Alessio:

Sleep had been evading me much more lately and I was still in my office when the sun rose, so the last thing on my mind was a date. Leonardo eventually knocked on my office door, looking freshly slept with his new pile of paperwork. He raised his eyebrows, "Please tell me that you slept recently, and you're going to shower before you meet up with your date."

"My what?"

"Did you forget about your date with Lucia?" He stared at me in exasperation. "I don't want to be the one to tell your mother you forget about your first and only prospective relationship."

In complete honesty, it had slipped my mind and now my entire inner dialogue was just a string of profanities. I wasn't particularly interested in this specific woman, but I wanted to get it over with and I rarely missed appointments that I made.

I sprung up from my desk and began loosening my tie, "I'm going to go grab a shower before I head out, the coffee place is close to the park, right?"

"Yes," Leonardo nodded. "Since you're meeting her this morning you can always use the excuse of work to step away, just say you have a midday meeting if you literally can not think of anything to talk about."

I nodded but hurried out of the room to take my shower, knowing that my right hand man would be able to take care of things for a couple of hours. It was a fast process to get ready and dressed back into my normal suit and tie, but Leonardo had told me to lose the jacket. I couldn't seem to part my tie, however, it felt odd to not have something around my neck. The car ride wasn't long, but I felt exasperated with the situation. This should have been the last of my concerns, and while I felt completely in control and without nerves, I didn't want to be on my way to make small talk while my men were in danger. One was still in the hospital, if not in my office, I should have been there.

Nevertheless, I parked my car and stepped onto the street, locking it behind me as I walked toward the coffee shop. The park was only a block over, so I figured that I would just walk when I was done there. It was still and odd feeling to be walking alone without any of my men or security in public, I usually didn't leave the building because I was so busy, or because it wasn't very safe. Even with the Russians getting aggressive, I could at least risk it for an hour or so. I would go crazy if I didn't set foot outdoors soon anyways.

As I neared the door, my phone vibrated with a text from Leonard, letting me know that Benvolioan was showing signs of recovery and should be waking up soon. I immediately responded with quick instructions to make sure that he was completely protected and two of my men were staged outside of the room to guard him.

I locked my phone again as I reached the register, but when I finally looked up I was caught by surprise. The girl standing there wasn't anything that I had expected. She didn't flinch back at the glare that I knew had become permanently etched on my face, but for some reason I found myself wanting to soften it just long enough that I wouldn't scare her. She didn't seem to need it, though, and she continued to give me a grin that didn't seem to meet her eyes. It was good enough to probably fool other customers who would glance her way and move on, but something about her eyes was distant. I had gotten good at reading people, in my line of work it was a necessity, and if I could get anything from this girl, it was that the smile was rehearsed, not learned. She hadn't done it much naturally, she was only reflecting what she saw other people do.

However, I was also very aware of how I came across. Leonardo, the only one of my men who could say something critical or instructive to me, had often told me to change my face especially in public so that I didn't look like I had just murdered a puppy.
When she asked about my order, I realized that I had no idea what I should get my date. My brooding face and stance didn't seem to faze her, she was patient and playful while she called on the other waitress to help figure out what I should get, and for some reason it didn't annoy me, it was actually rather calming. I was slightly puzzled and distracted by my own behavior and I almost forgot to get what Leonardo had recommended. "A friend of mine also recommended getting the girl some cake, I think it was lemon?"

Her grin was genuine this time, not just a facade for the customers. "That sounds about right."

I waited to the side for the coffee, glancing back at my phone to look at emails and texts. My eyes occasionally flicked up to follow the girl's movements around the room, first as she checked out a couple more people, then as she made her way to an older man sitting alone in a booth. I couldn't quite understand their exchange of words, but she seemed to help him with his crossword, and based on his astounded expression, it was an extremely difficult question. She must be smart or at least somewhat intelligent, I noted, but the twinkle in her eye and humble smile on her face told me that she probably didn't flaunt it very much.

I went back to my phone, reminding Leonardo that he needed to finish filling out a stack of forms on my desk and make sure that Sebatian and his medical bills were taken care of. There was so much going on lately that I knew there would be a pile of work for me when I got home, no matter how long this 'date' lasted. Like I had told Leonardo, finding a girlfriend was the last thing on my mind or my priority list.

Her conversation with her manager caught my attention as well- I didn't necessarily wish to eavesdrop, but I was very curious and hey weren't difficult to overhear. Based on his concern for whatever had happened yesterday, as well as his insisting that she stay with him for a few days, made him think that they had a much closer and more personal relationship than just a manager and his employee. My first thought was that they might be related, but they didn't look anything remotely similar and based on her boss's skin tone, the only likely relation could be a marriage in the family.

His features were sharp but worn, like he had spent too many years frowning and working late nights, and hers were rounded, what would have looked innocent and endearing on any other girl, but her eyes and reserved expression made her look too cautious and experienced to trust anyone. She was beautiful, though, just not in the traditional sense of a runway model. She seemed calculating, and every word was carefully chosen as she spoke with her boss.

