Elementary Virtue: The Prophecy (28 page)

"But Angel," Leyla started to talk, "I’ve told you most of them. But there are a few exceptions and their powers are very strong. My informant says that there was a member of the local Vultures some time ago, who had the power to control fire, he got into big troubles with the Milan."
"Why?" Leyla and Aiden asked simultaneously. "Well, what can I say there was at least another love story without a happy ending of which I’ve heard." Leyla rolled her eyes, "Damn, do any of these love stories ever end well? It is not very encouraging if I may say so." Moonworthy continued ignoring her objection, "Apparently, a young woman who belonged to the Milan ran away from an arranged marriage and landed in Sicily. There she met Emanuele Garibaldi and the two fell for each other. But the Milan tracked her down and forced her to return to Malta where the wedding took place as scheduled with the unloved Milan guy." Aiden and Leyla were listening mesmerized, that could simply not be the end of the story, and it was too banal.

Moonworthy continued, "What no one knew, was that the girl had become pregnant from the fiery Akando Sicilian guy. She gave birth to a boy, and he was brought up in the marital union. As the boy was a Cuckoos egg, no one ever told him about his powers and his origins had fatal consequences. When the boy's eighteenth birthday approached, he burned down the northern part of the Island in his awkwardness, since he didn’t know how to handle his powers. His mother and her husband were killed at that time." Leyla put her hands in front of her face in shock, "The poor boy, he must have felt horrible!” Moonworthy nodded, "And on top of it, they chased that poor boy away. He was totally confused and messed up. He fled to Sicily and my informant found him on the beach. But, rumors about his very strong powers with fire, got around fast. The Vultures wanted him in their ranks and sent him a young woman on his heels to beguile him. I don’t know what happened after that to that boy, he must be a young man by now. I haven’t heard from my source lately." Aiden rubbed his forehead thoughtfully, "What does this all have to do with the amulet from Leyla’s dream? Didn’t we lose track of our topic completely?"
"Not at all, because this boy has indeed something to do with the amulet. At least with the amulet, which Jamiro received from his mother Alawa. The only thing he had left of her. The boy's mother owned this amulet since Jamiro was her ancestor. She gave it to her son, and as we know the second amulet was buried with Aaliyah. Now, the legend says that only this boy that is in his mid-twenties by now, being a descendant of Jamiro and the Sicilian Vulture will be able to find the second silver amulet to free Aaliyah's Spirit, since she never found her freedom until today."

Leyla looked baffled, "Fair enough, but what does it have to do with Gregory?"
"More than you think," Moonworthy gave her a strange look, "the legend of the Milan says that the boy can accomplish his mission only with the help of the prophesied savior." He took a deep breath, "That it is of utmost importance to the Milan that Aaliyah's spirit finds peace. They will fight at the Saviors side against the Vultures if he brings the amulets to the Etna and they would even break their pact with the Vultures."
"What kind of pact?" Leyla looked quizzically. "They have committed themselves to renounce the use of their powers and to stay away from Sicily after the tragic incident of the fire."
"It would mean war between the Vultures and the Milan, if that happened?" Aiden asked. "Definitely!" Leyla looked thoughtful, "Gregory must have met this young man, why else would he have left Sicily. He told me that he was no longer in Sicily, but on another Island. I am sure that this boy or young man is behind everything, he must be the reason Gregory dumped me out of the blue." Moonworthy nodded, "That's quite possible, because he’ll sure have told him that the Milan will fight at his side once he frees Aaliyah's spirit and I am sure he doesn’t want to get in danger any of you unnecessarily." Aiden got up walking restlessly up and down the room, "And yet, I am still of the opinion that he needs all the help he can get, including ours. We will not let him down." Moonworthy agreed, "I am absolutely of your opinion, and I'll go with you when you go to Sicily." Aiden and Leyla looked surprised at him, "You’ll come with us?" Aiden asked. "Yes I will go with you, and I assure you that you can use my help. I have studied the Onendas for many years." Leyla and Aiden were quite surprised, but thought that the idea was good. Insider knowledge would certainly not hurt.

