He grows impatient. “What are you getting at, Rico?”
“What Pietro did wasn’t justified.”
“He had those soldiers with blanks.”
“And how was I supposed to know that to be true?” Rico counters. “It wasn’t my plan. Pietro had an idea and he didn’t consult with me. There were guns pointed to her head and I had no possible way of knowing if they were in fact blanks.”
“Are you doubting Pietro now?”
“I doubt anything I myself do not plan. You know this better than anyone.” Constantine nods his head. “And treating her like a traitor isn’t justifiable. She’s done nothing to us except share the blood of her father.”
“So your broken nose, ribs and healing black eye are from a ghost?” He jokes with no humor.
“She was acting on instinct.”
“Are you defending her?”
Even to my own ears it sounds awfully like it. And I can’t even fathom to understand why.
“I’m simply stating a fact.”
Constantine shakes his head baffled and confused. “You were the one who came up with this plan. And now that it’s happening you want to back out?”
“That’s not what I said.”
“Then clear it with me, Rico. What are you saying?”
“I keep her as my captive until her pa caves. We give the illusion she’s being kept in dire circumstances. But I will not participate in hurting her. Nor should any other man in our Famiglia.”
A silence falls between them. Constantine blows out a breath before stringing curse words in Italian under his breath.
“You’re right.” All the tension leaves the room. “Carina had even told me before coming that you would have a perfectly reasonable explanation. But as a Don I have to question. Four of my men were killed by my consigliere. You understand, si?”
“Si,” Rico replies.
“Your loyalty remains to Carina and I and The Donati Famiglia?”
“Always, Don Constantine.”
“Bene.” He smiles easily. When he smiles I see how he has the people eating out of the palm of his hands. It’s charming and devilish. No wonder why so many adore him.
“Is that all?” Rico asks.
“For now. I told Gino and Pietro to keep extra pairs of eyes on the port and the streets. I’m expecting retaliation. The video didn’t work. I believe if anything it only fueled him more.”
“Give him time. He’ll concede.”
Constantine places a firm hand on his shoulder and looks him in the eye. “I trust you.”
“Would you like to stay for coffee?” Rico offers.
He chuckles and it’s genuine. “We both know you really don’t want me to. I have Carina in bed waiting for me.” He winks at him.
Rico doesn’t bother with the etiquette of walking him out. As Constantine is halfway through the door he warns him, “One more thing.” Rico inclines his head. “Don’t allow her to get too comfortable. Women have been and continue to be underestimated. She’s a clever girl. Be careful.”
I hear the door shut softly. My cue to return to my room as well.
Just as I’m about to retreat Rico calls out, “You can come out now.”
