Page 120 of Vita Mia

Nico removed the folded piece of scrap paper. It had three words on it. “Il Macellaio- America.”

Mirabella stared down at the note and the message. It was Giovanni’s handwriting.

“Is it true? Is Carlo alive?” Nico demanded.

“No one can know, but yes.”

“I should have been told!” Nico’s voice boomed loud as thunder in the room.

“I’m sorry Nico. Giovanni had to protect Carlo. He couldn’t tell anyone.”

“Do you know how to get in contact with him?” Nico asked.

Mirabella nodded.

“He married Shae. They live in America. He has a different name now. I can contact her.”

Nico paced. “Gio wants Carlo to do it. Why? I should be the one!”

“Nico... calm down.”

“That motherfucker is going to pay.” Nico shouted at her. He slammed his fist into his other hand instead of the wall. Nico’s wall of defenses were beginning to crumble and his pain was frightening to her. She knew she couldn’t touch him again. One time was forgivable but these men lived by a code. She couldn’t offer him any other comfort.

Mirabella wiped her tears. “But there has to be a reason why Giovanni would pull Carlo back in for the job. We have to be smart. I think he needs you here Nico. With us. This can’t touch you or Domi. It can’t. We can’t lose anyone else. We have to get to Lorenzo.”

“What? Lorenzo? What do you mean?”

“I have a meeting with the Russians. It’s scheduled.”

“Why? What do they have to do with—“ Nico frowned. “He’s alive. Giovanni gave Lorenzo to the Russians?”

“Yes. He’s alive.”

“How am I consigliere when I know nothing?”

“How am I a wife when I know even less?” she asked.

Nico narrowed his eyes on her. “You know more than any of us. Don’t you.”

She lowered her gaze.

“Make the call Donna. Don’t worry. I’m not blinded by my pride. I don’t have any left,” Nico said and walked out.

***

HOUSTON, TEXAS - AMERICA

“Jilly! Answer the phone.”

“Okay Momma!”

Shae finished breakfast with enough time to spare to join the kids before their day began. Lucio had an early start as well. She wanted to make sure he ate before he left. Their construction business was growing. In just six months he’d managed to gain three lucrative contracts with the city. Today he had a meeting with his attorneys about hiring more laborers. She was so proud of him. He was talking about opening an electronics’ shop as well. He loved to fix things.

“Mama?”

“Jilly, is Rolando up? He’s going to take you to school this morning. I have a meeting with Doris.”

“Mama, the phone is for you.”

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