Page 246 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

“Did you hear what he said?”

“Not really… but I heard him mention Eliseo.”

Of course, it was all a lie.

When we were discussing the plan – when it went from just hiding the body to Isabella and Ludavica playing an important part – I’d told Isabella to mention theconsigliere’sname.

Why?she’d asked.

Just trust me.

Turns out I was right.

Don Vicari’s reaction was powerful and instant.

He stepped back, a look of shock on his face like he’d been slapped –

Then he leaned over and screamed at Isabella, “WHAT DID HE SAY?!”

Isabella flinched and started crying. “I don’t know! I just heard him say Eliseo’s name!”

I had to hand it to Isabella.

When she’d told me,I can lie to my father easier than you think,I’d thought she was being overly confident.

But – hell – evenIwas buying her performance.

Vicari stood up, his face a mask of rage, and paced back and forth like an angry tiger.

Finally he turned to Isabella and Ludavica. “The two of you – go to bed! NOW!”

They both scrambled for the door.

Once they were gone, Vicari turned to me.

“Let’s go,” he snarled.

“Where are we going?” I asked warily.

He smiled evilly. “I think you know.”

I did.

The barn.

“Can I change into dry clothes first?” I asked as I stood.

“No,” he said as he pushed me out the door.

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Vicari marched me through the darkness, an old-school kerosene lamp hanging from his hand. It was just the two of us, and he didn’t say a word the entire time.

I staggered along beside him, keeping the blanket wrapped around me tightly.

We finally reached the barn. A lone foot soldier was keeping watch.

“Open it,” Vicari barked.

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