Page 298 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

You were doing a LOT worse in here yesterday.

But I still kept going. “This is a place of worship! This is a – ”

“Get the fuck outta here, lady!” the short man yelled – but he holstered his gun, too.

“I’m saying prayers for my mother!” I said, my voice on the edge of tears – which was easy to do, considering how terrified I was. “She died – ”

“Last week, I heard,” the tall guy said. “You still have to leave.”

“But I don’t know if she died in a state of grace! She had cancer, but the priest got there too late for Last Rites! I don’t know if she – ”

“All right, allright,”the tall guy said wearily. “Say your prayers and get out.”

“What the fuck, man?!” the short guy shouted.

“Go check the confessional!” the tall man yelled back at him. “And stop cursing – it’s a church.”

“It’s a fuckin’ chapel,” the short guy said contemptuously.

“A chapel’s still a church. Nowcheck it.”

The short guy muttered curses under his breath as he walked over to the confession booth and opened both doors – first the one for the priest, then the one.

Thank God I didn’t hide in there.

“Empty,” the short guy announced, then said to his partner, “Go check in the back.”

As I lit another match and a couple of candles, the tall guy went to the back of the chapel and poked around.

Once he was satisfied no killers were hiding in wait, he walked over and pointed a finger at me.

“You got ten minutes. Say your prayers and get out.”

“Thank you,” I said gratefully.

I listened as they walked outside bickering.

“Why the fuck did you let her stay?”

“She’s just saying prayers. What’s the harm?”

“The harm is the boss’ll have your fuckin’ balls if she ain’t gone by the time he shows up!”

“She’s just a broad sayin’ prayers. She ain’t no threat.”

Once their voices faded away, I tiptoed over to the confessional booth and hid inside.

Please, Mother Mary…

I know I don’t deserve your help after what I did in here yesterday…

But please, PLEASE don’t let them find me.

106

Valentino

We arrived at the chapel shortly before noon.

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