Bodyguard's Secret

Funeral

When Nikolai woke up and found his father had passed, he was shocked and he felt his body froze. He couldn’t think for a few minutes, and he just stayed beside his father, holding his cold hand.

That was until Revel came in the room and he ordered the other staff to take Nikolai out of the room. Revel under the orders of the consigliere took care of their boss’ body. Kian and Livia under Electra’s order also came to help prepare for the funeral.

Electra was currently unavailable for anyone as she was grieving another loss of a person whom she raised as her own. She locked herself in her room in her own villa just crying. No one from her team can coax her to come out or even eat. Then they just let her be as they knew how much she is hurting. They’ve seen it more than once and they understand. They have been alive for so long that they all experienced losing someone dear to them.

Nikolai was advised to not leave the villa and just keep a low profile. But he insisted that he wanted to be beside his father before his funeral. So Revel did let him go, but he had to pose as one of the guards just to keep him safe.

Nicholas’ wake is being held in the De Rossi Estate located in the heart of Sicily – Caltanissetta. The estate is a gorgeous historical building dating back to the 18th century, and it sprawls over approximately 1,500 m² and exhibits a Classical structure with curved and triangular tympanums framed by lesenes. A small loggia featuring mixtilinear and Art-Nouveau-style arches is also part of this estate.

The whole property is filled with Rosso guards wearing an all-black suit. The private guards of the boss are lined up at the entrance of the estate up to the salon where the casket is being held.

The death of Rosso Ventisimo circulated faster than they expected. Representatives from other allied families came as well as the Famiglia Rosso’s high-ranking members to pay their respects to the deceased boss. As many of those who came to pay their respects to the deceased, they are also wondering who will take over the position left by Nicholas.

Revel didn’t leave Nikiolai’s side that silently listens to everyone’s words about his father and watches them like a hawk. When Matteo Caruso – the family’s caporegime came, he immediately noticed the man who was standing along with the guards, but too close to the casket. Seeing that the head of the household staff stood close to that man, only confirmed his suspicions. The man was none other than the boss’ son Nikolai.

Matteo saw his photos too many times when the boss asked for the monthly reports about his son. He knew how it felt to lose a parent, and he believe that even if the boss and his son were away from each other for a long time, there is still a bond between them that can never be broken. So he waited until most of the visitors left before he approached Nikolai. He silently walked towards the grieving son and bowed his head.

“Sono sinceramente dispiaciuto per la tua perdita.” Matteo said.

(I am sincerely sorry for your loss.)

Nikolai looked up to him with a puzzled look on his face. The man in front of him is speaking to him but he can’t just understand why. And also he finds him familiar.

“Do you know me?” Nikolai asked.

Seeing Nikolai’s expression, as well as Matteo’s, Revel decided to step in.

“Sir Matteo...” Revel trailed and Matteo looked at him.

“Penso di aver visto abbastanza foto di Nikolai mentre cresceva da non riconoscerlo.” Matteo said to Revel and then he turned towards Nikolai.

(I think I have seen enough photos of Nikolai as he grew up to not recognize him.)

“Ma sembra che non mi riconosca affatto.” He said and Nikolai furrowed his eyebrows.

(But it seems as he doesn't recognize me at all.)

Then Nikolai looked at Revel who let out a sigh.

“Sir Matteo, the young master doesn’t speak Italian nor understand it.” Revel told Matteo, and that’s when he understood.

Matteo smiled and looked at Nikolai.

“Nikolai De Rossi, I’m Matteo Carusso and I don’t know if you still remember but we used to play together when we were kids.” He told Nikolai.

Revel took a step closer towards Nikolai.

“He is one of De Rossi family’s caporegime.” Revel told Nikolai who just nodded.

“Why does the boss’ son have to stand with the guards? He should be upfront.” Matteo asked.

“The consigliere ordered him to stay at the villa but he wanted to stay with the boss. This is the only way we can protect him and let him be with his father at the same time.” Revel explained.

“I see, but that brought me to my next question. Where is the consigliere?” Matteo asked.

“Alarie is grieving like the rest of us, sir.” Revel answered.

“I see.” Matteo paused and looked at Nikolai.

“I’ll see you at the funeral boss.” He said and then he bowed his head and left.

**************************.

When the night has quieted down, Revel took Nikolai to one of the rooms so he can rest. But before Raval leave, Nikolai called him.

“The people that came in earlier, who are they?” He asked.

“They are the representatives of the allied families.” Revel answered.

“I know they spoke a lot earlier but I cannot seem to understand them. But after watching all their body language, I don’t like them.”Nikolai said.

Revel heaved a deep sigh before answering.

“I can’t really blame you since your father doesn’t like them too. They are all talking about who will inherit the family. They are not aware that you are back and somehow they are hoping for the consigliere to finally take over or at least one of them. But of course, the consigliere has no intention of taking the position for it is only pass down to a family member. Until you officially take over the position, you need to lie low. The boss gave the consigliere a direct order to keep you safe and that’s what we will do.” Revel explained.

Revel’s words made Nikolai remember what his father told him before he died. He left the family to him to lead, but he has no idea what to do. And now he found out that there are people who wanted his father’s hard work for themselves.

“How about that Matteo dude?”

“Sir Matteo is one of the caporegimes or the captain. Captains head a large crew of anywhere from twenty and more soldiers. The captains report directly to a boss or underboss, who hands down the instructions. He is also in charge of handling most money, but he is very loyal to your father.” Revel explained.

“So he’s an important person?” Nikolai asked and Revel nodded.

“Do you think I should be the one to take over my father’s position? Tell me honestly.” Nikolo asked Revel who looked intently at him.

“For me sir, only a true De Rossi should take over as the boss. If you feel inadequate, you can learn the ropes and we will help you.” Revel told him and Nikolai nodded.

*****************************.

On the day of the funeral, the De Rossi private cemetery was filled with men and women under the Famiglia Rosso for the Funeral of Rosso Ventisimo. Before the mass started, everyone was anticipating the arrival of the consigliere but once again, the mysterious chief advisor failed to show up.

Nikolai silently stood there as the funeral rites continued. Revel and Matteo chose to stand with him along with the other guards. And after the casket was lowered six feet under, it was immediately covered with dirt and the marble headstone was placed on it. The guests then started to wonder who is the man standing beside their caporegime. But then they were not given any chance to ask questions as guards immediately escorted them towards the vehicle and left. Once they’re gone, every guest started to leave as well.

And when the cemetery is empty of any guest, two black Cadillac Escalades came and six people wearing black came out of it. Electra led her team towards the grave of Nicholas.

Once they are all in front of the grave, Electra crouched down and placed a bouquet of white roses on the headstone. Then her fingers traced Nicholas’ name on the marble headstone.

“I will make sure your son will take over your position and I promise to keep him as well as the whole family safe at all cost.” Electra paused and removed her sunglasses.

“You can rest now, Nicholas.”