The priest steps forward to begin the service, his Bible clutched in weathered hands, ready to eulogize a woman he never truly knew.
Nobody did.
At the graveside, I acknowledge Romeo and Mateo Conti with a nod as they pass by, their eyes shifting between me, my sons Dante and Rafe, Cade, and finally my daughter-in-law, Amara’s sister, Lia. They’ve stopped concealing their relationship from public view.
I’m glad and soon, I’ll do the same with Amara.
I give them a brief nod when they glance back at me.
“Is everyone attending the wake?” Mafia Don Eduardo Gallo inquires of Dante, addressing him exclusively.
“We’ll appear for about an hour,” Dante replies tersely as the priest requests everyone to be seated and begins the service.
Following the priest’s words and the mourners’ individual expressions of sympathy to the family, I rise and approach my son Dante.
“I thought you wanted to lead this family, Dante,” I remark, while keeping Amara in my peripheral vision as she converses with Milly.
“I once did, but Lia’s expecting and I need to protect my children.”
“Join me in the car. We need to talk about it.”
“We don’t.”
His twin Rafe overhears and murmurs, “Discuss this in the vehicle, not here, Dante.”
At my limousine, the chauffeur swings the door open, but I wait for Amara and Milly to arrive. “Step inside. We’ll talk en route.”
Dante shakes his head. “We’ve got our own vehicle.”
“I’ll have one of my men drive your car to the wake. I need to speak with all of you away from prying ears.”
Cade passes Dante’s keys to me, but I wait until Amara and Milly are seated before summoning one of my men and giving him the keys. “Follow us to the wake.”
“Certainly, boss.”
Inside the limo, Lia sits flanked by Amara and Milly, her arms draped around their shoulders. I sit next to Dantefacing them, while Rafe and Cade occupy the same long seat as us.
I extract a ring from my pocket, one of just five worldwide, symbolizing the Syndicate. Five rings representing each ruling family. I glance at Lia. “Inside the ring that binds.”
Lia looks at me, but her status can’t be discussed in this car right now.
“My tenure is complete. Your era begins.”
Dante visibly hesitates, his hand partially raised but not grasping the ring. “I’ve already told you I no longer want it. I need to safeguard Lia and my children, which I can do better without de Luca family obligations.”
His statement lingers heavily. This was never discussed between us, and I know being married to Lia changes so much for Dante.
“Please. You and Lia together can transform the mafia’s landscape. I believe in your capability.”
Dante’s eyes drift toward me.
“Please,” I implore. “Please alter things. Improve them.”
Such conflict shows in his expression; he desires this. “Please.” I nod, my pulse quickening as I observe Dante struggling with his choice.
Just as he extends his hand, a thunderous blast disrupts the moment. The car rocks fiercely, its structure creaking under pressure.
Boom!
