will finish her law degree this year from the University in Roma. She plans to move back here and live with her sister so she can set up her practice. I hope they have learned how to cook by now. The ravioli was awful at the last party. Mama said that she is going to oversee all the preparations this time. So, it should go just fine.

Do you think Bella will get along with Meggie this time? asked Tony. Well, they have been talking about this for the past several months, and Bella said that she has talked to Gino about it and he’s okay with Meggie staying in the guest house. If Meggie’s new practice goes well, she could be an asset to the family, especially with the export of our wine and the new line of Virgin Olive Oil. We’ll see. Those two really get into it when they disagree on anything. Bella told me that the last time they had an argument, Meggie threw a bottle of wine at her.

Did she hit her with it? Tony asked.

No, but Bella kicked her out of the house for a week. Meggie finally told her she was sorry. It was a good thing that she had to go back to the University. She was able to calm down there. Anyway, things are fine with them for now.

So, Papa, who have you decided to run the Olive Oil production? asked Mama.

I will announce that at the party, not before! I love you, Olivia, but you cannot keep a secret! said Papa with a sparkle in his large brown eyes as he patted her on her little round butt. Olivia was just over five feet tall and full of spunk, a trait she had generously passed down to her daughter, Meggie. Meggie was tall, slender and extremely beautiful with dark blue eyes and soft brown hair. In contrast, her sister, Bella, was short like her mother, with black hair and big brown laughing eyes like her father. Tony, Nello, and Joe were all good-looking Sicilian men, well-educated and ready to continue in the Narduchi Empire.

Tony, said Rocky with authority in his voice. Make sure that Bernie picks out the finest wine for the party on Saturday. Bernie was Rocky’s brother, Angelo’s, son. Angelo was murdered by a member of the Papillion family during a disagreement about a business territory 15 years ago. Rocky took Bernie into his home after Angelo’s death and trained him to be one of the best wine makers in the country. However, he had vowed to get his revenge on the Papillion family when the time was right and when Bernie was old enough to understand the family dynamics.

Tony, one day you will understand my plans here, so don’t look so down in the mouth. I want you to call Joe and have him come over with the limo to pick up Nello and Jack from the airport this afternoon. They’ll be on flight 4567 out of New York. Don’t forget to pick up the new sign for the christening of the Narduchi Olive Oil Warehouse. I want the covered sign to be hung before the party so we can unveil it after we eat. I have a surprise in store for you on Saturday, as well as the others. I think you will be a very happy man by Sunday morning!

Meggie in Roma

Meanwhile, back in Roma, Meggie and Julian were recovering from a wild night of celebrating Meggie’s graduation from law school. Their alarm was blaring. It was 11 a.m., and neither one of them wanted to get out of their warm, soft bed. The previous evening not only marked the end of Meggie’s school days, it also represented the beginning of a new life for the two young lovers. Today was moving day, and they had to force themselves to crawl out of bed and get moving.

Meggie reached her slender arm over Julian’s face as he lay sleeping beside her and turned the alarm clock off. Julian? Could you put the coffee on? Meggie asked with a yawn. I can’t believe we stayed out so late. I have so much to do today to get ready to go back to the villa.

I told you last night that you needed to stop drinking so much. It’s your own fault that you feel like crap this morning! Julian said with a grumble as he walked over to the kitchen and turned on the coffee pot.

I know, but that was a big send-off. I’m so glad I’m done with my degree. Now I can get into the family business and make some real money. Papa said that after I get back he is going to send me on a well-earned vacation to Paris to check out the Papillion family. It’s going to be a working vacation, but I like the idea of that. Afterall, I never seem to be able to really relax without having an agenda. Julian, I hope you’ll be able to stay with me for a while in Augusta at the villa. Papa and Mama really like you, but they still think we’re just friends. What a shock it will be when we tell them that we eloped last week! I can hardly wait to see Tony’s face! He always gives me a hard time about not going out with his best friend, Donnie. I think he hoped I would marry him because Donnie was so in love with me, and his family had so much money. What an idiot!

So why didn’t you like him? Julian asked.

