A family shame, a fervent apology…
“What is this nonsense that Emiliano that caused this?” Joachim was angry and challenged his nephew. “You call all of us together with this stupid claim? What evidence do you have?”
“Is everyone here?” Ricky looked around the room to ensure that all the older males of the family were present. “When I entered my father’s office this morning to discuss final rites for our casualties, he was weeping. He kept saying he had told them to only kill three people. He said he had provided them with a list. He wanted the Overlord, his sister Rita, and his own half-brother Antonio dead. Anyone else was just to be disabled. I have received word that a large amount of food and other supplies were turned over to a group of armed men at the hacienda. Is that sufficient?” The silence answered his question.
“When the Overlord investigates this, it will come to our doorstep. Rumors are blaming El Canalla, but who paid him has not yet come to us.” Ricky knew what he had to do, but it was not easy. “I propose to go to the Overlord and confess the involvement of Pesch in this tragedy. My father must be relieved of control of the family and sent to Casa de Penitencia for the rest of his life. This must be done before I speak to the Overlord.” He could tell from the looks on several of his uncles that they were plotting to get some advantage from this. He would never understand why these men were so greedy.
His uncle Ramon smirked. “And you take control of the family, Ricky? Very convenient.”
“I have no desire to become head of the family. I have enough to do with the dairy. I suggest Alejandro. He has been handing the business side of the family for a quite a while.” He turned to his cousin. “Are you willing to take this on?”
“You have no right to offer this to him,” his Uncle Joachim yelled. “I should have it. I am second in line. It should be mine!”
“Papi, don’t be an idiot. You can’t handle what our family has now.” Chim was already handling most of the business for his branch of the family.
“I believe that is the best policy for the family,” said Sera Fernanda. Ricky’s mother walked into the room. “Alejandro has handled it well and I agree with Ricky. I have been listening in the hall. My husband is mad. His desire for revenge on House Morales has destroyed his mind.”
Few of the men of the family Pesch realized how competent their women were. They knew the reputation they had for being sponges, but to have the senior wife address them in such a commanding way was shocking. Most, like Francos, had never considered that things had changed in the harems. The older men stared at the sister-in-law. The younger men noticed and struggled to contain their laughter.
Alejandro bowed to his aunt. “Sera Fernanda, thank you for your support. I am willing to take over the family business. We need to keep Ricky with the cheese production and Chim with the vineyard if we want to continue supporting our large family.”
“Before I go to the Overlord, I need for all of you to understand what this means for the family. We may be shunned. But I think time, and my father’s punishment, will help us get past it.”
“Must you admit that your father planned this awful thing? How can I face my friends?” Joachim looked as if he was going to cry.
“Would you rather have them do an investigation?” Ramon was worried about what might be found with a deep investigation. “We may have more to hide than just this. What Ricky proposes is best. I accept what you have planned, Ricky.” Reluctantly, the rest of the older men agreed.
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