Chapter 9 - Dawn of the New DonThe sun was just cresting the eastern ridges of Cedar Hollow when a convoy of three sleek, black armored SUVs turned off the interstate and crawled down Main Street.
The local diner owner, sweeping his porch with a broom, dropped it in sheer terror as the vehicles pulled up directly in front of Hollow Bakery.
Doors flew open in unison. Eight men in tailored charcoal suits stepped out, forming a protective perimeter. From the lead vehicle stepped Salvatore, holding an umbrella against the morning frost, followed by two senior capos.
They didn't look at the trembling townspeople peering through their blinds. They walked straight to the bakery door, pulled it open, and stepped inside.
I was sitting at the front wooden table, a fresh cup of coffee in my hand, the leather ledger resting squarely in front of me.
Salvatore walked up to my table, dropped to one knee on the checkered tile floor, and bowed his head.
"Welcome home, Don Castellano," he said formally.
Behind me, Mia stood by the counter, holding a tray of fresh cinnamon rolls, watching the transition of power with calm disbelief.
"Stand up, Sal," I said softly, taking a sip of coffee. "Did Gino know we were coming?"
"Gino called an emergency board meeting in Boston an hour ago, Boss," Salvatore said, rising to his feet. "He told the capos you perished in a mountain accident in West Virginia. He was preparing to vote himself sole principal owner of the family assets."
I smiled—a cold, humorless expression that reached my eyes.
"Timing is everything," I said, sliding the leather ledger into my coat pocket. "Book a private jet out of Lewisburg airport. And Sal?"
May you like
"Yes, Boss?"
"Tell Gino I'm bringing him a gift. A family heirloom."