He was always bragging about the hit jobs he went on and how great he was. He was so wrapped up in himself that he didn’t have room for anyone else. Besides, instead of wanting to go to college and better himself, he wanted to get a free ride on the family money. His family couldn’t care less, of course. They just wanted to keep him doing the hit jobs because he was so good at being the tough guy. Tony and Donnie were friends ever since they were kids. They always hung out together. Tony could always be seen reading or figuring things out using his brains, while Donnie was more physical and always stood up for Tony, even when Tony didn’t realize he needed someone to stand up for him. Donnie was definitely the muscle" of the two. They are still close friends, but their lives have taken them in different directions. Tony has moved on more by finishing college and being busy with Papa and the family business. So, needless to say, they don’t see as much of each other as they used to. Donnie will be at the party this weekend, so be nice Julian, okay?

I will but only because I love you, Meggie! said Julian with a sweet smile.

Julian Landry was a tall handsome man with a PHD in accounting. He came from a family in Southern France. His father was a baker and ran his business modestly with his mother and two younger sisters, Alice and Chloe. Meggie had met them all when she went to visit during the spring break the year before. They were a wonderful, happy family, and they welcomed Meggie into their family with open arms. Julian, with his green eyes and light brown hair, had swept Meggie away with his charm the first time she had seen him at the university book shop two years ago and have been together ever since.

Meggie and Julian moved into a small flat near the university a year ago. Julian had graduated with a business degree and had landed a great job with an accounting firm that happened to be associated with the same company that Meggie’s father had always done his books with. By coincidence, Julian was part of the team that was in charge of the Sicilian accounts. Meggie and Julian planned to move to Palermo, just north of the company’s complex, after they were married. They hoped that Julian’s request for a transfer would be granted. Julian requested the transfer the day after they were married because he had heard there was an opening in the new office in Prizzi, Sicily. He would hear if he had gotten the position within the next month. They planned to tell the rest of the family their plans for the future at Nello’s party.

I sure hope Mama and Papa will be happy for us, Julian. I’m starting to get a little shaky just thinking about it all.

I think everything will be just fine, Meggie. You worry too much. We’d better get packing. Our plane leaves by 6 p.m., and it’s already noon!

Okay. By the way, the movers will be here by two. I think everything is packed, except for my jewelry. I want to take that on the plane with me. Don’t forget that you have your gun collection to take over to the gun shop to have them shipped before we leave. So hurry up in the shower. I need to get in there too!

Why don’t you just join me, and we’ll get done a lot faster? asked Julian with a smile.

I don’t think so, hot shot. We wouldn’t get out of here until the movers were at the door hauling our stuff out with you still wet! Now hurry up! Meggie said, pulling on her jeans.

Tony, the oldest child of Rocky and Olivia, had come back from the University in Roma five years ago to help at the villa. He was tall, husky and full of life. He kept the Narduchi household in order and the staff on a tight schedule. Tony was invaluable to Rocky ever since the empire had grown successful while he was in charge of many of the day-to-day operations. Tony was kind and very protective of his younger sister, Bella. He was living in the old winery in the back of the main house. It was made of fine stone and marble with vaulted ceilings. Tony had remodeled it in the classic Sicilian style, with a bit of American southwest. There was a large oak fireplace in the main living room, and the kitchen had all the best appliances. Tony loved to cook. Olivia had taught him many of her secrets over the years.

Bella used to come over to Tony’s place after school and watch him put together different and wonderful smelling desserts. She had the delicious job of tasting all of Tony’s culinary creations and always devouring every crumb. They grew very close during those years. Bella adored him. One of his favorite desserts was Olivia’s pride and joy, Povatica. It was a sweet bread with walnuts, cinnamon, and other secret ingredients in a golden brown, rolled pastry. Tony would make it for all the holidays. It was no surprise that would be one of the main desserts for the party on Saturday. Bella planned to learn how to make it this year. Of course, Tony would be standing over her to make sure that it would be the best.

Bella had finished nursing school three years ago and was working at the hospital in Palermo on a psychiatric unit. She had become very confident in her nursing career and was known to be kind, patient and very in touch with her patients’ needs. However, when it came to cooking, she was a disaster, ironic because her mother was so talented in the kitchen.

