Chapter 285: And Then, It Was Over
{SASHA}
There is a drawn-out moment where Clemenza weighs up his options, and Tyler and I sit there, watching him. Under the table, Tyler is jigging his thigh against mine, nerves getting the better of him, although his face is serene.
At last, Clemenza shifts in his chair. "Fine," he says. "You might think you’ve outplayed me, Sasha, but I’ve been done with this life for a long time. It will be a relief to leave it. And denying you satisfaction in your misguided vendetta, well. That will be a pleasure I cradle to my heart for years to come."
I can’t deny I’m disappointed. I honestly thought Clemenza would refuse, let me settle things tonight. Because I still intend to pay him for what he did to Tino.
Next to me, Tyler has gone stiff with anger. I put a warning hand on his knee.
We will have other opportunities. Once Clemenza is gone from this city, I can go after him quietly. So I smile now, and say, "I’m glad you saw sense, Clemenza."
He sneers at me. "Sense? Fah. I want you to swear to it, Adonis, that you’ll honor my decision. That you won’t come after me, send some assassin in the night, get around the Commission’s wishes that way." When I say nothing, he growls, "So you’re not a man of honor. I always knew it."
"I am a man of my word," I tell him, my anger rising. Lou Clemenza, of all people, dares to question my honor? Tyler’s eyes are flashing dangerously as well in response to Clemenza’s insult. "And I’ll swear to it, Clemenza, if that’s what it takes to get rid of you."
"You don’t even respect tradition enough to do this right," he grumbles. "Didn’t Castillo tell you how it’s done? Or Alvarado?"
"Tell me what?" I’m getting impatient, but I refuse to let it show.
"You can’t just give your word," Clemenza scolds me. "You want me gone, you gotta drink with me, and that seals the deal. Capisce?"