Fredo Lombardi was clearly an ally of Elijah’s. He was younger than Ulisse and a bit older than Elijah. He’d taken over the reins of his father’s business a few years earlier, and was someone who was considered very steady. He had few enemies, because he didn’t appear greedy. He conducted his business quietly and seemed a company player, although Elijah had told Alonzo that the man was no one to mess with. He was genial because he could afford to be.

Emilio was all smiles, but his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes when he looked at Alonzo. “I hear congratulations are in order,” he said without preamble once introductions were made.

Alonzo inclined his head. “Thank you.”

Emilio turned his gaze on Joshua. “I thought you said she was unavailable. Was I mistaken?”

Joshua smiled easily. “I’m sorry, Emilio. I knew that Alonzo was courting my cousin, but they were keeping it under the radar. I didn’t want there to be any bad feelings between you two should a misunderstanding have occurred.”

Emilio nodded, still hanging on to his smile. “Let’s get down to business.”

Elijah stood up and went to the large screen, bringing up a conference table with seven men seated at it. “Gentlemen, can you hear us clearly?”

“Yes, Elijah. We’re ready.” The man at the head of the table tapped his palm several times as an indicator that all talk should cease. “We’ve come together to discuss what should be done with Patrizio Amodeo’s territory. Several suggestions have been made and three people’s names have been put up to take over. We need to vote. Emilio has put in a request. The two territories are next to each other and it would make some sense. Elijah has put in the name of a man wronged by Amodeo. It is unexpected and highly unusual to say the least, but he has backing in this. Two others have put in Alonzo Massi’s name as he was also wronged by Amodeo.”

Emilio’s smile faded. Before he could say anything, Alonzo did. “I appreciate the vote of confidence, but my territory is already quite large and still new to me. With the advice of the men here at this table, I’ve been slowly working to understand the scope of Antonio’s businesses. They are vast and complex. To take on Amodeo’s territory at this time would be spreading myself thin. I prefer to keep the Arnotto legacy strong.”

Several of the bosses at the conference table nodded their heads in approval, as did Emilio. He was smiling again.

“Emilio, you have the floor,” Mario Esposito said.