Bella was eagerly learning how to make the delectable Povatica at Tony’s place. The morning had been a long and messy one, but her hard work was about to pay off as she opened the stainless steel door to the oven and carefully placed her masterpiece on the wire rack. As she shut the oven door, she heard her Mama calling to her from the main house, Bella, Bella! It was now time for Bella to join her in the main kitchen and help prepare the prosciutto polpetta di carne and provolone cheese wraps.

Tony was glad to see Bella go with Mama for a while because he needed to go into Marsala to secure the musicians for the party before Nello and Jack got in from the airport. Jeff Bagalini, the owner of the band whom Tony wanted to secure for the party, was waiting at the corner bistro in town. Tony had heard that the band had played all over Italy and were going to tour the USA in the summer; so he had to secure them as soon as possible. Only the best for the Narduchi family, he thought to himself as he traveled to meet Jeff. On the way, he picked up the new Narduchi Virgin Oil sign that Papa had designed for the grand opening of the new warehouse that would be revealed at the party.

By the time he returned from Marsala, Nello and Jack were already sitting out on the terrazzo, sipping the new wine that had just come from the family winery. This is the life! Your villa is so beautiful, Mr. Narduchi. Thank you for allowing me to stay here, said Jack, leaning back in his chair.

You’re welcome, Jack, said Papa, but don’t get too comfortable. I have a lot of work for you to get started on. For now, enjoy yourself. Monday we will talk about the problems in New York and what you’ll be doing in the next six months. It will involve priming the development of the olive oil business in Michigan. We’ll discuss that also.

So, Nello, are you ready to be a big shot here in Sicily? Rocky asked looking at his son with pride. After dinner tonight, I need to talk to you in private. Meet me in the study at nine.

Papa, you look so serious. Is everything okay?

Just a few loose ends I want to tie up before the party on Saturday. I want you to do something for me. I’d rather not talk about it right now.

Dinner at the Narduchi’s was a wonderful event. Olivia prepared everything perfectly for the family reunion. Over the years, the Narduchi children were busy attending college, socializing with friends and pursuing new business ventures. It was finally time to gather again and divide the family business to ensure its future success.

Olivia’s meal was, as usual, wonderful. They ate in the main dining room on the majestic Italian oak table that was an impressive fifteen feet long. With the vaulted ceiling and floor to ceiling windows, the room felt like a fancy Sicilian ballroom. Wine flowed freely and Tony, Joe, and Jack got drunk and passed out.

Olivia, said Papa, never mind the mess. Chichi and Buda will clean it up. I need to talk to Nello in the study for a while. I’ll be up to bed later. As usual, your cooking was magnificent, my dear. Papa said as he tenderly kissed Olivia on the cheek. Olivia turned with a smile. She felt so warm inside as the feeling of having all of her family together once again rushed over her.

Well, Nello, let’s go to the study. Chichi, bring us a couple of cups of cappuccino, some sambucca, and a box of cigars to the study. Then when you and Buda finish cleaning up, you can go home. Thank you for doing such a good job with the meal tonight. You were a big help to Olivia. Chichi bowed with appreciation and left to get the cigars and drinks.

Chichi and Buda were brothers whom Rocky hired twenty years ago as the household servants. They came from Turkey with their families and were very loyal to the Narduchi family. They were always impeccable in their attire, and they kept the home spotless. Rocky had built two small houses on the north side of the vineyard for them. Rocky had also trained them in martial arts and weaponry so that they could also serve as the family’s bodyguards. Chichi’s wife, Sudisia, was an excellent chef, whereas Buda’s wife, Mara, was the nanny for the children when they were young. Now that they were grown, she did the housekeeping and tended the herb garden. Neither couple had children. They had made their life here at the villa and felt like part of the family. They were very happy with the Narduchi family and Rocky and Olivia knew they couldn’t manage the villa without them.

Okay, Papa. Why are you being so evasive tonight? Is something wrong? Nello asked. You know, Jack sure is enjoying your hospitality. Thanks for letting him stay here. He was really worried that the Papillion family would find him in New York.

That’s what I wanted to talk to you about, Nello. Do you have any idea why they are looking for Jack?