Moonworthy laughed at their reaction. "Looks like our next school trip will go to Sicily." Natalie strolled out of her room. "We're going to Sicily? When?" Chayton Moonworthy cleared his throat, "Natalie, I told you on several occasions that it is much too dangerous for you."
"I don’t care," she looked at him defiantly, stomping her foot with her slipper, "you said yourself that I am an Akando, namely one of the few where both parents are Akandos. That means I'm stronger than most of you. He nodded reluctantly, "Yes, but your powers are yet to properly emerge. You are probably more of a late bloomer, because so far you haven’t noticed anything, right?"
"I don’t give a damn about that, in a few weeks I'll turn eighteen, the powers will show soon enough. Gregory's is my friend too, dammit." She pointed angry at Leyla, "She is not even seventeen and no Akando. Are you kidding me? I’ll come along in any case." Moonworthy sighed in resignation. Natalie could be quite stubborn he knew that. Where she got that from was a mystery to him. Reluctantly he said, "Well, then you’ll come with us, but I will not let you out of sight, so that we're clear." Natalie touched her chest, "My God, I really can come with you, I’m so happy," she hugged Leyla and Aiden stormy. She seemed very enthusiastic to be allowed to come along, "Folks I'm so glad that I can go with you," she waved cheerfully at them and got back into her room.

Moonworthy called after her, "I hope you are aware that we are not going to summer camp. We are going to war. " But Natalie had already disappeared into her room. He looked at Leyla and Aiden shrugging, "She sometimes is a bit stubborn, I honestly don’t know where she’s got that from. " They both grinned standing up to say goodbye. Aiden reached out his hand to Moonworthy, "I guess I’ll see you at our next meeting. I will inform my People in the meantime." Moonworthy nodded waving them goodbye. Already on the stairs Leyla turned around again, "Do you think Gregory has managed to find the Amulet and that Jamiro and Aaliyah's spirit have been freed?" He shrugged, "We will certainly find out soon."

Gabe was whistling a tune to himself, while he was in the shower. The hot water run down his body and he felt as if he got new power from it. He tensed his muscles and rolled his aching shoulders. He had not slept well, apparently he wasn’t as cold blooded yet as he had hoped. But, his plan was firm and he wouldn’t change his mind. He was going to kill his old man this weekend and make it look like an accident. He had to do it in a way that no one became suspicious. If his uncle and all other relatives were convinced it was an accident, none of them would doubt that he was the rightful leader of the Canadian Akando-Vultures at this tragic moment. Getting rid of Gregory would be an easy task to fulfil with their help and the Sicilian families. Whether the legend was dangerous for the Vultures wasn’t clear for Gabe.

He wasn’t superstitious and to be honest, he didn’t believe in that legend crap and it didn’t matter to him at all. Because everything that mattered to him personally was his private vendetta against Gregory, and he didn’t care for anything else. Hatred was devouring him from the inside. He had made a fool out of him, by creeping in and getting his confidence that filthy traitor. That was unforgivable and had to be punished with the death sentence. He stepped out of the shower rubbing his wet hair dry. He put both of his hands down on the sink looking at his reflection for a moment. Today was going to be truly a good day. He would take care of it. A few minutes later, he looked out the window when Carmine Grande parked the red Ferrari and got out. Gabe picked up his phone dialing quickly a number, "Hey Gary, he has just arrived. You have ten minutes. I'm counting on you," he hung up and went to the door to meet his father smiling, "well, so are you ready for our fishing trip?"

Carmine Grande had a suspicious look on his face. That boy was up to something he could feel it. He didn’t know what it was, but something was going on, "I'm ready, we can leave whenever you want to." Gabe shook his head smiling. He was looking discreetly out the window, "No need to hurry. I have a new snazzy coffee maker, and I think we should dedicate it some time. I can prepare about ten different types of coffee. What can I get you?" Carmine Grande was amazed what was going on with his son? Had he come to his senses overnight? Did he finally have this insane idea out of his head to go on some private vendetta journey against Gregory Rossi, tagging along the Vultures? He hoped so. As for his part, he didn’t have the slightest wish to be involved in some war with a bunch of superstitious idiots and to jeopardize his position. Sure, Gregory had to be eliminated, but without a big fuzz and causing unnecessary attention. He knew enough good people in Sicily who would do the job with a well-placed bullet from an ambush using a silencer. A few phone calls and the matter was settled and as good as taken care of. Then there would be no one bothering them for another century before the next Savior appeared. All a matter of organization and he would not allow his son to cause a huge drama, raising dust with the Canadian Vultures down in Sicily. Far too startling and bad for the organization, the only thing missing was the press getting wind of the legend. He seriously could do without that shit. Delicate stuff like that was taken care of inconspicuously. Otherwise, he risked his neck. But, Gabe was a hotheaded kid, too driven by his wish for revenge to understand that.

