Page 13 of Carlo
Bruno’s eyes narrow and then switch to Mariano. “We’re still newlyweds, so I agree with Matteo. Let’s get back to the Verrazanos. That’s why you called us here.”
“I called you here because I’m going to make some moves that will shake things up. The Verrazanos will pay. However,they won’t go down easy. Keep your families close. Watch your backs. Watch each other’s backs. We are going to war.”
“Bruno, you can’t declare war and say I’m sidelined at the same time—”
“You have a wife and child to think about.”
“All soldiers do,” I grit. “My wife understands that, and she has no more love for the Verrazanos than you do
Bruno nods. “If necessary, you can send her to stay with her father for a little while until this is over.”
His suggestion grenades inside my gut. I explode. “Hell no. I protect them.”
“I understand.” Bruno clears his throat. “In the event…” He wipes a hand under his collar. Taps his fingers on the desk before continuing. “If something happens to me…” We break in with protests, but he stops us. “It’s a fact of our lives. A possibility we live with daily.” He rolls his shoulders back. Who is this man? Bruno, our big brother, is never nervous. His nerves place us all on the edge of our seats.
“If anything happens to me, there is someone I need you to protect.” We murmur assent. Of course, we will. “Her name is Attia Wilson. If anything happens to me, protect her. Provide for her… and her son.”
Our mouths drop, and all our lives change.
Valeria’s Epilogue
Six months later…
Carlo and I are strolling through the park with Caterina between us. She’s swinging her arms and laughing at something on her tablet. Her therapist advised against too many electronics, but we decided to ease her back into it. She’s happy, and that’s all that matters.
Her voice is constant now. She sings and chats with anyone who will listen. She even talked her way into a new puppy from a breeder who’d been looking for homes for his puppies. Her grandmother was so impressed with her ability to talk someone out of a litter of pups that she gave her an old brooch. It had belonged to her mother. We were shocked when she handed it to her. The Verrazanos don’t hand over their treasures easily. But they seem to be trying. It’s a slow process. But it’s worth it.
Carlo and I have our own peace treaty to deal with. His brothers didn’t take it well when I pleaded with them to stay out of it. But I knew it was the only way to end the bloodshed. My husband wasn’t happy with it, but he agreed. As long as I never have to beg for my daughter’s life again, we’re good.
We’re walking toward the lake when a little boy runs past us with a ball. He trips and it rolls into our path. Caterina picks it up and hands it back to him. She doesn’t even ask for a thank you. I’m beaming with pride. Carlo squeezes my arm and whispers. “She’s amazing.”
“Yes, she is.”
We start to walk again when a voice calls out. “Mrs. Falcone?”
I turn around and stare into the face of a stranger. One who seems vaguely familiar. “Yes,” I answer, glancing at Carlo for his permission. He nods and steps back. The stranger comes closer. “It’s me. Remember? Peter.”
My mind scrambles for a moment before it clicks. “Peter.” I laugh. “Of course. How are you?”
He grins and waves off my question. “I’m great. I see you’re doing well too.”
I nod, and look back at Carlo who’s watching us with narrowed eyes. “Yes, we are.” I look back at Peter. “Have you met my husband, Carlo Falcone?”
“Not yet. Nice to meet you, Mr. Falcone.”
Carlo shakes his hand. “Likewise.” He looks at me with a silent question in his eyes. Who is this guy?
I smile and shrug. “Peter and I were childhood friends.” I explain.
“But that was years ago. We haven’t spoken in ages.” Peter says.
“That’s a shame.” Carlo interjects. “You’ll have to come by the house sometime. Bring your wife. We can have a cookout or something.”
Peter laughs. “I appreciate that. But I’m not married.”
“Oh.” I don’t know what to say. Especially not when Carlo’s smile freezes. I squeeze his hand and wave Peter away. “It was good seeing you again.”
He smiles and steps back. “It was. Take care, Valeria.”
