“Franco can be pigheaded sometimes, Salvatore. We both know that. He’s tougher on you because he knows you’ll be the one replacing him, but he can’t ignore Dominic. Franco is more aware than you think of the potential threat Dominic presents, and this stunt with Jacob banished any doubts he may have still clung to.”
“Finally,” I said sarcastically.
“Either way, unless Dominic is stupid, he won’t go near Natalie or Jacob again. Franco’s gone out there himself to make sure she knows she and his grandson will have his protection.”
“Neither Dominic nor I hold a candle to Sergio, even in death.” I hated that I felt this pang of jealousy toward Sergio, as tiny as it was. I’d known this all my life, but it had never come between us. And I wouldn’t let it now. “Never have and never will.”
“The fact that Sergio is gone still hurts your father. He doesn’t love you any less. He’s just missing one child. He is human, after all.”
I didn’t comment.
“I want to talk to you about the DNA test, Salvatore.”
“Go on.” I hadn’t yet had a chance to read through the rest of the report to get a clearer understanding of the results.
“When the results came back, disqualifying Luke as the father, I used a sample from myself. Family shares DNA, in some cases more than in others, but there is always something.”
Roman had studied genealogy for a while and was in the process of compiling his family tree.
“What made you do that?” Was I ready to hear what he would tell me?
“A hunch. Effie DeMarco shares at least some of our DNA, Salvatore.”
I sat down. Hearing it was different than thinking it.
“I’m obviously not the little girl’s father, but I’m running more tests today. I took a sample from Dominic’s home.”
“What, did you swab him?” I chuckled, but there wasn’t any humor behind it.
“Took the hair off his brush.”
“When will you know for sure?”
“I’m hoping within twenty-four hours.”
“Does my father know anything about this?”
“No. Nothing. He won’t find out unless I’m one hundred percent certain.”
I leaned back, exhaling. “So Dominic’s been having an affair with Isabella DeMarco for five years?”
“That I don’t know.”
“Where do his loyalties lie, I wonder? And how does Luke DeMarco play into this? This just got a hell of a lot more complicated.”
“Talk to Lucia. See if you can glean any information at all. She may not be aware herself, Salvatore.”
“I think she’s innocent.” No, I knew it. And this knowledge would only hurt her.
“I’ll get back to you as soon as I know more.”
“Thank you, Roman.”
I made one more call to check on Natalie, who had called in sick to work and was spending the day with Jacob at home. She knew my father was on his way, and although not pleased about it, she seemed reasonably calm and promised to call me once he’d left.
When I returned to the living room, Dr. Mooney was just packing up his things.
“Just keep it iced and wrapped. You’ll be fine in no time. I’ve already ordered crutches. They’ll be here hopefully within the next hour or two.”
