I consider my actions leading up to today. There was a time when I would have said yes, I did marry Francisco for protection. But now things have changed. I have come to rely on him, and to expect his presence in my life. I would miss him terribly if we were separated.
“No,” I say honestly. “I love him.” Finally, coming to terms with my feelings.
Brandon exhales, giving my hand a squeeze. “At least you have that.”
“Francisco thinks it would be best for you and me to go stay with our family in Italy,” I share.
Brandon nods. “I just want to get as far away from this city as possible.”
“Agreed,” I respond, happy something is finally going to plan.
“I just need some time to think about this. Alone,” he says after a pause.
“Oh,” I gasp, realizing what he’s saying and feeling slightly hurt. “Of course. I’ll be here in the house if you need me.”
“Marlena,” Brandon says as I stand up to go.
“Yes?” I respond.
“I’m not okay with this,” he informs me.
I can feel tears beginning to form beneath my eyelids. He’s being so straightforward it scares me. I don’t know what he’s beenthrough or whether he blames me, but I can sense he’s shutting me out.
All the times I visited him in college flash through my mind. He was always difficult to get along with, but now it seems like something’s changed. Instead of yelling at me or insulting me, he simply delivered a statement of fact. And faced with that reality, there’s only one thing I can do to make things right.
I walk out the door with a heavy heart.
CHAPTER 46
FRANCISCO
Ireplay the gunfight in my mind a thousand times. I hate that about trauma, and I’ve lived through a fair number of traumatic events. The way the brain goes around and around, trying desperately to fix things, is exhausting. I finally decide to do something about it.
I fired several times at Andretti and didn’t hit him. So maybe I need to brush up on my marksmanship skills. A trip to the gun range will do me good. It will allow me to vent my frustration and also improve for next time. And there will be a next time. I swear I’m going to get even with him even if it’s the last thing I do.
I check in with Marlena’s bodyguard. He’s taken to sitting in the living room rather than outside her door. I’m okay with that as long as he’s paying attention. I don’t want Marlena to feel like she’s in prison.
I grab Edoardo and walk out the door. Giovanni’s busy talking to one of my capos who’s having a problem. My brother is still handling a good portion of the daily business, and I feel guilty about it. I should be the one in the field talking to the men,smoothing things over. But he’s stepped up and continues to step up. He would make an excellent Don if he wanted the job. Lucky for me, he doesn’t, so he puts in the work on my behalf as my second.
We get in the car and talk about bookmaking all the way to the range. Edoardo has a bit of an affinity for gambling and likes to keep a close eye on that part of our business. He tells me that he was stopped by a couple of bookies yesterday, and they’re all pissed about these new phone apps stealing their players.
“What are you gonna do?” I ask.
“Maybe bust some heads?” Edoardo suggests.
“Have you tried any of the new apps?” I ask, pleased to get my mind off Marlena for a moment.
“Yeah, I’ve tried them,” Edoardo admits.
“What do you think?” I press him for details.
He shrugs. “I like them.”
I shake my head. “You’re complaining about them, but you like them.”
“All I’m saying is that maybe there’s an angle,” Edoardo continues as we get out of the car.
I let the subject drop, walking into the gun range like I own the place, which I do. I go into the back to open the safe that holds my personal equipment. Edoardo waits at the door, arms crossed, looking fierce. I unload two pistols and a set of noise canceling headset.
