Stefan's uncle had stayed the night and then departed early in the morning.
Although his uncle had been less of a problem than Stefan had anticipated and had left without any incident that did not mean Stefan was in the clear or more importantly that Lilly was safe- as his uncle may have left but in his place, the Mafia council representative had now arrived.
Stefan being the son of one of the founding families had been educated about the Mafia councils authority, their purpose and had grew up overhearing gory tales of how they showed their strength and power and 'fixed' situations when needed.
He knew that the Mafia Council was founded centuries ago in Sicily, during a time when Sicily was ruled by a long line of foreign invaders. The residents of this Sicily formed groups to protect themselves from the often-hostile occupying forces, as well as from other regional groups of Sicilians. These groups, which later became known as clans or families, developed their own system for justice and retribution, carrying out their actions in secret.
By the 19th century, small private armies known as "mafie" took advantage of the frequently violent, chaotic conditions in Sicily and extorted protection money from landowners. From this history, the Sicilian Mafia emerged as a collection of criminal clans or families and the council was born shortly after formed by the heads of the five founding families and its purpose was to ensure that the Mafia grew both in wealth and power and to act when a member of the founding families (who were the highest of
rank within their own family and therefore were responsible to no one
within their clan ) behavior jeopardized the power, security, reputation or wealth of the Mafia and their actions needed investigating and them potentially removed for the good of the Mafia as a whole.
Stefan had been brought up as were all members of every Mafia family to respect the council's history and authority. Whilst, therefore, he may accept any punishments they gave to him if they found his behavior regarding Mia- a daughter of a former Boss of one of the ' sixth families' (a name given to a crime family/organization that has become powerful or notable enough to rise to a level comparable or close to that of the Five Families of the New York City Italian-American Mafia) to be at fault or the allegations she had made that he was unfit to lead true he vowed that he would kill every single one of the council, their representatives and anyone who supported them and were a threat after he killed them if the council dared to try and harm Lilly- as he loved her and would protect her no matter the cost.
Stefan and Marcus made their way to the dining room to join the representative and Marcus communicated with his body language that no matter what happens he would have Stefan's back before they entered.
"Good morning Mr Marconi, it's nice of you to finally join me," the representative greeted in a tone that was surprisingly civil considering the purpose of his visit.
Stefan looked over the representative before he replied. The man's appearance and personality were definitely not what Stefan had imagined when his uncle told him yesterday that he was here to investigate Stefan, Stefan had been surprised when he met him briefly yesterday but seeing him this morning was no less surprising.
The representative was an older man in his late fifties, he was short, fat and he looked more like an accountant with his glasses and briefcase that a representative of the Mafia council. Stefan had envisioned the representative to be fit, young and maybe have a charismatic personality and an air of authority around him- he guessed he was imagining the representative to be like Frank Sinatra since Sinatra was rumored to be a representative of the council in his day.
This representative was a little underwhelming but Stefan knew that despite his 'harmless old man' appearance and civil tone that the representative had great power as he was a member of the Gambio family (one of the five powerful families who ran New York City) as well as a council representative and Stefan knew he couldn't afford to be lulled into a false sense of security let his guard down around him.
"My apologies if I kept you waiting Mr Gambino, I had business matters to deal with before breakfast. " Stefan replied as he took a seat opposite him at the table.
"Business before you even break your fast, you are a busy man Mr, Marconi. "Mr. Gambino said in a friendly tone.
"Yes well it comes with the territory of being a Boss, as I am sure you are aware since your brother Vincent is the current acting Boss of the Gambino family is he not? " Stefan asked pointedly making him aware he wasn't buying his powerless old man act.
"Yes, he is," Mr Gambino replied smiling at Stefan's remark. "I see Mr Marconi you are a man who likes to know where you stand and likes to get straight to the point, I am as well so let's skip the friendly small talk and get straight to business, shall we?
Stefan returned his smile, " certainty Mr Gambino. I know you are here
to investigate allegations that Mia Vanatini falsely made against me, shall we
start by you telling me what those allegations are?"
Mr Gambino smiled at Stefan's directness.
It was clear to him that Stefan was a powerful man and he seemed so
far to live up to his redound reputation, he doubted very much that Miss
Vanatini's allegations were true but none the less he must do his duty and
investigate. "That seems like a good place to begin. Miss Vanatini has
alleged that you attacked her and whilst only killing another member of a
Mafia family is punishable and violence against each other is merely
frowned upon her allegation of the cause of your attack is punishable and if
true calls into question your ability to lead the London branch and may
result in your removal." Mr Gambino announced authoritatively as he calmly
helped himself to more toast and poured himself more coffee.
"I see, well I apologize but it seems you have had a wasted journey as
Miss Vanatini has spun you a dramatic tale, most likely out of jealousy-she
maybe be the new Vanatini Boss sadly but she's still a woman and such
drama can only be expected since women are incapable of ruling as they let
their emotions get in the way. "Stefan said not being sexist himself but
knowing that Mr. Gambino would be since he was old school Mafia, and so Stefan said whatever he needed to to get Mr. Gambino to warm to him.
"I must say I couldn't agree with you more it is unsettling that the Vanatini's accepted a woman as their next acting Boss, whether she is the rightful heir or not she is still a woman and it doesn't sit well with me and a lot of the other families and council members. However, despite our personal beliefs and values the Vanatini's are a powerful sixth family and they have officially named her as their next acting Boss so I am afraid my hands are tied and I am forced as a member of the council to investigate her claim with equal vigor as I would any other Boss's." Mr. Gambino said confiding in Stefan.
