I lean forward. “That’s odd, don’t you think?”
Gabriella’s brow furrows. “It is odd. If they blame you, they wouldn’t want you to be a part of La Corona.” Her expression turns worried. “You could be in danger.”
“I am in danger because Dom still has men loyal to Aldo. Who still blame me. Who make Elena terrified to find the truth of her father’s death.”
“Elena? You’ve been talking to Elena?”
Seven years ago, Elena and I kept our relationship on the downlow. Initially, it was because we were two people wanting to enjoy life without the pressures of family making it into something it wasn’t.
By the time I wanted to tell the world I loved her, our lives became a shit show and I was forced to Italy.
All that to say, Gabriella doesn’t know about my past with Elena, and it’s unclear what sort of future I might have with her.
Plus, if she’s truly worried about retaliation, being connected to me won’t help.
“It was her father, so of course I’d talk to her in my effort to clear my name.”
“Do you think that’s wise? Dom has no issue with you and he’s who matters,” Marco says.
What the fuck is wrong with people? “It matters to me what people think. My reputation. How can I be Don if I don’t have respect?”
“You do have respect,” Gabriella assures me, but I find her words patronizing.
“If it were you, wouldn’t you want to clear your name? Marco, you were accused of killing Dom Ferraza’s wife. Would you just let that go because Leo has no issue with you?”
He has the good sense to look chagrined.
"Aldo Vitale stole my life. I’m here to get it back,” I say with resolve.
Gabriella squeezes my hand, her eyes reflecting the same fierce loyalty I've always counted on. "Then we'll clear it. Together. If Aldo framed you and had Umberto killed, the truth deserves to come out."
"You make it sound simple.” Marco doesn’t hide his doubt. "La Corona is already under pressure. The FBI has been circling for years. Reopening this particular wound could destabilize everything we've built right when we can’t afford any more issues."
"So I should just accept that my reputation was sacrificed?”
"I'm saying timing matters," Marco counters. "We have someone trying to pit our families against each other. Your father's condition is deteriorating. Dom is having similar attacks on his business that your father had. And you want to start digging into Aldo's sins?"
"I don't give a damn about timing," I snap. "I've waited seven years. I've rebuilt our interests in Italy. I've done everything that was asked of me. But I refuse to let Aldo Vitale dictate the rest of my life from the grave."
"I understand your need for justice. But consider the cost. If this investigation goes wrong, it could tear apart what's left of our alliance with the Vitales,” Marco warns.
“If it tears, it’s not on me. That’s on Aldo and Dom.” I look him in the eyes. He’s been a Don for a long time. He’s older than me, but I’m not a pushover. “Have you considered that what happened to Umberto is a part of whatever scheme is going on to ruin La Corona?”
His brow furrows. “Umberto died a long time ago, before?—”
“He was betrayed and arrested seven years ago. Mrs. Ferraza was murdered what… four years ago? Hasn’t Roman been harping on us to consider that whoever is against us is playing a long game?”
Marco seems to consider that but then says, “You said Antonio believes Aldo was behind Umberto’s death. Aldo is dead. He died before Leo’s wife?—”
“Maybe they don’t connect,” I admit, knowing I’m grasping at straws. “Or there’s someone else. Maybe it’s an elaborate FBI mission. I won’t know unless I look into it.”
“He’s right,” Gabriella says.
Marco’s expression says he doesn’t like it, but I’ve also learned over the last year that my sister has Marco wrapped around her finger.
“Let’s assume it is all connected. What if digging into Umberto's case plays right into his hands? That you’re the one being manipulated?"
I don’t like the idea that I’m a pawn, but I can’t stop now. “I have to know the truth. I’m going down this path whether you approve or not."
