Chapter 6

Tara trembled uncontrollably in fear. Clutching Jeremy's hand, she pleaded, "Jerry, I don't think they're actors. Why don't we all sit down and talk this out?" But having just been slapped, Jeremy would never let this matter go that easily. He jerked his hand free from Tara's grasp and planted his hands on his hips. "Vera, if you get him to grovel at my feet and apologize, I'll forgive him for that slap just now." I almost burst out laughing. At just 18, my father single-handedly carved his way through the mafia ranks, killing the former boss with his own hands. He was also the only outsider—unrelated by blood—ever to seize control of the group. No one ever dared question his authority. If my father so much as heard a word against him, or even caught a flicker of displeasure on someone's face, that person would be dead. Over time, the mere mention of his name was enough to send chills down spines. Everyone in the business world knew about my father's reputation. I always s