Read Online ASCENSION by S. W. Frank - Free Book Online

’s the wife ?” Frank enquired about his niece , more of a formality then a sign of concern .
    “ Doing well . I’ve plann ed a trip to Naples for our tenth wedding anniversary.”
    Frank nodded, “She’ll like that.”
    The room seemed warmer than usual. Do minick unbuttoned his collar and waited.
    “I received news our three acquaintances died in an unfortunate boating accident yesterday in Barbados.”
    Dominick’s brow creased, “ An accident ?”
    “ A fuel explosion. It’s still under i nvestigati on , but the police believe it is an unfortunate accident.”
    “Really?”
    “This leaves us in a predicament. I don’t believe this was an accident . It wreaks of the Palazzo’s handiwork , however, we cannot take any further risks.” He pointed a wrinkled finger at D ominick, “I want you to accompany me to the coun cil meeting. Our international allies have called a meeting . The Palazzo kid will be there . We are to leave tonight , I’ve already made the arrangements . ”
    “What about my wife, she’s expecting me home ?” He lied.
    Frank’s angina worsened. The doctor advised him to avoid strenuous activity . The combination of nitrate and anti-coagulant drugs were no longer yielding relief . A TMR was scheduled for Monda y morning. Frank did not divulge th is to Dominick, instead he waved his hand dismissively , “ Go call her she’ ll understand and hurry up our plane is wa iting .”
    The old man’s obsession with the Palazzo family was getting in the way of business. His deceased son Maximo was equally preoccupied with the younger Palazzo. Dominick shed not one tear upon his death, in fact he was grateful to be rid of the slovenly drunkard. His ill-temper, penchant for prostitutes and gambling had cost the family more than money. They were indebted to the Cavato’s , the Spignielli’s and the Roscutto’s as a result of Maximo’s vices.
    He cashed in his favor with Alberti Luca and these debts were wiped clean but of course he could not speak of his dealings to the old man. Yet, Alberti Luca understood the necessity of working cooperatively. The American mafia was being ground to dust by law enforcement. The modern mafia had become the crooked politicians put in power by the men they now sought to eradicate. Without the help from the internationally connected Palazzo’s the mafia in America would become extinct. Therefore, he had no use for the antiquated IBD. They were nothing but a selfish group of old men who hoarded their power and influence distributing it in petty increm ents to whom they deemed fit!
    He would accompany the old man out of duty but his greater purpose was to look in t he eyes of his elders and let them see the face of a new or ganization. One who’s ascension could not be stopped.

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CHAPTER NINE
    Se lange lingered in the doorway of her son’s bedroom enamored by his angelic f ace . Watching him sleep soothed her. In him she saw her husband, the newly barbered shiny black hair, long masculine lashes and Diaz stubbornness. She was angry at Alfonzo, furious in fact. He was lashing out, deliberately closing her out and she didn’t know why. The only explanation she could think of was he didn’t want to be here. He wanted to be out there, free and unattached. Yes, he claimed otherwise but ever-since canceling his travel plans he seemed on edge. She read in one of those psychology books about transference of guilt. She believed perhaps this is what her husband was doing w ith the absurd implication her and Franky were behaving in appropriately by having harmless fun. The more she mulled it over the more plausible it became. Alfonzo was having an affair and perhaps what she considered stress was an eagerness to get away to be with someone…else.
    She twisted a strand of hair as she considered her options. Was it too late to save their marriage, did he love her enough to try or was he bored with her and sought excitement elsewhere? What could she do to hold him or