Page 318 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

“Sangre di mi sangre.”

Then she turned and hobbled over to me.

For a second, I was afraid she was going to plunge the blade into my heart –

But instead, she reached out for my hand and clasped it in hers, covering my fingers with her blood.

“Sangre di mi sangre.”

She turned back to Don Vicari. “These three are now protected. They aresangre di mi sangre.

“If any man here causes harm to them, it is aninfamia –and when I die and stand before the Heavenly Father, I will petition Him, the Son, the Virgin, and the Saints to let that man burn for all eternity – even if I have to burn alongside him.

“I am an old woman, and I know I will die first – but, God willing, I will lie in wait on the other side, and at the moment of that man’s death,I will drag him to Hell myself.”

She pointed at the doors.

“Now GO. And do not harm anyone gathered here today.I have spoken.”

Don Vicari’s men all looked at each other in shock –

And then, one by one, they filed out of the chapel.

Rocco looked at his father helplessly…

And then he bowed his head and walked out.

Only Don Vicari remained.

He glared at his grandmother –

Then turned to Isabella.

“You may be protected by her blood… but from this day forth, you are no daughter of mine.”

Isabella trembled and cried, but she remained silent.

Don Vicari turned to Dario. “Our agreement is ended. I may not be able to exact my vengeance on your brother, but know this: you and I are enemies from this day forth. I will oppose you at the Council – and I hope your uncle kills you and every one of your brothers.Slowly.”

“Noted,” Dario said in an ice-cold voice.

Finally, Don Vicari turned back to me.

All the hatred in Hell blazed in his eyes –

But he didn’t say anything.

I stared right back at him…

Slowly raised my hand, calling his attention to his grandmother’s blood…

And then twiddled my fingers at him.

Bye-bye.

I reallywantedto give him the finger…

But I’d learned a tiny bit of restraint over the last two weeks.

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