Page 63 of Memento Mori
He looked at me with a smile full of empathy. “I understand. If there’s anything the staff can do to make you more comfortable let them know,” he said before walking away.
Wiping the tears from my eyes, I let out a heavy sigh before facing the Rizzo soldiers, who stood in silence, waiting for news on their Don’s condition.
“Your Don remains in critical, but stable condition, which is good news considering the situation. All bullets have been removed except one.”
“Why wasn’t that one removed, Donna?” Franco asked with a deep frown on his face.
I took a deep breath then released it. “It’s dangerously close to his spine,” I explained. “Doctor Romero has recommended he undergo another surgery but had to let me make that decision. So, it’s being scheduled as we speak. When I hear any more, I will let you know.”
I shared all the information, carefully avoiding any mention of the possibility of Tony ending up paralyzed. I didn’t care, but for this organization that would only show weakness. Something I’d be damned I’d let happen. They all seemed to accept the information I had given them, which was good.
“Donna?” I directed all my concentration towards Luca. “What do you need from the estate?” he asked. “I’ll send a couple of men.”
As frustration set in, I pinched the bridge of my nose, hoping to find some relief. “I will need clothes, Luca.”
“I’ll have Avia pack you a bag and cook you some food.”
“Thank you.”
With a nod, he made his way towards a cluster of men, their footsteps echoing as they walked out of the room together. Restless, I began to pace, the sound of my footsteps filling the silence. I didn’t know what else I could do. I felt so helpless sitting here while he was alone in some room hooked to machines.
“Come sit,” Abel said, interrupting my restless pacing.
I took the seat in the corner away from everyone. It wasn’t that I wasn’t appreciative of the men in this room. All had put their lives on the line for this Family, but I didn’t want any company. I wanted to be alone to process everything.
I got the sense that Abel understood. While he had ushered me to my seat, he didn’t sit alongside of me, but on the opposite side of the room where the other men were sitting.
***
As I slowly regained consciousness, I felt someone shaking me, jolting me back to reality. As soon as my eyes met Alessandro’s, a fresh wave of tears welled up. He pulled me into his arms and once again I couldn’t stop the tears from falling. I didn’t know how many hours had passed but I had to be asleep for a long time if he was here.
“He’s going to be fine,” he said, trying to calm me down.
I chose not to voice my thoughts or opinions. I prayed that he’d pull through, but I wasn’t so sure. “They’ve done surgery and repaired the damage, but one bullet is close to his spine.”
“Is he paralyzed?” he asked, his voice filled with concern and worry.
“No, but if he doesn’t have this surgery, the doctor says the bullet may shift later which could cause paralysis. I’ve agreed to let them do the surgery.”
He let out a deep sigh. “I agree with your decision. When’s the surgery?”
“I haven’t been giving any information on that yet.”
“Okay. Well, you focus on everything here. His wishes were that you remain in power, which I’ve already announced. Of course, there are those who aren’t happy, but they’ll get over it.”
I expected people not to be happy with that decision. Often the Underboss would take the Don’s place.
“As of right now, Cisero is handling everything,” Alessandro said. “You need to meet with the other Families as soon as possible but you have to be prepared for the pushback. They don’t want you leading. Do you think you can handle it?”
Of course, I knew they didn’t want me to lead, but none of that mattered. I was the Donna of this family and while my husband couldn’t lead, I sure as hell would. I’d make him proud to call me his wife, and I’d make all of them pay for underestimating how cruel I could be.
“Of course, I can.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
BE NICE
Aaliyah
