Page 25 of Hush 3: Hidden Family

Can’t Stop Me

Uri

“She is happy and safe. That’s all that matters to me,” Don Trovati says as he looks over the pictures I’ve handed him of Symphony.

He is right. She has been happier in the last few months since we pulled her from that school and started to homeschool her. We all spend time with her to make up for the socializing Michael was so worried about.

I believe she enjoys that more than trying to make friends with kids her own age. I tend to enjoy the time I spend with the young girl. She’s extremely smart and observant.

Many times, she doesn’t need us to engage her. Our presence in the room alone keeps her complacent. Symphony prefers to read or play the piano. We are most times fixtures in the room as she entertains herself—reading about music, construction and demolition, architecture, medicine, and computer science.

“That is something I’ve come to speak with you about,” I say.

“Oh?”

“Michael believes it might be in her best interest to send her back to the States. He would like to enroll her into a school for the arts.”

“Will that be wise?” He threads his brows and begins to look concerned.

“No one will expect to find her there. She has demonstrated a love for playing the piano. All those photos were taken while she was playing or after she finished her practice for the day.

“I don’t disagree with Michael. I believe she will thrive. I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors.

“Things are becoming increasingly dangerous here. If not for Don Locatelli, I would have killed your brother by now. He has my name in his mouth way too much.”

“Yes, I have heard a lot. I know he has been asking about her marriage and connection to the Donati family. I have spoken with your uncle about this a number of times.

“He was ready to have my head, but I have smoothed things over with him. I believe he was amused with Michael’s decision. As was I,” Don Trovati says.

“My brother thinks differently from most. Symphony’s wellbeing is important to him. He does all he can to ensure her happiness.”

“This I am grateful for, but her safety is just as important to me.”

I scoff. Her safety has never been in question. We protect Symphony as if she’s a national treasure.

“If he comes for Symphony, I will kill him, and no one will be able to stop me. I do not care if it starts a war. She is my family, and I take her welfare personally. I suggest you let your brother know she is under my protection.

“Stop asking about her and stop asking about me. He is only getting this courtesy because of you. I don’t repeat myself.”

“Do not underestimate how much my brother wants to run this family. He will face you and whatever wrath you bring to accomplish this. He does not see that the families he has aligned himself with are only allies because he has something to offer them.

“Once they get what they want, he will be expendable. If this is what Michael thinks is best, let him send her to this school. Leonardo will overplay his hand, and we will answer when he does,” Don Trovati says with conviction.

I say nothing. I meant what I said. If Leonardo Trovati steps out of line, I will put him in his place.

Leonardo

“Why can’t any of you get to this child?” I seethe.

“The don has given her to Uri Donati. She has married into the Donati family. It is not as easy as you think to get to anyone in that family,” Elio says like a pussy.

I turn to look him right in his hazel eyes. He’s been with me for too long to think I give a fuck how hard this might be. I glare at him until he looks away from me and drops his head.

Our childhood friendship is the only thing keeping me from putting a bullet in his head. He’s been more like a brother to methan my own. I certainly have more love for him than I do for my blood brother.

“Tell me something I don’t know. I know who my brother gave her to. Someone kill that bastard and bring me the girl,” I snap.

“That’s a suicide mission,” one of Elio’s guys says.

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