Page 109 of La Dolce Vita

Giovanni paused. His gaze swiveled from the frying pan to hisconsigliere."Sicily?"

"That's right. She was supposed to go to Paris but made a detour. Apparently, Mirabella wanted her to visit Francesca and pick up Rosetta. Did she mention it?"

"No," he said with concern. He threw the veal into the cast iron skillet and let it sizzle.

"Armando had our boys arrested by theCarabinieri. Catalina was trapped in Palermo. I had to have the cousins pick her up and take her to Mondello. I've moved everyone from Sicily. Like you wanted... we are at war. And she could have been caught in the crossfire Gio."

"Was she okay? Did anyone..."

"She's fine. I found her atMadre'sgrave. Crying."

Giovanni glanced back. "Madre?"

"Yes. She misses her."

"We all do," Giovanni said.

"Morning," Lorenzo said. "Gino! What's up, my little man?"

Gino left Giovanni’s side and went straight to Lorenzo, who tossed him up in the air. The toddler giggled and clapped his hands together.

"Change of plans," Giovanni said.

"Dominic will send for the doctor. She will meet Bella here. Today. And Lorenzo, call the Dons. The meeting is tonight. Make sure everyone can attend. We are going forward. We are telling the clans about Mirabella and Marietta."

"Now? But, Gio..."

"And then we are leaving for America."

"America?" Lorenzo gasped.

"For a week or so."

"I can't. I think I know how to draw Isabella out of hiding. I think I know where to find her."

Giovanni glanced back at him. Dominic too looked on. Lorenzo held Gino and smiled at the men. "Well? Say it?" Giovanni asked.

"Spoke to Carlo last night. He has a girl. She was sent to Banfi to spy on us. Get information to feed back to Baldamenti. The old man is sniffing in our backyard. And you know he does it for a purpose. I was thinking last night. Who has enough power to hide Isabella? Who has the biggest grudge against the family? Baldamenti is helping her, Gio. I feel it."

"Doesn't matter. You and Marietta are coming to America. I told you. I will deal with Isabella."

"How?" Dominic asked. "Lorenzo has a point, Gio. If Baldamenti is plotting against us, we need to focus there."

"We focus where I say!" Giovanni slammed the mallet on the counter. Gino jumped in Lorenzo's arms and hugged his neck. The men silenced. Giovanni regretted his reaction. He had worked hard to remain calm. It would make him happy to take his brothers into his confidence. Reveal all that he knew, and all he intended to do. But he knew he could not. This war between him and Isabella would end by his hand. He was close to finding the witch, and he wouldn't let anyone get in the way.

"Call the Dons. Call the doctor. We do this my way." Giovanni reached for his son. At first, Gino rejected him. Giovanni picked up a slice of cheese and offered it. Gino forgave him and came into his arms. He kissed his cheek.

Lorenzo stormed out. Giovanni didn't flinch. He cooked with Gino seated on his arm and removed the warmed over veal to a plate. He tossed a cube of butter into a cast iron pan for the eggs.

"Isabella is dangerous, Gio. We can't let her slip away," Dominic said.

"She won't."

***

Catalina lay in the bed staring at the phone. She could barely sleep. With Dominic gone from bed, her anxiety surfaced again.Should she call Armando?If she did, what leverage did she have? It wouldn't be wise to be caught off guard by him again. Not after the stunt he pulled in Mondello. She had to come up with a plan. A fast one.

She tossed her cover aside and sat up naked and afraid. Dominic had brought in her luggage. She went to her suitcase and got out her robe and vanity bag. She quickly went to the bathroom and freshened up. And then she left. It didn't take long to find the room Marietta shared with Lorenzo. She heard them arguing from the hall. Catalina crept to the door and listened. Their voices lowered. She went closer and put her ear to the door.

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