Page 45 of Vita Mia

“Yeah, that’s him. He wanted to know about your time with us in America. You right, we may be different men but we still men who care about family. I didn’t tell him shit. You need to be careful. This thing you do, seems like it has an expiration date.”

“I know that better than anyone.” Giovanni smirked.

“Tell Mira... we done decided to part ways. She made her choice and she has a new family. Virginia ain’t home for her anymore. Not because we want to punish her, but because my Minnie is suffering and she is my priority. I have to protect my family, even if it mean protecting them from her.”

“I will help Bella understand the state of things. And when Minnie does feel better, she needs to know that my Bella loved Belinda and did everything in her power to show her love when she was with us.”

“I believe that,” Clyde said.

Giovanni glanced to his driver in the parking lot. He nodded. The black sedan pulled out of the parking spot and drove over to them. Clyde gave him a final parting nod before he walked away. It was the last he would ever see of him. They both knew it. They both agreed to it.

He turned to head back into the hospital when another car swerved out in front of him. He didn’t flinch but the men who were always his shadow did. They had their guns ready and were rushing to protect him. The person on the driver side got out with a gun. He only aimed it at Giovanni.

“Don Santoro, wants to speak with you. Now.”

Giovanni looked to his men with their weapons aimed at the assassin and shook his head no. They didn’t readily obey. He would not have any violence near his wife and children. Not again. He walked over to the back passenger side door and it was opened for him. He got inside the car.

The Don was seated and staring straight ahead.

“You come to my daughter’s hospital for a meeting?”

“You have not returned my calls. There is no Dominic to handle your affairs. And your errand boy, the Butcher, never showed up at the courts as promised.” Don Santoro glanced his way. “I told you, Giovanni. I’m not your pet. My sons rot behind bars and face serious charges. They are being tortured by that psycho warden who hates the Camorra. Their lives are at stake. The Russians have infested my territories in the Campania with bad drugs and nasty whores. What I’ve said about you has always been true. Your word means nothing.”

“Your sons were stealing from the Camorristi and the Russians. They were caught. Jail is an unpleasant place.”

“Not the Camorristi. They were stealing from you. Stealing back what you have been taking from us by giving our contraband to the Russians.”

“Semantics,” Giovanni dismissed.

“I will not play this game. I understand there has been tragedy for you. I have been patient. But you either have my boys released or our working agreement is done.”

Giovanni smiled. “You haven’t learned anything. There is no working agreement Santoro. I’ve taken it back. We don’t need a Puglia dog feeding from our table. The Camorristi supports my decision. As far as your sons go. You are right. They can rot.”

Giovanni opened the car door and Don Santoro grabbed his arm. “You don’t want to dismiss me, Gio. Not when it comes to my children. If they are not released in forty-eight hours our truce with the Campania is over. Fuck you and your Camorristi. I am Puglia, and I am no dog. Your father taught you nothing. But I will teach you, son. I will teach all of you. And you my friend will be the one left to rot.”

Giovanni looked down at the grip the old Don had on his arm. The man released him. Giovanni gave him a nod of understanding and got out of the car. Renaldo approached.

“Boss? The men should have never let them get this close.”

“I expected the visit,” Giovanni said.

“I got a call from Domi. He and Catalina are coming with the baby. Two days she will be clear to travel.”

“Two days? Enough time. What about Carlo?”

“The American woman has agreed to come to Sorrento to visit him. Maybe you’re wrong boss. Maybe this will work out.”

Giovanni watched the Santoro’s drive away. “I’m not wrong, and that’s the problem.”

Giovanni turned and went back inside.

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