Chapter 14 - THE NEW ERA
The night of the grand reopening arrived.
The street outside La Cattedrale was lined with luxury cars.
Flashbulbs popped as city officials, businessmen, and elite figures stepped out.
I stood near the grand entrance, welcoming the guests.
My posture was straight.
My shoulders were level.
I wore no cheap, mended uniform anymore.
I wore diamonds that Salvatore had left in the vault.
Dante stood beside me, a gracious and powerful host.
Men who had once ignored me now bowed their heads respectfully as they passed.
They knew who I was.
They knew the name Rossi-Gallo.
A sleek black limousine pulled up to the curb.
The door opened, and an elderly man stepped out.
He looked frail, leaning on a silver-handled cane.
For a fraction of a second, my heart skipped a beat.
Then I realized it was just an old associate from Sicily.
He caught my eye and bowed deeply.
I nodded back in acknowledgment.
The restaurant filled with laughter, the clinking of crystal glasses, and soft piano music.
The pianist played with both hands suspended gracefully above the keys.
I walked across the dining room floor.
Carla smiled nervously as she passed by with a tray of champagne.
I gave her a reassuring nod.
"Everything is under control," I whispered.
She smiled and kept walking.
I stood at the center of the room.
Looking out over the crowded tables.
No one interrupted their wives tonight.
May you like
Everyone knew the value of silence.
And everyone knew who held the power.
