I was nervous about what was going through her head.
She already had a massive problem with my job.
After today, I knew it would only get much, much worse…
And I was dreading it.
When we pulled up to the front drive of the mansion, all the brothers and Mei-ling got out.
I was about to drive the Mercedes over to the garage when Adriano ducked his head back inside the car and yelled, “Come on!”
I didn’t ask why. I just got out of the driver’s seat, let a new foot soldier take the wheel, and followed everyone inside.
Niccolo walked to the doors of the parlor. He carried a laptop in his left hand, and he knocked with his right.
“Come in,” Don Rosolini’s voice said.
We all entered the room.
“We’re baaa-aaaack,” Niccolo said in a sing-song voice.
Don Rosolini turned and nodded. When he made eye contact with me, he gave a dark smile. “Niccolo told me about your heroics today, Giorgio.Ottimo lavoro.”
Excellent work.
“If only he hadn’t abandoned his post,” Adriano snarled as he glared at me.
“Let it go, Adriano,” Niccolo said in a bored voice, then asked, “Should we assemble everyone else?”
Don Rosolini looked bone-tired for a second… then nodded. “Most of them are in the kitchen. Rachel and Lars are out training the foot soldiers.”
“I’ll call Lars,” Niccolo said, then turned to address me. “Giorgio, would you go tell everyone in the kitchen we need them in here?”
“Of course.” I started to leave –
“Giorgio,” Don Rosolini said.
I stopped and turned to face him. “Yes, sir?”
“My wife might tell you she doesn’t wish to be included. Please insist… albeit gently. And tell my sisters-in-law the same.”
“Of course, Don Rosolini.”
“I believe Emilia is in the kitchen with them,” Don Rosolini said.
My heart leapt as he said it –
And my stomach twisted in knots, too.
“After you’ve taken a moment to say hello to her, come back and join us,” he ordered.
“…you want me in the meeting?” I asked in surprise.
“Your actions today allowed us to discover what we’re facing,” he replied. “You deserve a place at the table.”
I flushed with pride. “Thank you, Don Rosolini.”
As I was walking out of the room, I overheard Massimo ask, “Does Alessandra really need to be here for this?”
