Page 30 of King

Guido didn’t deserve that and I know it.

I realize that Zina never took a plate of food for him.

The roast lamb smells incredible as I dish up thick slices of it for Guido and pour a generous amount of gravy over the vegetables and the meat on his plate.

It’s the least I can do. I sigh.

I carry the plate upstairs, wondering what I need to do to make this right. To fix all of this. Is it something I’m supposed to just lay the law down on? Or do I need to let them sort it out between themselves?

Zina is right though - I should have stayed neutral this evening.

I’m about to reach up and knock on Guido ’s open door when I hear them whispering.

Zina is sitting on his bed with her arms wrapped around his shoulders. Guido is sitting stiffly, looking utterly miserable.

“I know, honey.” She says softly.

“You know me, mom. Please tell me you don’t believe I would steal from him.”

“I do know you, honey. I know you wouldn’t steal. I’m so sorry about all of this. I thought coming here was the right thing.”

“I don’t care what they think of me, mom. I just need you to believe me.” His voice is thick with emotion.

She takes his face in her hands and forces him to look into her eyes. His face is still coated in blood.

“Guido , I know who you are. I know you have a good, kind and strong heart. Don’t let them bring you down.” She says sternly.

I clear my throat and both of them jump.

Zina stands up, spinning to face me with shock in her eyes.

“What is this?” She snaps.

“Guido , wanted to bring you some food. Can I get you anything else? Pain killers or - uh - anything?” I step inside, oddly uncertain of myself. This is the first time I’m really talking to my son.

“I’ll be in my room.” Zina says quickly, glancing at Guido . He nods tightly. She walks past me and her scent brushes over me.

When she’s gone, I set his food down on the bedside table.

“Let me get a look at you.” I say, standing in front of him.

He tilts his head up, not saying a word. He won’t make eye contact.

I take his jaw in my hand and examine the bruises and the cut on his lip.

“Give me a second. I’ll get the med kit. We’ll disinfect for you.”

“Don’t bother yourself.” Guido says, calm but angry.

I pause and let out a heavy breath.

“I’m sorry, Guido . What I did downstairs was not fair.”

For the first time since I walk in he looks directly at me.

His eyes are filled with curiosity.

I shake my head. “I was wrong.” I say again. “And I will have a word with Santino.”

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