No, Papa. I just figured he got involved with one of the Papillion daughters again and something went wrong. They don’t like him because he had slapped around one of the girls last year.

Well, I figured you didn’t know what was going on. I’m going to tell you something, but only in confidence. I want to make sure you don’t mention any of this conversation to Jack. I want you to keep an eye on him. He’s an excellent accountant, but for now I don’t trust him. When he was in New York, he embezzled money from the Pappillion family. He worked on their books for a while, and they were under investigation from the feds. Jack knew he was going to be coming to Sicily and got a little greedy. The problem was that Luis Papillion got wind of the missing money from one of the feds and figured out who was responsible. When he approached Jack one night outside of a coffee shop, they got in a heated argument, and Jack shot him. Jack thought that he had killed him, but he survived, and the family is looking for Jack. So, needless to say, we have to keep a low profile. Also, I need to get him a new identity. I already have Chichi working on it. I will need to see Jack tomorrow morning after breakfast, okay? Jack will only know that you have a modest amount of information about why he is getting a new identity. I know you guys are good friends, Nello, but we have to be careful. Do you understand?

Wow, this blows me away. I had no idea, Papa. Of course I will keep your confidence. Is there anything else you want me to do? Nello asked still in shock from the news about his good friend.

Let Jack know that I want to see you both in the morning at ten a.m. sharp. Don’t be late. I have several meetings I must to go to in the village in the afternoon. Jeff Bagalini, from the band, is a graphic artist I hired to design the label for the new line of olive oil.

Isn’t he the guy you secured for the band on Saturday? asked Nello.

"Yes, of course. He’s very talented. He came highly recommended by Nick Pitchatino from the High Steps Bistro in Palermo, Papa said as he pulled out a fine cigar and lit the end. Papa puffed on his cigar, letting the thick smoke rise in the air and hover between the two of them. He continued to tell Nello, Meggie and Julian will be here in the morning. They decided to stop in Paris before coming home. So when they get here, I want you and Tony to get them settled in the guesthouse and help them feel comfortable. I don’t want any arguing amongst you, okay Nello?"

What makes you think we’ll give Julian a hard time? We only like to kid around with him because he gets worked up so easily, especially when it comes to Meggie.

I’m warning you, Nello. I’ll see you in the morning, Papa said laughing to Nello as he slapped him on the back and proceeded to climb up the huge oak staircase to Olivia.

Rocky entered the sizeable bedroom that Olivia and him considered their sanctuary. This was where Rocky could leave all the stress and worries of the business on the outside and give all his attention to his beloved wife. The bedroom was very spacious with a 20-foot vaulted ceiling, all in Italian wood. The walls and flooring have Bella wood and were specially handcrafted by an American company. The inlays were of different types of hardwood that Rocky picked out himself. Olivia commissioned the hardwood armoire, king-sized bed, and all the other furnishings in the room to make it a special hideaway for just the two of them. The room was situated on the entire third floor of the villa and was always locked. No one was ever allowed in their room, except Olivia and Rocky. Rocky had a hefty safe installed behind the fireplace where he kept money, legal papers, jewelry and other contracts for many of the deals he procured.

Included in the safe were the papers that documented the real identities of Chichi, his brother, Buda, and their families. Chichi’s real name was Sukru Tergin, and Buda was Yanni Tergin. Both were in the Turkish military and had been friends with Rocky years ago. Rocky had paid to help them defect and he also managed to change their identities and give them a new life here in Sicily.

Yanni was not only the caretaker of the grounds, but also a specialist in military hand-to-hand combat. He took care of the hits that Rocky had ordered in complete secrecy. Olivia and the rest of the family were unaware of his role in the family business but knew he and Rocky were very close. Yanni was 6’5" tall and 230 pounds. He was a man to be respected and most did. He was dark and stunningly good-looking, loud at times but kind. Chichi, on the other hand, was only 6’ tall and a lean 180 pounds. He was known to be very intelligent and handsome with dark skin and a gentlemanly personality.

