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“It’s not Family business. It’s ‘five families’ business.” I inhale sharply as adrenaline races through my system.

“It’s not over.” My heart falls. “What else can this man want from us? I know he wants the key but why fuck with them? They have nothing he wants.”

He shakes his head and kisses the back of my hand then holds it to his heart.

“This time it’s not something he wants or needs, it’s something we need back. More specifically, Sam needs back.”

My jaw drops as the words begin to form on my lips. My body goes numb and then the chill of power surges. “Sammy.”

He nods and then it all clicks.

“Diana?” He squeezes my hand and the pieces all slot into our puzzle. I settle and then look into those dreamy eyes and say resolutely, “Let’s go.”

He reaches over, gets the clothes, and hands them to me as he stands up.

“We leave in ten.”

Epilogue

TWENTY-NINE HOURS EARLIER

Sal

The Sorrento place is shot up, and I won’t go back there until it’s cleaned and repaired. We’re here at my father’s villa. The kitchen and rooms have been repaired as much as they could. I can still see the message in blood if I close my eyes, but I’ll get over it. Johnny got a crew together to take care of the mess and that’s that.

I wish my girl would wake up. But I understand she needs the rest. She had a transfusion, and a doc has been here a couple of times. My sister is more banged up but less blood loss. She hasn’t left Lou’s side since I had him transferred here.

The small ding telling me my toast is ready makes me smile. I slowly slather it in jam I found in the shot-up, dented refrigerator.

The ritual of making coffee calms me. I grind the espresso and pack it down. Place two small cups under the machine and wrench it in, pouring bottled water into the top. The clanking of metal and the steam building sets my soul a little smoother. I hear her footsteps and don’t turn. It’s strange but nice to have my back to a door.

Her hand touches my shoulder and I take one of the cups, place it onto a saucer before handing it to Gia.

She sets it on the counter, pulling the peeler from the drawer and cuts two pieces of lemon rind. She twists one and the spray catches the light for a split second and then she hands me the other one. I mirror her actions and sip.

She leans against the counter. “Now what?”

“They heal. I can’t think beyond that.”

“It’s written, Sal. I can’t stop it, no one can. You know I love him.”

“As you should, there’s no finer fucking man.”

“You’re not too shabby.”

I hold my hand to my heart and stumble backward. “What? A compliment from the fucking bitch baby sister? It’s a miracle.”

She laughs. “Nah, I lost some blood. I’m not thinking clearly.” She sips. “Talked to the kids and they’re all tucked away. I didn’t tell them much, just that Enzo is dead. Will you tell them?”

“I should tell them I’m alive before it’s public. But they’re so safe. I mean, none of us are completely safe from the Cady camp, but I can’t imagine Enzo meant that much. The doctor weasel escaped with your blood, giving him access to vaults and safes if found. But he’ll leave your children alone. He’s got no use. They’re not leverage because we don’t have anything he wants. Their blood won’t open shit.”

“Who is this man?”

“He’s the shadow everyone worries about. He’s got power in US politics; in the courts, he’s trying to build and own a high-speed American railroad by gobbling up bullshit real estate under shell companies. It will allow him to traffic anything and everything he wants. As harsh as the business we were raised in, this is no family. He’s twice as cruel as even old Gambino himself, but he’s cunning and scary because he moves behind closed doors. I’ll give Mark all the info I have.”

“Mark your G-man?”

“Yeah. Every bad thing you imagine, dear ole dad or I did, Cady’s actually done it. But there’s a good man hunting him, and it will sort itself. Just let them heal, and we’ll worry about the next steps.”