The minute I entered my father’s room, he said, “We have confirmation that the man in the photo is Matteo Franco, Carmine’s only cousin and last living relative.”
And just like that, my perpetual headache found me again. “I thought the Franco line only consisted of Carmine, Sofia, and Sara.”
“He must have been unimportant enough that Carmine wasn't going to name him as his successor. We never heard of him, saw him, or thought there was a cousin to begin with back in the day. Carmine’s parents died a few years before Sara was born, and he claimed to be the only man in the family after that.”
I tried to massage my temples, but it didn't ease the pain. “What about Matteo’s parents? Or, for that matter, Sofia’s family? You never told me she had anyone in the States, either.”
“Since I didn't want you to know about the women being in the car that night, I told you Sofia had taken Sara and fled to the old country. When I found out through back channels that Sara had survived, I had her watched. The marshals were smart to send her upstate, changing her name and not telling her any details, so that she couldn't accidentally stumble onto the truth.”
He poured coffee, and I gratefully accepted a mug. “Are you telling me she has family in Italy after all?”
“When I heard about the connection between your mother’s guard and Sofia, I tracked them all down. They’re elderly at this point, aside from a few younger women who aren’t up to date with what’s going on here in the States. No one is interested in coming over here and stirring up old shit.”
“Let’s hope your intel is correct for a change.”
Dad flicked his fingers in dismissal of my statement. “From what we can gather about Matteo, he’s been operating in the shadows for years, helping the Lombardis slowly undercut us. I guess he got tired of waiting for that to work, and he set up the bomb at our buying location just to see us piss our pants.”
“And the house?”
“To send a message.”
Which came through loud and clear. “What message is that? That he won’t follow any rules, or that he’s going to kill us one way or another?”
“Probably both.”
The urge to pace overcame me, but I forced myself to remain in place so I could look Dad in the eyes as we talked. “So, now what?”
“Now we follow through on killing Alessandro and Matteo.”
“Which you think will solve all our problems?” If only it were that easy. “And then I’m expected to continue lying to Sailor about my past. I’m supposed to pretend I didn't fuck up her life one night because I officially became a man, meant to start killing our enemies in order to prove my worth.”
He grinned, and it made my stomach turn sour. “Yeah, that about sums it up.”
“You have no idea how hard it was to be with her last night. She actually asked me if I knew her parents, or if I could think of anyone who would want them dead. She wants me to use my connections to look into the accident.”
Dad frowned. “Of course, that’s not going to happen.”
“But if she mentions it again, how do I say no? That would appear even more suspicious.”
“I guess you get better at lying to her, and find a scapegoat to pin it on.”
The life we led was prone to secrets and lies, and yet I’d assumed I would be different. I thought we’d find a balancewhere I could tell Sailor the basics and not outright lie to her face.
I was wrong.
“Did you lie to my mother? Were you as deceitful as you’re telling me to be, or did you share the ugly truth with her, knowing she was your soul mate and deserved as much from her husband?”
“The difference between you and me is that I had no secrets that were detrimental to my well-being.” He drained his coffee and refilled his mug. “Maria had no motivation to turn me in if I discussed murdering an enemy with her.”
My unease about the future only grew when he said that. “You’re telling me Sailor doesn't love me enough to bear the weight of the truth?”
“Not under these circumstances, no. Besides, it’s not just about whether she’d turn you in, but if she’d turn away from you. None of us wants that.”
He was right, but it burned me to think about it. Not only would she leave me in a heartbeat, but she’d probably run to the nearest police station to name me as her parents’ killer. And I wouldn't even blame her.
“Vicki’s wedding is coming up. We have to make our appearances, smile for the camera, and be genuinely happy for your sister and best friend to start their life together. But, simultaneously, we have our enemies taken out.”
“Because the wedding is the perfect alibi.” Sitting heavily, I thought about calling Gio. I needed to fill him in on the current disaster of my life. “I’m sure as fuck not telling Vicki that’s the plan, but we owe Gio the courtesy of a heads up.”
