Page 71 of La Dolce Vita

“No. But you are shifting your focus. And that could be dangerous for the family. Are you thinking of the cost?”

"I accepted the cost of this life long ago.”

“But are you thinking of it? Of what it would do to your wife and kids? Of how you will be made to pay it? You killed Father Nicosia son, you wiped out an entire family of Calderones, you have blood on your hands.”

“I know this," Giovanni seethed.

"Don’t let revenge or arrogance blind you. Men are weak. Adam was nervous when Eve gave him the apple. Tomosino was weak when he saw your young mother walking home from school. I was weak when I stole Zia away from her family and then married her and trapped her in this life. But not you Giovanni. That’s what separates you from us. That’s what your father saw in you, what the clans see in you, what I see in you. You’re strong enough to be the man they fear and the man she loves."

"My strength is only as lasting as my power. And I need your help. Whatever it is you can tell me about Isabella. Tell me now. No more secrets. Tell me and all is forgiven. You can come back into the family.”

"I didn't betray you son. I am not holding any secrets.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Neither did your father. That’s why he put me here. Because once one lie is told no one looks at you for the truth. You’re branded a liar."

“I need to know where you think she would hide? Who would hide her? She’s using people from the old Don's to help her. I’ve found that out. I’ve met with the Dons in Sicily.”

“You have?” Rocco frowned.

“They think you know more about her than you’re telling me.”

“I don’t.”

“They think you do!” Giovanni narrowed his eyes on him.

“I don’t know son. If I had an idea that she was out there hurting our family, I would have told you. They think I do because of my sister. Our relationship. It was no secret to them that we were never loyal to your father. So, they think I’m not loyal to you.”

“I have to find her. Me. Not Lorenzo or Domi. Me. Now tell me, Rocco. Where is she?"

“If you want to find Isabella, you have to think like her. An outsider, avenging a father she thinks she never had. Sound familiar? She has resources and money. That has to come from our world. But who is out there left to fund her crazy mission? Who hates you enough to do it?”

Giovanni wiped his jaw and considered it. “She 's closer to home than any of us think.”

"She's running on emotion and borrowed time. She can’t keep slipping away from you," Rocco said.

"I forgive you, uncle. I don't think it's wise to trust you," Giovanni said.

"I have no cause. I'm old; I'll die, and there will be nothing left of me but dust. No son, no legacy, nothing but a broken hearted wife I never deserved. What will be your legacy? Killing Isabella is necessary. But holding on to your power can only be done if you clean out the clans. Take complete control." He raised is the cane and pointed it at Giovanni. "If you do that, the target on your back will never go away. You understand?"

"I'm going after it all, Rocco. Not just the Campania. I'm taking the Mafioso with me. I’ve already planted the seeds. Armando Mancini is living on borrowed time. He thinks I want his father’s legacy. I want what I’ve always wanted since I was a kid. I want him dead. Once they are all dead, Mirabella will be safe."

"Foolish," Rocco said. “Maybe Domi’s plan is better. Maybe there’s time for you to walk away? Give your family a different life.”

"I don’t need your approval. You're my uncle, and I love you. But hear me, old man. I will find her, and before I cut out her tongue, she is going to spill every secret. If I find out you have kept anything from me. Banishment is the least of your worries." Giovanni said.

Rocco turned on his cane and walked off.

“There is nothing left to say,” Rocco said.

***

“Of course, this place would have a wine cellar," Marietta mumbled. She rubbed her hand on the side of the wall and felt for a light switch. There wasn't one. It wasn't completely dark below, so there must have been a window somewhere down there. Still, the steps were covered in shadows. She had to be careful.

Marietta began to descend. Lunch could not proceed without a glass of wine. Though she doubted Lorenzo would make it back in time to join them. She'd have a nice bottle for him when he did return to celebrate.

"What are you doing down here?" a man asked.

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