Carmine himself doubted the truth of the legend, and even if it was true, and the forces of nature aimed against them, primarily the Sicilians would be affected eventually. The curse or the prophecy had been pronounced there at the time and the bloody volcano was in Sicily not in Canada, and frankly he couldn’t care less if the Island sank into the ocean or not. Big deal! To show his moral support and his interest for the security of the Sicilian Vultures, he would give instructions to his middleman on-site. Gregory was as good as dead. Gian-Carlo was a reliable man. So far, he had concluded any job to his satisfaction. For what it concerned him, he was certainly in no mood to fight. It was all just a question of money and as he had always had the money and the position, there had never been a problem and everybody had his price. Money could buy anything and anyone. It had never been necessary for him to get his hands dirty and it would stay exactly this way. He wanted to enjoy his life. No one was irreplaceable and he didn’t want to lead the Vultures forever. He planned his resignation, and then he would buy his own Island and find a hot twenty-year-old girl who adored him and read every wish from his lips. He sipped his espresso. Yes, that was exactly what he would do.

But, first, he needed a worthy successor. His gaze roamed over to Gabe. Gabe was unreasonable, a real hothead. But, who would be worthy as his successor? Whom should he hand over the responsibility for the Vultures? His brother? He had not decided yet, and his brother was weak. He needed a man who was a suitable leader. Thoughtfully he took another sip of his espresso. Spontaneously he thought of his brother's son Aiden. He had been watching him. He was a true leader, he had what it took, but unfortunately, he had chosen the wrong side. Who knew maybe he could be convinced that it was worthwhile for him to change sides. Finally, everyone had a price and if not, the pretty little blonde who was always by his side might get into some accident or something. Things like that always helped to make decisions and worked miraculously. A wicked smile lit his distinctive features, "What are you thinking about?" Gabe's question brought him back to reality. He looked smiling at him, "What do you think about Aiden? Do you think we could win him over?" Gabe was totally set off track for a moment. What was his old man talking about? "Aiden? Why would you want him on our side? He's a wimp, and he lacks coolness. He is not cold blooded enough, and he is led by feelings. He is nothing but a softhearted wimp hanging around with his so-called friends and his cheerleader bimbo. Besides, he is not even quick witted. I’ve tricked the guy when I was four years old if you know what I mean."

"I know that Gabe. I know that he can’t compete with you. But, exactly that kind of sentimentalism, you are talking about could make him easy to be manipulated. You have to admit that he is a born leader and is likely to act cautious and prudent. I’ve watched him," he glanced lurking towards Gabe, "you, on the other hand are a hothead lad and act mostly without thinking about the consequences." Gabe wanted to argue, but Carmine Grande cut him off raising his hand, "Enough, I think I don’t need to remind you of the catastrophic storm this summer, you created in your anger. We need someone who is thoughtful and I think if we take care of the little Cheerleader, mess her up just a little, or threaten to do so, Aiden could be very useful for us." Gabe stared at his father. What was wrong with the old geezer? Did he want to degrade, his only son into the second row just because he made one tiny little mistake this summer. As if Carmine himself would always act deliberate and never made mistakes. Gabe felt anger rise inside. He had to pull himself together, as he wanted to scream in that arrogant bastard’s face, he couldn’t take it any longer. This time, he had gone too bloody far. Proposing Aiden to be the new leader in front of his nose was too much. No, matter what circumstances or strategies. The old sod would die, and he would die today. This much was clear.

He mustered up all his charm, putting on his best poker face, "Dad, you are so clever, you are simply the best. You see the opportunities clearly and Brooklyn is indeed Aiden's weak point. He's crazy about her." Carmine Grande smiled flattered licking his lips, "Well, no wonder that little cheerleader has a sweet little ass. Who knows, maybe I'm going to show her a few tricks, she might need a real man for once and not an immature boy like Aiden..." Gabe felt sick, his father was a pig, even if Gabe himself could be ruthless too, but Carmine Grande was far worse. He was a callous swine. He didn’t stop at anything when it came to getting what he had in mind. He even took into consideration to molest a sixteen-year-old girl. There was no doubt he deserved to die.

The cabin was a two-hour drive away. Carmine was wary. He couldn’t shake off the feeling that Gabe was up to something. He was unpredictable and he would do whatever it took to go to Sicily with the young Vultures, he wouldn’t stop at anything. It was even possible that he would start some kind of riot against him. Or in a worst case scenario, it might be possible that he would try to get rid of him one way or another, because he was against the trip to Sicily and thus standing in his way. Carmine was not sure how far Gabe would go. Anyway, he didn’t feel like figuring out either. Therefore, he wasn’t going to give him any chance to do something stupid and he certainly wouldn’t go out on that lake fishing with him. He could forget about that.

