“There was an incident today.”
“What do you mean incident?” His tone went from a concerned father to vengeful Mafioso in a heartbeat.
“I’m not sure if my job’s gone sideways, and I just got caught in the middle of somebody else going after my target, or whethermy employer is dissatisfied with my work. I was wondering if someone made me and targeted me because I’m your daughter.”
“Are you hurt, Toria? Did they shoot you? Stab you?”
“Papà, Papà,calm down. I was near my target when somebody shot in our direction.”
“Come home, Toria. With this war going on and the New York bratva and mob sticking their hands into it, it would be better if you laid low here for a while.”
We’ve been looking at the phone in her hand, but now she watches me while responding.
“I can’t,Papà. The job isn’t done.”
“I’ll send men for you. They’ll escort you home.”
“If this was about me, then that’s far too conspicuous.”
“Toria, you need to come home.”
“Papà, if you push this, then I’ll disappear. You know I can. I’ll come home when things are settled here.”
“Can you at least tell me which country you’re in?”
“I’m in the Western Hemisphere,Papà.”
“Northern or Southern?”
Vita doesn’t answer.
“Fine, Toria, but you know if you can’t go home, you go to Serafina.”
“I know,Papà.”
“She won’t ask questions, and she can get you back here.”
“I know. She knows as much about what I do as you andMamà. I know I don’t have to explain anything to her. She’ll help if I ask for it.”
“Toria, I’m serious. If I suspect there’s something wrong, I won’t give you a choice. I’ll call Serafina and tell her to expect you. I’ll tell Carmine to find you.”
“Yes,Papà.”
That hits me between the eyes. I deduced from what she said earlier about them being shooting buddies that they were close,but I didn’t realize they were still close enough for Serafina to know what’s likely one of the most guarded secrets herMala del Brentafamily has.
“I’ll let you know if I need anything,Papà, or if anything comes up.”
“Ti voglio bene, tesoro.” I love you, treasure.
“I love you too,Papà.”
She ends the call as I try to gather my thoughts, that are now racing a million miles a minute. I hate the idea of her turning to the Mafia for help. I understand it, but I hate it.
“Would you really go to Serafina?”
Vita’s reluctant to answer, so she slowly nods.
“Only if I absolutely had to. Now that I know your family, and we’re—well, whatever we are—I would come here first. If I had no other option, then I would go to Sera and Carmine.”
