Page 56 of Victorious Vice

How did this happen?

“Don’t let it get to you,” Hawk says again. “Emily’s about to make an announcement that we need to get to our tables for dinner. After dinner, you’re going to have to make your speech. Are you up for it?”

I steel my resolve. I stand straight.

Push my shoulders back.

The superhero pose.

I had to imagine myself in that pose when I was in the hospital, but it’s something my mother taught Robbie and me when we were little girls. That we could be Wonder Woman if we wanted to. All we needed was confidence, and the first step was to look confident.

I take that pose now, and then I take Hawk’s arm and walk to our table at the front of the ballroom. I catch him taking a few extra glances at the woman on Vinnie’s arm, but I decide not to say anything. I’d rather not think of her right now.

Falcon and Savannah, Robin, Emily, Mom and Dad, Hawk and I, and Eagle are seated here.

My skin is tingling with nerves. With anger. The meal, chosen by my sister off of Lorraine’s menu, is elegant. We begin with Texas Gulf crab cake garnished with avocado and mango salsa, and then on to roasted poblano corn soup with smoked paprika oil. Good old Texas staples and some of my favorites. Too bad they all taste like cardboard on my tongue.

The main course is seared filet mignon—with beef from Bellamy Ranch, of course—with chipotle bearnaise sauce and herb-infused butter served with garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus spears.

I converse with my tablemates, answering their questions in a haze as I force the tender steak down. Again, normally a favorite of mine, but I can’t enjoy it. I do my best to keep a happy face on.

The waitstaff clears the dinner plates, and dessert is laid out—tres leches cake with a bourbon caramel sauce.Once coffee and after-dinner drinks are served, my father wipes his lips with his napkin.

“You ready, sweetheart?” he says to me.

I glance around, looking for Vinnie. His table is near the back. I didn’t even know he was on the guest list. Hell, I didn’t even know he was back in the country.

“Give me a moment,” I say, rising. “I need to…gather my thoughts.”

“Of course.”

People begin talking again, visiting the silent auction tables. I make my rounds, breathing deeply, shaking hands and forcing smiles.

Until I see Vinnie walking toward me.

Alone.

18

VINNIE

Aweek earlier…

The old woman squints at me. “Is that really you, Mario?” She reaches a trembling hand toward me. “My God, you haven’t changed a bit.”

Mario. I do look a lot like him. When he was young, he looked remarkably like me, only he was a couple inches shorter.

“I knew you’d come, Mario.” Her eyes fill with tears. “I never stopped believing.”

She wipes at her eyes with the sleeve of her worn dress, her gaze never leaving my face. For a moment, I can only stand there in shock, my mind racing to catch up with what I am hearing. What should have been a simple mission is now turning into something far more complex.

Oh my God.Thisis why Mario sent me here. This is why he wanted Puzo out of the way. This is why he wanted to work with Agudelo. The territory is nothing.

This woman is why I’m here.

“Serena?” I say.

She nods, tears forming in her sunken eyes.

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