Throughout the years, the two men had lost their Turkish accents and blended perfectly with the Sicilian family. No one ever doubted their ethnicity. They also had a cousin in Palermo, Xalan Tergin, who kept a very low profile. He worked in his own little sausage shop and provided all the special cuts of meat for the Narduchi family. He was a nasty sort but loyal to his cousins. He also had a talent for falsifying passports and documents for Rocky.

So, Olivia, are you full of happiness now that your little family is together once again? asked Rocky as he poured a glass of Groape, a specialty wine that was only made for the Narduchi family to drink.

Oh, it’s so wonderful. I am a little worried about Angie though. She looks like she’s ready to have that baby at any time. Perhaps even during the party tomorrow. Wouldn’t that be great timing? Olivia asked with a giggle. I think Joe is ready to be a father. He obviously loves Angie a great deal. You can see it in his eyes when he looks at her.

Since Joe has that great job at the Donte Chemical Company, do you think he will agree to come into the family business and work at the complex to help refine the new olive oil line?

Well, we certainly will find that out when I propose the deal to him tomorrow. I have quite a benefit package set up for him. I don’t think he’ll turn it down since it is triple what he’s making at the D.C. I want him to be set to take care of his new little family and still have room for growth in our business. He won’t be bored, and he’ll be doing what he went to the University to study. Plus, Donte Chemical won’t let him advance into the research area, which interests him the most, but here, he will have the freedom to achieve all his goals. I plan to put him in charge of research. What do you think of that, my dear?

Bravo, bravo! You are such a wonderful father and husband. I am so proud to be your wife. I love you, I love you, I love you. Olivia said hugging and kissing Rocky. Now let’s go to bed. We have many things to get done in the morning before the big event.

Chapter Two

A Night to Remember

5 a.m., Saturday

Unable to sleep, Chichi gave up the struggle and got up to start the cappuccino machine. He couldn’t stop thinking about Jack and the situation in New York that didn’t sound right. He took a quick shower and went into his computer room to search on the internet for Jack’s background and police record. Chichi was a computer whiz and could hack into many systems. The first system he hacked into was the New York penal system and then he continued on to Interpol. What he discovered was not good. He got on the phone to Buda, who was busy making breakfast for Mara, a Saturday morning tradition.

Ciao, Chichi! What’s up this early in the morning?

I need to see you before we get started on the grounds to set up for the party. I found something out on Jack that we need to talk about. Meet me in an hour by the research building. Chichi said with urgency in his voice.

An hour later, Chichi filled Buda in on the information he retrieved from the New York penal system and Interpol. I’m not sure what Jack is really here for, but I think Rocky may be in danger. So during the party I want you to stay by Rocky, but don’t let him know that you are suspicious of anything. I just want him to be safe.

Buda looked at Chichi with concern. He knew that this could potentially be a very serious situation that needed to be handled with great care. He immediately started thinking of ways he could convincingly stay right by Rocky without drawing any attention to the suspicions that he and his brother now had toward Jack. Buda continued to listen attentively to Chichi as he continued.

Check in with me throughout the day. Now we need to get the foreman from the groves to set up the tents, tables, and chairs. Sudisa and Mara will take care of the flowers and decorating the tables. I think Olivia was going to get the girls to help with the rest of the food. The caterers are bringing in the rest of the desserts and seafood.

Chichi, do you think Jack has some other guys here to back him up? asked Buda.

No, I checked with Marleeta in France this morning already, and she said that Maurice Papillion had disowned Jack last year and now had nothing to do with him. Apparently, Jack had taken money from him and tried to tie him to a murder in Bordeaux. Lieutenant Cheveia in Paris was in charge of the investigation and cleared Maurice. However, they had found that the Baron family was suspected in the murder of Rocky’s brother, not the Papillions. Jack was the prime suspect in this murder in Bordeaux, but before they could arrest him he defected to the U.S.

Rocky had a hatred for Maurice for years and finally that can be resolved. I need to talk to Rocky sometime today to let him know that it wasn’t really the Papillion family who murdered Angelo. It was Jack. Jack’s family has been a big part of the French Mafia for years, so we need to be careful. They know that he’s here to kill Rocky and continue the family feud with the Papillions. The olive business is growing, and the money that the Baron’s get from the Papillions for protection is phenomenal. Competition is the key to keeping the money flowing.

