My neck heats with rage that I strive to keep contained.
Turning, I motion for my men to split up. Half go in the left entrance, the other half go right with me. I bring Charlie, who really should be on his way to an ER, with me as well. Danny will drive him to the hospital after this.
As expected, the crowd is massive. While I can’t see everyone, I’m pretty sure that the heads of the other five Italian families are all in attendance, along with their extended families and men.
I flinch at the thought of standing under the spotlight.
No! Your flinching days are over.No backing down now.
The woman who dwelled in the shadows—obedient, subservient Wallflower Cat—is no more. But assuming command over my own family is one thing…and over half of the criminal underworld another. Let’s hope Nino shows our father the respect he’s due before we take the murderer down.
We all find seats in the back pews as we watch my brother manufacture tears from the pulpit.
He’s so focused on his performance that he didn’t even notice us shuffle in through the side doors.
As I make myself as comfortable as one can in a wooden pew, I remove my black cap. I won’t be needing that any longer.
Another voice—sweet and subtle—springs forth from deep in my subconscious.“Us women are meant to be seen, not heard.”
For the first time in my life, I smile and whisper back, “Not anymore, Mother.”
For a moment, I find myself bathed in her calming presence.
Nino’s mid-eulogy when he shifts from talking about my father’s wisdom, compassion, and sacrifice to state plainly that he’s honored by Eduardo’s choice to leave the family to him.
My breath hitches, and the capo beside me touches my arm.
I meet Sonny Mangone’s eyes, and without a single word passing between us, I understand that Nino won’t enjoy the spotlight for much longer. In just a few more minutes, the church portion of my father’s funeral will conclude.
I can do this. I’m empowered by my team, and my father’s spirit lives inside me. He’s giving me the strength to stay calm and collected.
I’m only missing Connor, though I know he’s on the way. Brody promised me.
Now I just?—
Nino makes a horrible error in judgment.
“I’m sorry to inform everyone that my sweet sister, Caterina Lucia Ricci, is not here because she passed away earlier today.”
Shocked voices erupt, and women’s wails echo across the church. Marlene, Lora, and some other staff, I’m guessing.
How dare he torment everyone like this?
Nino sniffles into the mic and wipes a faux tear from his eye. “She…took her own life. A life without our father wasn’t a life worth living, or so she said in her last words to the world. Excuse me a moment.”
Nino ducks his head, and all I see is red as he buries his face in his palms to feign sorrow.
The little bastard is probably concealing a sinister smile and gloating over fooling everyone.
I can’t handle much more of this.
He wipes a hand down his chin and clears his throat. “It’s up to me to carry on the Ricci legacy….”
That’s it! It’s one thing to put on a performance over our father. It’s another thing entirely to announce my untimely death.
Sonny squeezes my arm. “This family is yours, Caterina. Go and get it. Now.” My father’s oldest comrade infuses me with all the confidence I need.
It’s go time.
