Page 124 of Vita Mia

Chapter Twenty-One

Retribution

Napoli Italy

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“MORNING NICO,” MIRABELLAsaid. She poured herself a cup of coffee and an extra cup for him.

“Buongiorno Donna,” Nico said. He walked over to the table and sat in nothing but his jeans. Bare chested, Mirabella saw his tattoo for the first time and his muscular form. His chest was broader than even her husbands and his arms were so powerful looking they looked like they’d been carved from stone.

“Didn’t think anyone would be up this early. I would have put on a shirt,” he apologized.

“Couldn’t sleep,” Mirabella said. “Last night was horrible. I tried talking to Kyra. She’s distraught. There’s nothing I can do or say to help her pain.”

Nico glanced at his watch. “Did Carlo call back?”

“I left a message on their phone with this number to reach me. So far I’ve heard nothing.” Mirabella sipped her coffee and stared at Nico who never lifted his gaze from the coffee in his mug. “I believe Domi will be here today.”

Nico nodded. He sipped his coffee. They sat in silence.

“Why does this warden hate Giovanni so much?” she asked. “To kill Renaldo? Is he working for someone?”

Nico shrugged.

“It’s the prison. Every time Giovanni wanted to destroy one of the clan bosses he made sure they were sent there. It’s purgatory for any man in our world. The gateway to Hell.“

“You said he was killing the Puglia’s too?” Mirabella asked.

Nico nodded. “A nephew and son of Santoro is already dead. They were dead before we arrived. It’s the reason for the war of the clans and why street bombings started.”

“So, we can’t make allies out of the Puglias. Join together to do something about this warden.”

“No,” Nico replied. “They want Giovanni to suffer as much as the warden does.”

“Without Carlo, there’s really no way to stop this warden?” she pressed.

“You said you are trying to meet with the President of the Campania? That may help.”

“He hasn’t returned our calls,” Mirabella replied. “And his actress girlfriend declined my invite to dinner. We are losing face and power all through the Campania.”

“But the Russians have responded?”

It was Mirabella’s turn to lower her gaze. “Yes. Tarzan sent a message for us to meet him after midnight. We have to work together. That means I have to trust you.”

“Why wouldn’t you trust me?”

Mirabella looked up into his eyes. She felt such hopelessness. And she knew that Nico knew that feeling. She still couldn’t bring herself to confess it all to him. The plan Giovanni had could only work if she handled every detail as he instructed. And that meant using every man, friend and enemy to their benefit. She tried it with Renaldo, denying him help. And now Renaldo was dead. Could she sacrifice Nico as well?

“I want to change lawyers,” Mirabella said.

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