Chapter 5: Three Glasses of Water

Tomorrow morning, John woke up early—so early that his wife was still asleep. He made his breakfast, which consisted of a cup of black coffee and three eggs, went to his wardrobe, put on a polo shirt and some pants, took his car key, and finally exited the house to go to his destination.

Jeje, on the other hand, was still asleep. He didn't wake up until after John exited his house. Even though he was late, the only thing he was saying to himself was, "Why the fuck did I order the meeting so early?" He quickly took this thought out of his mind, then proceeded through his usual morning routine: first, a shower; then, he dressed up—for today, he chose a fine black suit—then had a cup of coffee. After taking the car key, he started the road.

John arrived first at the meeting place. It was a fancy restaurant. From the outside, you could see two made men, Tony and Sammy—the two that he found in the hospital parking lot.

He parked near the restaurant, took his gun, and put it in the drawer. He got up, then walked.

Arriving at the restaurant door, there was no smell of any food being cooked. Sammy advanced. "You know the procedures. Just do your job."

Upon hearing these words, Sammy proceeded to search John, going from the feet to the pockets, ending up in the suit. As he didn't find anything except for gum and a pack of cigarettes—that, of course, he searched—Sammy said, "You're clear." Then, he backed up to the left, letting him go inside.

There was a round wooden table and three chairs. In one of the chairs, an old man was sitting.

"Hey, Mister Carl, it's been a long time," John shouted with joy.

"You know the feds have been keeping a tight grip on us."

John put his finger aligned with his lips, telling Mister Carl to shut up.

"Don't worry. I got all the play well verified, and the few men that are with us have all been searched."

John, with reassurance, put his hands down and said, "Let's sit. I need to talk to you before he arrives."

Mister Carl was the most respected family member and the oldest living member. He was the Cavani consigliere. He held this position for nearly thirty years, serving two dons—a very wise and conscious man to the level that the FBI couldn't do anything against him.

They both sat down. No food on the table, only cups of water. John took a sip, then said, "You know the real reason why he ordered this meeting. If what's on my mind is true, the only winner is gonna be the feds."

Mister Carl nodded his head, then replied, "If it is true, the only loser is him. Think about it—do you think the other men will allow him to use them to go to the top? No one in the family, even his loyal men, will turn against him. So don't you worry."

John nodded his head, but his eyes said everything.

Ten seconds later, Jeje entered the room. With no apology, he sat down.

"Look, I have jobs to do, so let's be quick. You know why we're here—we have to choose a speaking boss. I choose myself. What about you, Mister Carl?"

Mister Carl took a second, paused, then replied, "I choose John as the speaking boss."

Jeje's face seemed unsurprised. He turned his face to John, then asked him, "What about you?"

John, looking directly into Jeje's eyes with a dead stare—a confident voice reflecting his personality—said, "I choose myself as the speaking boss."