Page 110 of Mafia King: Matteo
“Yes.”
“He used someone close to your family to kill your father. He’s paranoid. He will kill anyone who knows what he did, as it would start a war. He didn’t want my sister, but he didn’t want anyone else to have her. I stole those notes from her hiding place to prove their affair, the last time I saw her, and informed her of Luciano’s death. It’s the proof you need to do what you do in these situations.”
“And then you and your sister can inherit. Gabriella’s son, Vincenzu, takes over, and all is forgotten. An eye for an eye.”
“I hope that’s how it happens. Vincenzo and his sisters have had years of abuse at that man’s hands. I was powerless to stop it. I am doing what I can to help now.”
“You fear him,” I state as I pace back and forth in front of my fiancé. “One would be foolish not to. He has eyes and ears everywhere. Be careful. I have to go.” She stands.
I feel for the woman who has seen her sister suffer for years and was powerless to help her. Now, she’s trying to save her sister at the risk of her own life.
I hug her. “I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through.”
She returns my hug.
“I hear you are kind. I see that my great-niece is a wonderful woman. I hope to meet her one day. She’s safe with the Russians. Santino is crazy, but the alliance of your families means you outnumber the Morettis.”
“Does he know about her?” I won’t risk saying Izzy’s name in case Lucinda is wearing a recording device. If I learned one thing from Matteo, it’s that I have to be more careful with whom I trust.
“I saw a picture of her with Dmitry on the red carpet. I knew she had to be related. Her mother loved Alexsei. She has his eyes and our features. I never said a word to anyone, not even my sister. Santino would kill her to punish Alexsei. It all happened so long ago, but Santino holds grudges forever. He will never let go of the past. He doesn’t forgive or forget those who wronged him, even if it’s in his head. The family doesn’t support him, but no one can go against him. He is paranoid. I think the sins of those he has unjustly killed haunt him. He’s going crazy.”
“Thank you,” I reply as my eyes tear. I quickly brush them away as she slips out of sight.
Matteo stands. Gio approaches.
“We better move to be safe.”
“Agreed,” Matteo says as he slips his arm through mine as if we were alone in the park the entire time.
We’re safely in the limo heading home when Matteo informs Gio about the discussion with Lucinda.
Gio lets out a low whistle. “I never saw that coming. She handed you what you needed to take him out.”
“My father deserved what he got. He touched another man’s wife, but using Chiara to do his job for him crossed the line. When Alexsei learns that Santino is still a threat to Izzy, I’m sure he’ll side with us.” Matteo summarizes the issues, and we all know the solution.
Santino Moretti has to die.
CHAPTER 37
ALENA
Vito picks me up in the G-Wagon and drives me to my mother’s house. I sit in the back and call Izzy.
We chat, and I discuss the ups and downs of life in the mansion, leaving out the part about Matteo being hit with a bullet and the mysterious visit to the park.
I’m sure Matteo will resolve the issue with the Irish. Therefore, Dmitry doesn’t need to know. I trust Matteo to handle the situation. Izzy is thrilled the baby is kicking, and I wonder when that will happen to me. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have a human growing inside me.
“I assume my father will remain missing.” I was upset, but I knew it was coming. Mom might not have known how much trouble he was in.
“I think so, Alena. I’m sorry. I don’t know the details.”
“I didn’t expect you to know details; if you did, you can’t tell me. I need to prepare my mom for the long-term picture, y’know.”
“Sure. The gala was fun.” She changed the subject, and I’m grateful. “Did you have a good time?”
“Yes, I did. You looked incredible,” I say. “You were glowing.”
“No, you had the best gown,” she insists. “And I see how much you and Matteo love each other. We’re lucky women.”
