Stefano tutted. He still resented the west coast of America for stealing his son away.
Before Carmine uttered another word, the outside door banged open.
Bloody Raoul. Bugger off.
“I saw you walking down from the station,” he said breathlessly. “You’d better not be showing them the plans before me.”
Typical.
“Dad was about to call you,” Carmine fired in return.
He’d been sharp but the timing couldn’t have been worse.
“Come on then,” Raoul replied, seemingly oblivious.
He took a seat next to Carmine before noticing his parents staring at his brother.
“Did I interrupt something?”
“Carmine has something to tell us,” Stefano replied.
“What?”
“Never mind. Let’s not worry about it now. Today is all about the plans.”
Stefano shook his head. “It’s been more of a madhouse since they moved out. Where are my glasses?”
Maria extracted herself from her husband. “Next to your phone.”
“Bloody hell,” Stefano grumbled. “Give me a minute.”
He stomped off up the stairs.
Carmine caught his mother still watching him. Worry etched on her face. Had she known what he was about to say? Surely she’d suspected something over the years. His obsession with Beyoncé? His insistence at dressing like Scary Spice for the Brockton Working Man’s Club Christmas party? His close friendship with Darren from school?
It appeared that the moment had passed for now. He was staying the night, so he’d broach it later once Raoul had gone. There was plenty of time.
Suddenly there was an almighty crash from upstairs.
“Dad!” Carmine shouted.
Wordlessly they all ran up the stairs to find Stefano in a heap on the floor of their bedroom. He was white and unconscious.
“Stefano,” Maria cried. “No.”
She fell to the floor and took her husband’s hand. Raoul seemed frozen in the doorway, his eyes fixed on Stefano.
Carmine snapped to attention first.
“Mama. Is he breathing?”
She peered and nodded.
“Meno male,” she cried. “Stefano. Can you hear me?”
With a shaking hand, Carmine got his phone out of his pocket.
He dialled 999 and glanced at his brother. He looked terrified. Carmine reached out and took his hand.