I tore my gaze away one more time as he left and she turned to the kitchen. I could barely hear her talking to the other girls in the back and scolding them, but I also caught the tail end of their conversation where she got them to apologize and reconcile with each other. She was obviously in charge in some way and held authority. I glanced at her name tag and caught the name 'Eliana' as she turned to me, apologizing for the wait.

I normally wouldn't have said anything at all, when people spoke to me in public the most they usually received was just a stoic nod. She didn't shrink away from my lack of response, which made me almost think that she deserved one. This Eliana girl had a spine, I had to admire that.

"No problem."

My eyes continued to flick to her as she glanced over a pile of receipts. Her demeanor was hard and her jaw clenched when there weren't customers there to observe her. I had gotten good at gauging people, that was a large part of the job. And this girl was much more hardened and tough than most people might assume from her skirt, tights, and apron.

She called out my order and wished me a nice day, but my mind wasn't totally focused in that moment. I was distracted again by the thought that I was now on my way to a morning date in the park with someone I didn't even know if I could make small talk with. I crossed the street to get to the park and looked around for Lucia. Leonardo had shown me a picture before, and I realized that I had in fact met her once or twice around the house. She was the sister of one of my newer men, a man who had come from Italy a few years prior.

Her hair had been dyed blonde since then, I noted as I saw her on a bench across the grass. It didn't look bad on her, but it was the absolute polar opposite of Eliana in her coffee shop. As I neared her, she glanced up from her phone and stood up, nervously straightening her skirt. She nodded, "Good morning, Mr. Moretti."

"Alessio is fine," I dipped my head in return. I held the coffee and bag out to her, "I brought you these as well."

"Thank you very much. Would you like to take a walk?"

"That could be nice," I indulged since I couldn't think of much else for us to do. We began with the necessities, asking about family and how each other were doing. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it wasn't always easy to make conversation. I knew that I wasn't a great source of entertainment. I didn't really have many hobbies or time to pursue anything but my work, which became more obvious as she asked more questions. Instead, I tried to do most of the asking so she could respond, which worked well because she was pleasantly talkative.

She was a nice girl with good manners and a certain calm around her, but it seemed as though that made up most of her personality. She was smart as well, which I already knew based on some of the tech work she did for us, and while I found intelligence very attractive, something was slightly one dimensional about her. It may have been that she was shy and not divulging much, but I didn't think that was a factor. The only problem with the date was that my mind kept going back to the girl in the shop.

I felt guilty that I wasn't focused on the person in front of me, my mother would be appalled that my manners had allowed me to lose interest slightly, but for some reason, the name 'Eliana' continued to run through my head.

After an hour or so, Lucia and I had parted ways and I had headed back to my office. As far as dates went, it could have been much worse, but it also wasn't how I would have preferred to spend my time. It didn't feel like anything special, but it was worth a shot if it meant my mother would relax about me finding someone. She wanted me to get married and have a picturesque life, but that wasn't common in my line of work.

Once I was back in my office and situated in my desk chair, I could focus. That was, until Leonardo walked back in the room. He was carrying a file, but he also raised an eyebrow when he handed it to me, "How did it go?"

"With Lucia? Fine."

"Is that it? Everything went 'fine' and then you both left?"

I nodded, and my right hand man seemed to understand that was all he was going to get. "Alright. Don't forget that we have a meeting with the Capos in the morning. I'll meet you in the conference room, I'll swing by that place and grab some coffee."

"I'll go with you," The words escaped my mouth before I processed what I was saying. "I need a reason to wake up a little earlier anyways."

He seemed surprised at my offer, but he didn't say anything as he nodded. I never offered to do anything of that sort before. As he neared the door, I blurted out another question, against my better judgement, "You've dated a few people before, haven't you?"

"Yes, I have. Never very seriously though, why?"

"Just curious," I muttered. I didn't like the idea of asking any of my men about relationships, but if it was going to be anyone, it would probably be Leonardo, who was now leaning against my door frame casually as though he had all of the time in the world.

He continued to stare expectantly. I sighed and threw my pen down, "Did you know them before you took them on a date?"

"Most of them. A couple were spur of the moment, but those rarely panned out past the first dates. I'll take it then that you and Lucia got along? You're going to ask her out on another one?"

"I'm not sure it was anything special," I conceded. "I've done what I had to, my mother can let it go now."

Leonardo seemed to accept that as a viable explanation and headed towards the door. "By the way, Benvolio is awake and talking, if you'd like to ask him some questions. He's still at the hospital, they said he'd need to stay there a few more days."

"I'll head over there soon."

After a little more paperwork and grabbing my jacket, I met Leonardo downstairs where we both slid into the back of one of the many cars and one of my men drove us to the hospital. I had never much liked hospitals, but in cases like this, I was glad that the doctors knew me, and how well I would pay to keep my men in health.

