He opens a desk drawer, pulls out an envelope, and hands it to me.
Gino–
There’s so much I wish I could say in this letter that might explain why I struggled to be the father you deserved. Too much happened, things that pulled me away from you when I should have been present.
I spent far too much of my life avenging the people I loved who were taken from me. In doing that, I failed to be the kind of father you needed. For that, I am truly sorry.
Everything is yours now. All I ask is this: don’t let vengeance consume you the way it consumed me after your mother died.
Please, son, take care of everyone. Build agreements. Makedeals that don’t cost lives. There are people you haven’t met yet, people who love you and would come if you called. You’ll have to find them on your own, but know this: I taught you everything you need to know to run this family.
I wish I could be there for your wedding. I wish I could see your children grow up. I wish I could watch you run the business. But we both know I wasn’t going to live forever.
I love you, son. And one day the auburn sun will come home.
Love,
Dad
I look up at Gino. “Well… he really was subtle, huh?”
“Yeah.” He gives me a soft smile. “After he died, I did some digging but could never figure out what he meant. I went through Dad’s ledgers—there were monthly payments labeled VE. I didn’t realize until today that they were for you.”
“My hair really is that unique in this family, huh?” I say dryly.
“Yeah, I guess.” He gives me a soft smile. “Right now, I don’t know who all knows about you. Until I do, it’s my responsibility to keep you safe. That’s why I asked Mateo to watch over you.”
I hesitate. “How long do you think I’ll need a bodyguard?”
“As long as you’ll need one. Mateo is my best friend. Right now, I don’t know who all knows about you.” He pauses. “He’ll stay with you for a while. Go with you to work. If things in the city get too unpredictable, you’ll both stay here.”
I shake my head in agreement.
Gino stands and crosses to the bar cart, grabs two glasses, and pours bourbon into each.
“Here.” He hands me a glass. “To new siblings.”
“To new siblings.” We clink our glasses.
“Let’s just hope Dad doesn’t have any more secret kids. Idon’t think I could decode another subtle message. I’m not that smart.”
I snicker. “I hope not. I’d prefer not to have days like this often.”
He glances at the clock. “It’s getting late. You guys should head out.”
“Yeah,” I say, turning toward the door and starting to leave his office.
“Hey, Vanessa,” he says, stopping me. I turn back. “You seem like you’re going to be a pretty cool sister to have around.”
“You seem like a pretty cool brother,” I reply.
I walk out of his office and head downstairs, where Uncle Kevin and Aunt Lucy are getting ready to head out. Everyone says their goodbyes and watches them leave.
“Ready?” Mateo asks. “Your brother asked me to take you home and stick with you for a bit.”
“Yeah, Gino mentioned that,” I say.
We say our goodbyes to Juliet and the rest of the guys, then head out together. Mateo and I climb into the car and start the drive back to my apartment.
