Yes, your father has some news for you

The way home is very quiet. And when you finally arrive, a servant tells you, that he shall bring you immediately to your father, who waits in the salon. You say goodbye to Eric, who tells you that he will bring your stuff to your room.

You never were in a salon before. But it seems this is how rich people say to their living room. A huge flat screen TV, probably worth the income of your mother for half a year, dominates the salon. It is on the west wall and two large couches point to it. There also is a table with several chairs in a corner and oppose to the table is a house bar. But not a small one which can be unfolded from the wall. A real bar with lots of bottles, glasses, a small fridge for ice cubes and a box with tiny umbrellas. There also is a cupboard between two windows. You are not sure what is inside. In a normal household it would be DVDs and board games.

Your father seems pleased when you enter. Her sits on a couch with a glass of booze and ice cubes. Your brother looks rather annoyed. He wears an elegant shirt and pants, like he was about to go out somewhere. When he is here too, it has to be important. Miguel is not around. He either already knows what is going on or it is really just for family members.

“Ashley,” your father says smiling but still somewhat concerned, “great you are back. Sorry I had to interrupt your trip. How was shopping?”

“The city is full of perverts,” you reply dry, “and the mall seems to be their community center.”

“Well, that’s what you have Eric for,” your father replies gentle and puts his drink on a small couch table, “however, we have important family business to discuss. I’m afraid it can’t wait.”

“Is it really smart to involve her already?” your brother asks sceptic, “she is new to this and we don’t know if we can trust her.”

“Says the guy who gives me daily reasons to not entrust him with anything important,” your father replies sharp and your brother immediately keeps his mouth shut, “but It may be right to remember you, dear, that what we discuss here will not leave the room. Never!”

“I understand,” you mumble a little uncomfortable.

“I hope so,” your father says serious, “well, it seems the **** of your dear mother has reached the ears of an old … friend of the family. Marco DeLuca, head of the DeLuca-family, has sent his condolences an hour ago.”

“Well, thanks,” you reply surprised and your brother shakes his head disappointed, “and who is this guy?”

“The DeLucas are rivals of our family,” William says and gives you a downgrading look, “when it comes to wealth and influence, they are second best. After us.”

“Yes, that’s one way to say it,” your father mumbles and his face is hard to read, “they have the best hitmen and spies. We are better in smuggling, trading, gambling and other financial aspects. Of course, we have hitmen and spies too, just like they have dealers and brokers. But the families are very proud about what they are best in. Officially our families are allies. But unofficially, Marco DeLuca is not very happy that we run the black marked and earn more than twice as much money. And when he heard about the tragic **** of your mother, he insisted on visiting us to express their condolences. Only the head of family and his son Ricardo will come. Maybe one or two security guards. I expect you to behave perfectly. They will try to find every possible weakness and use it against us.”

Your brother suddenly behaves quite uncomfortable, when the name of the son felt. He obviously knows them. You remember an old newspaper article about a member of the DeLuca family. Apparently, the police arrested him for something, but all six witnesses were found dead before the first day of court. You are not sure if this guy was part of the same DeLuca family, but it would match what you just heard. And you are sure, you are the main reason for their visit.

“Ashley, there is one more thing,” your father continues, as if he read your thoughts, “Ricardo DeLuca expressed his interest in getting to know you.”

“Interest in getting to know me?” you repeat partly amused, partly confused, “is this some rich-people-way to say he wants to date me? Or a political marriage proposal.”

“I suspect that these are his actual intentions,” your father agrees but shrugs his shoulders, “but of course, there is still a long way to go. First of all, he will check you out carefully and try to get closer to you. How you deal with it, I'll leave it up to you. But don't forget that he represents his family, just as you represent ours. One day, he will lead the DeLucas. So, don't start a war! Don't give him a reason to revive old feuds.”

“I don’t even know about these feuds,” you reply, “and I’m not sure I like this guy’s way of thinking. If he wants to get to know me, he can just ask me. Despite, trying to pick up a girl on the funeral of her mother is the height of bad taste. I will meet him, if he insists, but if he acts impolite or threatening, I will not just smile and nod like a living barbie doll.”

“The visit will be in exactly one week, but I bet a kidney they show up on Friday already to say hello,” your father continues, “I would do it the same way. Well, I hope you both will prepare. I don’t want such a mess like last time. Looking weak or incapable can be deadly. Ashley, we will spend some time in the next days so I can tell you everything important. I expect you to behave like a well-educated daughter from a good family should do. And William, … just try not make a fool of yourself again. You would do me a huge favor.”

“Yes, dad,” your half-brother mumbles contritely, “do you need something else? I want to finish preparing for going to the Paradise in the evening.”

“Sure,” your father mumbles, “but isn’t this a little expensive, now that you have to watch your pocket money?”

“I planned this a week ago,” William hisses tense, “before you cut me off.”

“How about you take your sister with you?” your father proposes unimpressed, “show her how people of our social status spend their evenings.”

“I’m not sure that’s her kind of club,” William mumbles bitter, “she is not familiar with the special social rules and standards that come with the status. I’m not even sure she has a suitable dress.”

“We will find a solution for this,” your father replies calm, “and if it helps, I would support your evening plans with another hundred dollars.”

“That would help,” your brother admits carefully, “so, do you even want to go to the club?”