Page 27 of Capuleto

"Adriano has told me how upset he's been about what happened and thought of a solution to make us feel safer. A companion for Brutus, trained to protect." I rubbed the back of my neck.

"I don't know if such a dog would be good, considering there's a child living in this house and your allergy."

"Dad, those dogs don't attack family, they follow commands. I've watched a lot of documentaries and Nikita says that with antihistamines, and as long as they stay in the garden most of the time, she'll be fine."

"I'm not questioning that; I know your favorite thing to watch is animal documentaries."

"If you want, we can all go together, get it explained properly, and judge on the spot."

"Please, daddy, say yes." For once they agreed on something, and my son seemed excited, I wasn't going to argue.

"Okay, but I'm not promising we'll take one. I have to be very sure before bringing such an animal home."

Adriano hugged my legs and I lifted him into my arms for a spin, which he celebrated. I didn't miss the look from my sister, who smiled pleased and nodded towards Nikita, muttering a "well done."

"Julieta, darling," my father interrupted. "How would you and Irisha like to go to Italy for a few days, all expenses paid?" My sister-in-law's enthusiasm was immediate.

"Italy? Oh, yes! I've never been, I'd love to go with Julieta! They say the landscapes, the shops, and the food are wonderful," she cheered, grabbing her friend's hands.

"Isn't it dangerous, Massimo?" That was Jelena, who placed a hand on his arm, causing my wife to frown. I had also noticed the closeness between my father and my mother-in-law.

"I wouldn't put our daughters in danger. They'll be well escorted, plus, they'll be staying at my brother's house, there's no safer place in all of Calabria." She nodded in agreement.

"To Don Giuliano's house?!" my sister exclaimed.

"It's the baptism of Piero's son soon, someone has to go. Your brother and I can't, we have too much to sort out." She bit her lower lip. "Any problems?"

"I have a lot of work at the nail salon and Nikita needs to recover, she'll need help with Adriano..."

"It's only a few days. If you're busy at the salon, put someone in charge, and don't worry about your sister-in-law, she's strong as an oak, plus, there's Ana María if she needs someone to rely on."

My sister looked at me pleadingly. I would have intervened gladly if I didn't know it was a losing battle.

Julieta sighed resignedly.

"Alright, when are we leaving? Just so I can prepare myself and get everything sorted."

"The day after tomorrow, so you'll be fresh for Saturday, and I'll have time to choose the men who will accompany you. Now, let's toast to my daughter-in-law's return and to the glory of our family." We all grabbed our drinks. "Soon we'll rearrange the pieces on the board. To the Capulets and the Korolevas! Salute!"

"Salute!" we responded, hoping he was right.

13

Lady Killer

Iobserved those intense eyes, so bright and deep that they seemed like a pair of carved jewels.

The body was slender, athletic, clearly on alert and perfectly trained.

"Are you sure about this?" I questioned, looking at the enchanted faces of my wife and son. Both nodded. "They say these dogs go crazy," I commented, somewhat rushed.

"Crazy? That's nonsense. You won't find a saner, loyal, friendly, energetic, and protective dog than a Doberman."

"See, Dad? I told you it was a hoax, like that rumor at school about having three months of classes next year and the rest being vacation!" I rolled my eyes.

"What did you say the dog's name is?" I asked the trainer.

"It's a female, her name is Lady Killer."

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