When Leonardo and I walked into the private room, the atmosphere was very muted. One of his best friends was seated in the chair next to the bed, if I recalled correctly he was a newer recruit named Sebastian. Upon my entrance, Sebatian stood while Benvolio attempted to sit straighter in his bed. Both nodded in respect at my appearance while Benvolio grunted, "Sir."

"Relax, as you were," I insisted, noting that his face was loosing color and he was becoming short of breath.

The bandage wrapped all of the way around his chest and right shoulder, and Leonardo set his hand on his good shoulder. "How are you feeling, Benny?"

As my right hand, Leonardo was still very respected, but he had a much more casual relationship with my men than I did. Part of it was because I demanded respect, but part of it was also because he was just better with people. I was good at reading and gauging them, but I didn't always have the same patience and natural kindness.

Benvolio gave a rueful grin, "I've been better, I've got to admit. Was it just me that got hit?"

I nodded in confirmation, which made him groan and use his good arm to run his hand through his hair. "My sort of luck. I suppose I won't be winning marksmanship awards any time soon."

"It wasn't you," Leonardo assured. "You actually managed to take out one of them and wound one bad enough that we've got him in the basement. There was no way for anyone to know that they would target that shipment."

"Have you gotten anything from the one in the cells?" Sebastian asked hopefully.

"Not yet," Leonardo admitted, "But Angelo is down there with a pair of pliers talking to him as we speak, so I doubt it will be much longer until we get some sort of information."

Angelo, when given free rein, was the exact opposite of what his name implied. He was perfectly pleasant company on his own, but after being tortured and loosing his parents at a young age to an opposing mafia, he could switch his conscience on and off like a switch. Sometimes I worried that he liked it a little too much, but as long as he didn't get too carried away, I couldn't argue with his results. It was part of the job.

Leonardo asked Benvolio a few more questions which I listened in on intently, but it sounded like the same story we got from the other men who were there- my men went for a pickup of the latest shipment, and the Russians were waiting for them, hiding. It was obvious that he was still recovering from his injuries, so Leonardo and I took our leave rather soon after that.

We were on our way back home when my phone rang. I held it up to my ear, "Yes?"

"Sir, Angelo just finished up in the basement. He got a couple answers for you whenever you get home."

"Good," I growled. "I'll be back shortly."

I hung up and only had to wait a couple more minutes before we pulled up to the house. Before Leonardo could say anything, I was making my way through the front doors. I knew where Angelo had to be- there was a room next to the laundry, with a sink and a sort of first aid area. Sure enough, when I walked in, he was standing there nonchalantly, stripping off his bloody shirt. He looked down at his arms and chest which were also covered in blood, "You know, I should think about getting an apron."

I shrugged, "Might be a good idea."

Most people stuck to formalities around me, other than Leonardo, but Angelo didn't have to. He was stoic and a bit more fearless than your average person, he didn't shrink back at much. He never came across as disobedient though, he was just extremely loyal- if he didn't trust you for his own reasons, he wouldn't do what you told him to.

"It would help me stop ruining perfectly good shirts," He growled, closing the washing machine and putting it on the industrial setting. Blood was even caked on his hair, and I had to wonder how he had gotten it there. As far as my best fighters went, Angelo had to rank towards the top. He didn't hesitate in a fight, and seeing that the scars littering his body outnumbered mine, he didn't like to loose them either. Some of them were left over from the incident where his parents were killed, not having faded in over a decade, but as he stood at my own height and was even more bulked on muscle than I was, he was intimidating to almost anyone.

"Did he give you anything useful?" I leaned against the door frame.

"A little, I was planning on visiting him again in the morning. From the sound of it, we've got someone handing information to the Russians from the inside."

I swore. "I was worried about that. It was the only thing that made sense, there was no other way for them to know when our shipments were coming in. Did he say why they're starting this now?"

"No, but I think it's a power grab, and there's no other way to get to you than through your business."

"What are you saying?"

Angelo shrugged. "Niklov is getting older and desperate. If he wants to get power from you and this new generation, he'll play dirty. He can't go after your woman, you don't have one, so he's going to go after your men. I think he'll try to pick off piece after piece of the strongest syndicates, starting with you."

"You should tell that to Leonardo," I muttered. "Not that wanting power thing, he knows that. I mean the whole 'going after my woman' thing. Maybe he'd give me a break because it would put any girl in danger."

"That's always a risk in our line of work," Angelo noted with a raised eyebrow.

"Is that your excuse too?"

"No," He gestured to the blood still covering his torso. "This is."

I frowned. Not only was the job dangerous, but some of these men were too. All of mine had a good control over their tempers, mostly because I didn't tolerate fighting between them, but they were intimidating, aggressive, and in Angelo's case, sometimes emotionless. He wasn't a psychopath, he had empathy, but a loving relationship with someone? I didn't think he had the time or the inclination for that.

I nodded to him, "You should get some rest. There's a meeting for the Capos early in the morning and you'll want some sleep."

"Yes sir," He gave me a salute.

I headed back up to my office, knowing that it was about to be a long night of work.