Page 86 of Merciless Monster

“She’s your best friend. Do you expect me to believe that she didn’t tell you where she was going? Do you take me for a fool?”

“No, I don’t. I also know that Mia is no fool either. Do you really think she’s going to confide in me after I kept my mouth shut about what you do for a living, cousin? I betrayed her once. She isn’t likely to turn the other cheek so I can do it to her again.”

“Fuck it all. I’m worried about her, Gina. Mia has no idea what kind of danger she could be in if my enemies find out who and where is.”

“Whose fault is that, Dante?”

“That’s a low blow, cousin. You know I love her. I won’t let anything happen to her. That’s why I wanted Mia and Angelo to come with me to Rome. I never should have left her behind.”

“Mia will be fine, Dante. She’s tougher than you think.”

“So are the people who hate me.”

* * *

If I was pissy before, I’m now a raving lunatic waiting for a place to explode. The meeting today with the Don’s from the other families in the area is bound to get a little explosive.

Don Corelli hates me. He’s been systematically working his way through the group, spouting shit about me in their ears for months now. But I’m ready for him today. I’m not taking anymore shit from that treacherous bastard. Come to think about it, I would be at all surprised if it was Corelli who was behind Kyle’s attack on me.

The mob business isn’t always as transparent and predictable as it would seem. Thugs hide behind respectability and donations to charities, when all they truly are, are low lives who will betray their mothers to advance.

Corelli is such a rat. There isn’t an ounce of honor in that bastard.

“What did Gina say?” Elio asks as I get into the car.

“Mia left LA for a while. She says she doesn;t know where Mia is. Only that she needed time away.”

“Do you believe her?”

“Does it matter? What am I going to do? Torture our cousin until she spills the beans?”

“Yeah, Mamma may be a little pissed if you tried that.”

“Gina’s mom is Mamma’s favorite cousin. She’d skin me alive.”

“Blood women and their sisterhood bullshit. Can you imagine what men could accomplish if we had that kind of bond between ourselves?”

“What are you going to do?”

“What can I do? America isn’t Italy. It’s a big place. Lots of states to hide in. I would know where to start.”

“The best thing you can do now is be patient and try not to lose your mind, brother. If Mia loves you, like you said she does, she’ll come around.”

“I don’t know if I can wait that long. In the meantime I’m losing precious time with my son. I already lost the first five years of the child’s life.”

“He’s not going anywhere, Dante. Be patient. I need you to focus on what we’re about to walk into. I hear Corelli is making alliances. We have to be careful of that snake.”

“Oh, please God let him challenge me today. I’m so ready for him. I’m itching to pop a cap in that man’s skull.”

“Looks like I created a monster.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Have you already forgotten Rocky Gate in the mountains, slugger?”

“Oh, that. Corelli wishes he could walk away with a broken jaw and a fractured eye socket. He’s be so fucking lucky.”

“There he is. The Don with the ten pound hammer fist. I feel the same as you do, bro. I think it’s high time Corelli reaps the rewards for his meddling.”

---