“Shit,” I say. “Shit shit shit.”
I exhale, thinking for a moment. “All right, did anybody see? Can you collect the body without anyone noticing?”
“He was screaming like a baby,” Matteo says. “So yes, people saw.”
“You were wearing your balaclavas?” I ask.
“Of course,” Matteo replies.
“Is there any chance you can collect the body?” I press.
“No,” he responds. “When we were leaving, a crowd had already gathered around him.”
I pause. Then: “You and Roberto head home. We’re going to have to lay low for a while.”
“We’re already on our way,” Matteo tells me.
* * *
When I returnto the villa, I hug Matteo and Roberto.
“How are you doing?” I ask them.
“Could be better,” Roberto says. “But I’ll manage.”
I glance at Matteo. “And you?”
He closes his eyes and shoves his hands into his pockets. Then he lowers his gaze, letting his dark curls drop around his face. “I…”
This is the first time my brothers have killed someone, so it’s understandable if they’re feeling guilt. Until now, I was the only one of us who had taken a life. But in my case I had to do it to save my own skin, while for Matteo and Roberto it was accidental. I’ll do my best to guide my brothers through their pain.
“I’m here for you,” I tell Matteo. I glance over my shoulder at my other brothers, who are seated in the family room, listening attentively. My sister isn’t there… she doesn’t participate in this side of the business. “We all are. Whatever you need, tell me. Tell us.”
“Tonight, I just want to be alone,” Matteo replies.
I glance at Roberto, who nods. “Me, a bottle of wine, and the ocean. Those will be my companions tonight.”
I pat them both on the shoulders. “I wish there was something I could do. I wish I could swap places with you.”
“No,” Matteo says. “I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.” He looks up, then manages a smile. “Shit, he was just some random jockey. I don’t know why we’re moping about so much over it. And you already bribed the cops, so we’re good.”
I force a grin of my own. I can tell from his tone that not even he believes my earlier bribe is enough, not for this.
* * *
Sure enough thatevening the buzzer rings, and on my phone I pull up the feed from the external camera monitoring the main gate.
“Who is it?” Luciano, one of my brothers, asks from across the table.
“Detective Lombardo,” I reply. “He’s come alone.”
“That’s a good sign,” Luciano says.
I nod. That means he’s open to negotiation.
“This is why we can never afford to pay off the mortgage,” Luciano adds.
I ignore the comment and open the gates to let the detective drive his unmarked car inside.