"Of course I understand and I would expect no less from a disgusted council member it's just a shame that you have come all the way to London and will waste your time following me around unnecessarily for days when I could have offered you entertainment in my club, TEASE...it's one of the finest strips clubs in Europe," Stefan said nonchalantly trying to temp Mr. Gambino.
"TEASE... I have heard good things about that club my brother and his associates visit it often when they are here for business and they always brag how beautiful and ....friendly your dancers are there, it is indeed a shame. Well the council sent me here for a three-day investigation there is no reason why I cant investigate quickly today and then you can extend your kindly offered hospitality for the rest of my stay..." Mr. Gambino smirked already fantasying about the 'hospitality' he will be offered.
"That sounds like an excellent idea, shall we begin? " Stefan asked confident he had charmed Mr. Gambino successfully.
Stefan spent the next two hours answering Mr. Gambino's questions,
allowing him access to his business accounts and allowing him to interview several members of Stefan's organization from Marcus his second, Jamie his enforcer right down to the Capo's (Mafia soldiers) and men who worked for him in basic roles such as his drivers or chef's.
The first hour was spent answering questions and telling his side of the story. He told him that Lilly was his temporary guest for business purposes (although he smartly kept the details vague) and he had marked Mia and sent her home in disgrace after she had out of jealously, built from years of Stefan's rejection of her had nearly ruined his profitable business deal involving Lilly by trying to kill her without provocation. Stefan said his actions of marking her were done in retaliation to Mia acting without his consent to remind her of her place and others of his power and out of anger for her nearly ruining his business deal, both reasons Mr. Gambino
understood and said were acceptable.
The second hour Mr. Gambino had reviewed Stefan's accounts of the London branch and had noted that Stefan was leading the organization to a huge financial profit and then interviewed Stefan's people concluding Stefan was equally feared as he was respected amongst his people making him a capable leader.
After a brief break where Stefan had offered him his most expensive whiskey, Mr. Gambino was finally ready to conclude his investigation." Well Mr. Marconi, the findings in my investigation show that you were correct Miss Vanatini's claims were unfounded and were most probably the result of a jealous emotional woman who had been scorned as you said. I will report back to the council my findings tomorrow morning and receive further instructions from them but as all the facts show you to be running the London branch successfully and that you are a capable uncompromised
leader so I expect they will conclude the matter swiftly. Oh I before I sent my report, however, I would like to request a quick interview with the woman at the center of Miss Vanatini's allegation just so I can say my investigation was carried out vigorously."
Stefan's smile threatened to fade at hearing Mr. Gambino request to interview Lilly, he had kept her safely out of sight in her room during his Uncles brief visit and Mr. Gambino's visit so far. Stefan knew that he couldn't deny the request but he may be able to stall Mr. Gambino long enough to be able to coach Lilly on what to say so no suspicions will be raised.
"Of course, I completely understand and I will comply with your request and any other you or the council directly make. However... I am afraid the woman is not here at the moment, she is a talented chef and baker you see and whilst she is my guest I decided to make use of her skills and I sent her along with two of my men to town to get ingredients for a special dinner I asked her to cook tonight in your honor. She should be back in a few hours I have work to do but you are welcome to wait I am sure I can arrange for entertainment for you whilst you wait..." Stefan said pausing to allow Mr. Gambino to think about the strip club. " Or if you prefer I will call my men and have her brought back immediately...but it will be a shame for you not to taste her food it really is exquisite. " Stefan said trying to persuade him by targeting his gluttony that his large stomach highlighted and his lustful nature.
Mr. Gambino cleared his throat, " well I see no harm in waiting until during or after dinner this evening. Afterall my investigation is all but complete and the findings vindicate you from Miss Vanatini's claims... my interview with the woman who is your guest is really just a formality I doubt it will have any impact on my investigation..." Mr. Gambino said as his c**k
already began to stir thinking of the dancers he was going to meet and the
lewd acts they would perform.
Great I will have Marcus bring the car around immediately and take
you straight to the club the girls will be keen to give give you a very friendly
British welcome... you can't keep them waiting," Stefan said as he signaled
to Marcus who pulled out MR. Gambino's chair and began to escort him out
of the room.
"Well no I suppose I can't ...until tonight then Mr. Marconi ?"
Yes until tonight, if you'll excuse me I really must be getting on with
work- a Boss's work is never done but have a pleasant day Mr. Gambino,"
Stefan said before Marcus headed him out of the room quickly before he
could change his mind.
"I am sure I will...thank you." Mr Gambino said over his shoulder before
he vanished out of sight.
Stefan exhaled the breath he didn't realize he was holding.
The investigation had gone well and thanks to the tip his uncle had left
about Mr. Gambino being old school Mafia, Stefan had managed to
manipulate him by airing pretend misogynist opinions, and feeding his lust
and gluttony into warming to Stefan which allowed Stefan to steer the
situation to his advantage. Now thanks to Stefan's manipulation Mia now
looked like an unfit leader who was emotional and jealous which would give
Stefan added protection if Mia ever tried to retaliate against him again as
the council will automatically side with him.
He had also managed successfully achieve his main goal- to keep Lilly
safe, at least he had, for now, anyway.