Up until this week, Enzo had kept his identity secret. Even though he was my boss in the outfit, I’d had no reason to see his face or speak his name. My discovery of his role had been an accident on the night of my initiation—my sixteenth birthday. I’d caught sight of him outside a window and known he was involved.

For most kids, their sixteenth birthday is one of the best days of their lives. For me, it was the day my life ended. Not only did I lose my innocence but I’d also lost everything good in my life on that one night. But that was a long time ago. I’d made peace with how my life had unfolded, and I was a different person now. I’d made a name for myself and moved on. I’d survived just fine without her, despite the raging emotions I’d felt at the time. I was a teenager in mourning, certain the world had come to an end. Now that I was on the other side, I had no intention of burying myself in that same emotional sandpit.

As I rang the doorbell, I sucked in a lungful of crisp evening air and admonished myself to remember that I was no longer that pubescent teen.

“Nico, it’s good to see you. Come in.” Enzo opened the door, extending his hand in greeting.

“It’s good to see you too, Mr. Genovese.”

“Let’s go back to my office and talk.”

I follow him to a large formal office not far off the entry. He closed the door behind us, and I breathed a small sigh of relief at making it inside without any drama. The room was filled with a lifetime of books and memorabilia tastefully displayed on shelves and in glass curios. He bypassed the plaid wingback chairs in a small seating area and instead took his place behind an impressive mahogany desk. I sat opposite him in one of the leather desk chairs and tried not to show my unease.

“I hope this wasn’t an inconvenience. I know it was short notice,” he offered respectfully. That was why Enzo had risen as far as he had. He didn’t leash his men with fear or abuse them like an asshole. The Lucciano boss was exceedingly savvy. He understood the importance of respect and honor while exercising his power over those who followed him. Despite his anonymity, his leadership style was felt down the ranks. His increased presence would only add to the dignity of our outfit.

“Not at all. I’m honored to be here,” I responded easily.

“Good, good. I have an important matter I want to discuss with you. But first, I want to congratulate you on being named capo.”

“Thank you, sir. It was an unexpected honor.”

“When I spoke with Gabe about becoming my underboss, he was quick to recommend you for his replacement. You’ve shown remarkable dedication, drive, and intelligence. With so much of our business concentrated in online pursuits, I think it’s important for us to have plenty of young blood in our ranks. Us old-timers aren’t as savvy on the newest technology. Guys like you and Tony can bring your ideas to the table and be a great asset to our organization.”