Page 59 of Stolen Wife

Epilogue

Santino

A year later

“The Marchetti Familyhad collapsed at the weight of the elder Rafael Marchetti’s arrest last year. Although no one is talking, there is speculation that the hit on Marchetti had come from another crime family on the East Coast. The body had been found floating in the ravine just off the New Jersey turnpike at the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Marchetti had been awaiting trial for the murder of at least six individuals, including New York Homicide Detective Michael Morel when he’d gone missing nearly a year ago. It was believed that he fled to Italy to avoid prosecution, but with the spring thaw, two Department of Transportation workers located the body during a routine inspection on the bridge.

“Detective Morel had been petitioning to open up the nineteen-ninety case of the murder of Santino Benedetti. The family details have been a sordid one straight out of a Hollywood movie. That’s it from outside the district attorney’s office, I’m Anita Perez for GBC Television.”

I click off the news and switch it to the weather. It’s going to be a great day today. Spring is here, and I’m home. The news cameras are already shining outside my door.

“Sir, do you want me to shoo them away?” Martin asks, coming to stand at my side. It’s been a busy morning, and I just got off the phone with the DA an hour ago before this report came on the air.

“No, I’ll address them briefly.” I walk out of the house with my security to the front gate. I won’t open it because this isn’t worth more than a minute of my time.

“Mr. Benedetti, Mr. Benedetti,” the reporters shout. I raise my hand to silence them.

“I won’t be taking more than a couple of questions, so make it count.”

I point to one of the men in the front. “Mr. Benedetti, how are you feeling with the news of your estranged stepfather’s death?”

“As most of you have heard, he’s the reason my real father isn’t here. My mother and I suffered a lifetime of abuse from him. So all I can say is, I’m glad the son of a bitch is dead. My family can breathe a little easier. Next question.”

“Are you considered a suspect in his murder?”

“No, and I shouldn’t be. I wasn’t even here when he initially disappeared. I’d been on a month-long business trip in Africa with my wife. I didn’t have a hand in his death, but I’m not in the least bit sorry he’s gone. Now, that’s all I’m going to say. The rest speaks for itself.” I spin on my heel and start toward the house.

“Just one more question...” I pause and turn back around. “Do you have a clue who did it?”

“No, I don’t. He had a lot of enemies. I wouldn’t put it past anyone, but they deserve a fucking medal in my opinion. Have a great day.”

“Congratulations on your new son.”

“Thank you.” Giada hadn’t gotten pregnant right away. I wasn’t surprised that it took several months because she’d been malnourished for months, but Giada worried there was more to it. After seeing the doctor and reading up on all the medical articles and journals, we learned that after stopping birth control it can be hard to get pregnant right away. Since she hadn’t taken it for more than a year, we didn’t have to wait that long for the news that she was having my baby. Two days ago she gave birth and now my wonderful tiny family is resting. I think it’s time I joined them.

“Martin, I don’t want to be disturbed for the rest of the day.”

He grins, knowing that I’m greedy to hold my son. My father missed these moments, and I don’t want to take them for granted. “Yes, sir. What about dinner?”

“I’ll ask Giada what she wants. She needs her strength back.”

“Sounds good. I’ll let Rita know, but I can’t promise she’s not going to sneak up to see the little guy.”

“I know. I’m sure my mom is already up there with Giada.” He nods and walks away.

I open the bedroom door to see Giada on the bed, glowing as she nestles our son to her breast. My mother turns to look at me, and tears roll down her face. I walk over to her and pull her into my arms. “You look so much like your father. Sometimes it takes me by surprise. He’d be so proud of you.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m going to give you some time alone. I made Martin promise to take me to lunch.”

“Sounds great. Take extra security.”

“I will.” She gives me a kiss and then leaves the room, closing the door. I direct my attention back to my wife.

“How are you feeling, tesoro?”

“I’m wonderful. Even the residual pain can’t bring me down. Is everything okay?”

---