A cord of fear that’s been wrapped around my heart since the day Alessio told me how his father treated him loosens. He won’t torture his little brother, and he won’t torture our son. It’s a hard thing, keeping a boy separated from his mother, but this is a harsh world we’re born into, and it’s not as though he won’t see Bibi. He just won’t live with her. And, until he is ready to become a Made Man, I’ll give Valdo all the big sisterly coddling and affection he can stand. Probably even after, too.
Near dawn, I’m so exhausted I fall asleep for a few precious hours without realizing it. I’m not sure my husband slept at all because when I wake, he’s sitting on the edge of our bed, fully dressed and lightly holding my hand.
“Is something wrong?” I ask, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
“We should check on Armando again,” he says, helping me out of bed. “He’s been my best friend for as long as I can remember, but we fought last week before I sent him home to you.”
I suspected as much what with the bruise on Armando’s temple before yesterday’s fight and Alessio’s healing lip. “But, there is no lingering bad blood between you?” I ask as we head down to his room.
“No, not on my end. I won’t fight him again.”
“Good.”
Yet, I have to wonder if Alessio’s words will be put to the test someday when we enter his room. Gia’s plane must’ve landed very early because she’s already by Armando’s side. Mybodyguard is fast asleep, so our hugs are silent, and our words whispered. “I relieved Giovanni an hour ago so he could get some sleep. I don’t mind sitting here. I brought a book to read.” The untouched book sits across the room but neither of us comments on that nor the fact she was holding Armando’s hand when we entered.
“So, about our father…”
“Alessio, I don’t want apologies or your guilt.”
“That’s good because I have none, but do you harbor any hatred toward me for it?”
She shakes her head, hugging her brother again. “He was a monster, and we all knew it. He never once showed a drop of remorse for the hellish match he’s stuck me with. A good father would care about his daughter’s happiness at least a little, don’t you think? Frankie and Caterina are safe only because he’s dead. Don’t expect me to shed tears for him. Now, go eat breakfast with your wife. You can visit Armando once he’s awake.”
Relieved that their relationship seems intact, I lead Alessio downstairs to the kitchen where the cook is preparing food. She mutters under her breath in Italian that perhaps I will eat now that my husband has returned. I reply back that I certainly will and then help her by setting the table.
Valdo drifts in, looking a bit lost. I hug him tightly to me until Alessio tells me to give him room to breathe, making Valdo laugh quietly. The two of them sit close together, talking and eating. I know in my heart that Alessio will be a better father figure to the boy than their father ever would’ve managed even as he begins to prepare him for his future role in the Trio.
But, as they talk, Alessio’s hand rests on my knee as if he can’t stand to break physical contact and happiness overwhelms me.
“I should feel bad for being this happy, shouldn’t I?” I ask him once we’re alone again closer to noon.
“Why?”
“I killed two people yesterday. I stabbed another. I never meant to kill anyone and now my hands are dirty.”
Alessio’s hands cover mine. “These hands are as clean as they were the day we met, Caterina. You did what you had to, to protect people you love. Don’t feel any guilt over it. If I had been here, you never would’ve been put in that position.”
“I’m just glad you got here when you did. I don’t regret defending Frankie… but I feel bad for Enzo. I killed his only child.”
“I may yet send my uncle to join his son in hell. Time will tell.”
His phone buzzes before I can reply to his ominous words. I note the way his jaw clenches as he answers and hold my breath. A handful of words and he exhales slowly once the call ends.
“The Tribunal?” I ask.
“I’m flying to Chicago in a couple of hours.”
“So soon?” I gulp when he nods and grasp for a silver lining. “They know your hand was forced and just want it out of the way.”
“Maybe it’s me they want out of the way.”
I refuse to acknowledge that possibility. “Chicago makes sense being in the middle. Don Vicini and my father will represent their territories but who will do so from the West?”
“Our Underboss from Phoenix, Sabatino, will represent the West. He’s a good man, as good as Made Men get, but he’s very traditional, holds the oath we make to our Capo in high regard and… I don’t know, Caterina.”
He doesn’t believe this Sabatino will agree with what he did. “You just need two out of three to side with you. I’m sure my father and Don Vicini-”
“I wouldn’t depend on the Don. He may well wonder if I might someday turn on him like I did my own father. And, your father is sick again.”
