Many minutes passed before Mrs. Moretti wiped her tear-streaked face, shuddered in a shaky breath. “Tell me what happened.”
He hesitated, uncertain how much information she needed to know.
“The truth,” she said.
“In Italy, we had Bratva—Russian mobsters—taking over and controlling our turf.”
“You don’t need Cosa Nostra anymore,” she said. “You got money. Angelo too.”
“Yes.” Gabriel paused. “Running the organization was something Angelo and I did with pride. We worked hard to take it back. Angelo knew it would be his one day.”
The women nodded along.
“This was a revenge hit. We don’t know who took Angelo out, but we think it could be a woman.”
Mrs. Moretti cleared her throat. “When you find Angelo’s killer, end their life.” She crossed herself. “I will go to hell for that thought… for my wish.”
“We have to find a way to forgive,” Nonna said.
Mrs. Moretti nodded. “Forgive, never forget. You will take care of this, G, no?”
“You have my word,” he promised. “It’s a war, and I will take them all out. I will do it for Angelo.”
“Did he die alone?” Nonna asked.
“No, Nonna, he died in my arms. I was with him when the Lord called him home.”
“Don’t hold the hatred in your heart,” Nonna said. “It’s not healthy.”
Gabriel didn’t want to further upset them.
“Nonna, Mrs. Moretti, you remember my father?”
“Yes, he was a strict man,” Mrs. Moretti said. “Showed no love.”
“I learned love from my grandparents,” Gabriel said. “I learned love from your family. I learned how to shut off my emotions, do the jobs for my father. I’m going to rely on every ruthless, illegal, and sinister technique and tactic he taught me to avenge Angelo. I won’t stop until they’ve all paid for the death of my beloved brother.”
Tears rolled down their cheeks. Gabriel’s throat clogged with emotion, but he fought against it. He’d shed his tears, now he’d do what he did best.
Hunt down the predators and annihilate them.
Gabriel stood. “You have my number for anything, day or night. Angelo is at the same funeral home as his grandfather. I’m taking care for the service and the director knows.”
Mrs. Moretti stood.
“I need to speak with Mr. Moretti,” Gabriel said.
Her grief-stricken eyes met his. “I’ll tell him.”
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I failed Angelo. I failed you.”
From the sofa, Nonna said, “Don’t own this one, Gabriel. It will end up killing you.”
Mrs. Moretti walked him to the door. “Let me know when you finish the job, Gabriel.”
“Hai la mia parola.”You have my word.
As he made his way to the street, he reached beneath his jacket and wrapped his hand around his pistol. He had no idea how he’d find Angelo’s assassin, but he had every confidence he would.