If the families are at peace with each other, there won’t be any reason for protection. I need to call Marleeta back to make sure she doesn’t talk to Maurice yet. You know that she and Tony have been secretly seeing each other for the past year.

Chichi and Buda moved to a nearby bench to sit and discuss the situation more fully. The day was cool, and Buda could feel a gentle breeze brush across his face. The news about Jack’s suspected involvement in Angelo’s murder was shocking and infuriating. Chichi and Buda considered the Narduchis to be their family now, and they vowed to protect that family at whatever cost.

You mean that Maurice doesn’t know that either? asked Buda in a surprised tone. I sure didn’t.

If Papa knew they were seeing each other, knowing that she was Maurice’s daughter, I don’t know what he would do.

Well, everything will be changing now that the truth is out. We’d better get over to the villa and get the preparation going.

Meanwhile, the Narduchi household began to wake to alarms buzzing loudly and the scent of coffee brewing in the kitchen. They were all rising to begin preparations for the party. Olivia, Bella, Meggie and Angie were bustling around in the huge brick kitchen, bumping into each other while trying to get everything in order. Amidst the commotion of the party preparations, the ladies heard a horrid scream.

Oh my God! My water just broke! I think I’m in labor! Angie screamed, while holding her pregnant belly in one hand and clutching the marble kitchen counter with the other. Bella ran over to her and started to time her contractions. They’re only ten minutes apart! Hurry and call Joe in the garden. We need to get her to the hospital. It’s an hour from here, and I know Joe will be a nervous wreck. Mama, you go with them. We’ll make sure everything here is ready for tonight.

No, I can’t. Papa wants me here. You should go and take care of your sister. I will stay and make sure everything is ready for tonight.

Gino, Joe and Rocky ran into the kitchen but stopped in their tracks when they saw Angie gripping onto the counter and screaming in pain. Jesus, is she going to have the baby right now? asked Joe turning white as a ghost.

Oh for Pete’s sake, you have plenty of time to get to the hospital, Bella said with authority in her voice.

Gino, get the Hummer and her suitcase. We will still have the family meeting, Joe, said Papa. Then we’ll meet you at the hospital in two hours. I’ve had experience with babies, and she won’t be having this one for a while, since it’s her first.

In the private dining room, the rest of the family gathered for the meeting. Mara served the coffee and Povatica quickly and quietly before leaving, closing the door behind her. Papa stood at the head of the table and cleared his throat.

Well, in spite of all the excitement this morning with Angie, we all seem to be dealing with the day very well. I talked to Joe at the hospital, and Angie is doing fine. She’s in a bit of pain, of course, but not quite ready to bring our first grandchild into this world for several more hours. I already spoke to Joe about his role in the family and what I had planned for him. So I will proceed to tell you what he will be doing.

As you are all aware of, Joe has been working for D.C. for the past four years and has wanted to head up the research program there, but those aspirations were muted when management hired another chemist to run that department. Needless to say, Joe was not happy with that decision and was contemplating a change. Now you all know that Roberto is going to retire at the end of the month. That will leave a gap at our research center. I have offered Joe the job of running the entire research project for the new olive oil production. He is well qualified to do this, and he has accepted my proposal. So, what do you think of that? asked Papa with his contagious smile.

Everyone applauded and was happy for Joe and Angie. Amidst the chatter from the family discussing the new life that Joe and Angie were about to embark on, Mama remained seated and cried tears of joy.

Bravo! said Papa. I’m sure you are all wondering why I have called this family meeting, besides, of course, to let you know about Joe. Mama and I have talked and have decided that it’s time to pass on the entire dynamics of the empire to all of you. We need to take some time for ourselves and enjoy life for a change. I have put a lot of time and energy into putting each of you in the right positions. I hope that it will meet with your approval.

Papa, said Meggie. Before you continue, Julian and I would like to make an announcement, if that’s okay with you?

Of course, Meggie. What is it? asked Papa.

"Julian and I were married on Valentine’s Day in the south of France at the Basilica of St. Anne’s. Father Cloutier, Julian’s cousin, married us. We wanted it