He was going to find a way to thwart whatever Gabe planned to do. For the moment, he put on a good face on a bad game. No one was getting past him just like that. He was alert and ready for Gabe s move, whatever it might be. They drove in silence through the autumn landscape. Each of them has specific thoughts and neither of them giving any attention to the autumn blazes of color. Each year, the Indian summer lured many tourists to Canada, as the red-brown-yellow blaze of color was a much-described phenomenon and the landscape looked even more splendid than it usually did. After two hours, they reached Lake Simcoe. The cabin was just outside the village, fairly isolated close to shore. Behind the cabin, there was a wooded area, ideal for a quiet weekend to go fishing, or for a couple wanting to be alone. Also, the ideal spot to kill someone inconspicuously, it was rare that someone strayed around the area. They unpacked their supplies and had a glass of French red wine. -Château Neuf du Pape-, a fine wine that ran hot down Gabe s throat. His whole body seemed to glow. He was more than just ready for getting rid of Carmine, "What do you think Dad, should we go out on the lake now? We could catch some fish for supper like old times and roast our catch over the fire." Carmine creased his face, "it's already after four, and the days are getting shorter. I don’t feel like getting around on the lake in the dark. I thought we drive to the Steakhouse in the village and have a juicy steak."

Gabe was angry because it would have been easy at dusk to throw Carmine out of the boat and eventually hit him over his smug face with a paddle. He pulled himself together, smiling mildly, "Sure Dad, no problem, I just thought we could have our catch for dinner, that's all." Carmine patted his shoulder in a chummy way, "We can go out tomorrow morning son, and I took the whole weekend off to spend time with you." How very noble, Gabe thought ironically. Carmine put his arm around Gabe’s shoulder, "I wanted to talk to you tonight about the future, I think it's time that I’ll take things a little slower. I want to give up the leadership of the Vultures, as you know, and I have decided that I will still give you a chance. Screw Aiden, after all, you're my son. So you’ll have to convince me that you're the right man for the job. You’ll have to show me that you can act sensibly and have only the best in mind for the local Vultures." Gabe looked interested at him. What was his old man up to? Perhaps there was still another way than to kill him if he thought about giving him the leadership of the Vultures. So he would play along till he found out what he had in mind, "How do you want me to prove it then? I'll do anything you ask me to, you know that." Carmine patted his shoulder once again, that seemed to grow into some annoying habit, Gabe thought to himself, "You'll find out soon enough. Get ready I’m terribly hungry I could eat a whole cow." Gabe had no choice but to follow him. What did Carmine want from him? What was he up to? Gabe was sure that he hadn’t decided all of a sudden and changed his mind. Apparently, he was playing him. He didn’t know what he wanted from him, but he would find out tonight. They drove to the Steakhouse nearby the Country Club and each time Gabe tried to talk to Carmine about his resignation plans, he strayed from the issue. It was just pathetic! He was driving him nuts. Gabe was barely able to keep his anger under control.

However, the evening couldn’t have gone any worse. After the second bottle of wine, Carmine began to molest the busty waitress making saucy comments. Gabe was seriously asking himself how long it would take until she was going to slap him in the face, because she didn’t seem the slightest bit interested in a conversation with Carmine. He was quite drunk in the meantime and was behaving accordingly. He turned to the waitress at the bar waving with a few hundred dollar bills in front of her face. God, how embarrassing, Gabe rolled his eyes he would go outside to smoke a cigarette. He told Carmine that he was going outside, but was not sure whether he had even listened to him. He was staring lustfully at the waitress who was still serving drinks without paying any attention to him. Gabe waited for Carmine to get outside the entrance, smoking his cigarette. After about ten minutes later he was getting impatient, what did his old man take that long? He felt stupid standing outside waiting, so he went back into the restaurant to find Carmine. But, he couldn’t find him anywhere.

He had disappeared from the face of earth and with him the waitress. There was only a young man in a grey suit with thinning already gray matching hair and some hipster glasses standing behind the bar tapping a couple of beers. "Excuse me, I am looking for my father, an older man who has been talking to the waitress at the bar about a quarter of an hour ago. Do you know where he is?" He eyed him disapprovingly, "You mean the obtrusive gentleman who hooked up with Rhonda after her shift, was your father?" "Excuse me, what did he do?" Gabe looked baffled at the young man. "Yes, indeed. The two of them have taken off together, to be exact her shift wasn’t even over. She should have stayed one more hour. Your father should be careful, if Rodriguez gets to know that she took off with him, he will probably kill him." Gabe frowned, then again he thought that he didn’t really care who killed him, even better if it was someone else. The young man behind the bar read his silence apparently as lack of understanding and continued, "He is very jealous and can be quite violent." "Who's Rodriguez, her pimp?" Gabe almost laughed aloud, his old man seemed to have hooked up with some working girl, just delicious.