Page 15 of Mafia Priest

I set the photo down. I’m turning to rejoin Mancini when I notice a flash of movement beneath the desk. Instinctively, I know it’s her. My stomach sinks. Did she not listen to a fucking word I said last night? First she ran her mouth to her guard, and now this? Although maybe this can work to my advantage…

“A lovely family portrait, sir. But I’m afraid I don’t understand,” I say, playing dumb as I sit back down. “Is there some sin you need to confess?”

“What’s the use? We both know where men like us end up. The priesthood won’t save you any more than building the cathedral saved me.”

“There’s always time to repent and seek God’s forgiveness,” I say, playing the part he expects, hoping Bianca will have the sense to stay hidden. Thank God Mancini chose a chair not facing his desk.

“Horse shit. There’s only room for strength in this business, not piety. I just wish my grandchild could see that.”

He wheezes but appears determined to continue, so I remain silent, hoping Bianca will do the same. I need Mancini to talk. He’s all but confessed already. Yet I know all too well how powerful denial is, particularly when it comes to family. This will be easier if she knows what kind of monster heads hers.

Finally, he catches his breath. “I’m going to go to my grave with her hating me, but her marriage is as necessary as eliminating Franzetti was. What am I to do?”

Jackpot. I knew the old fucker was guilty. And now Bianca knows, too, without me telling her. Now if I can just sell my plan.

“She was distraught last night. You realize I’d be breaking my vows if I married her against her will?”

“Need I remind you of your loyalties,Padre?” Mancini snarls. But then he deflates, jowls sagging. “I do hate seeing her so unhappy, but la famiglia comes first.”

Continuing to play the fucking part, I keep my tone conciliatory. “Of course, Don Marco. She needs a powerful husband. But surely there are less objectionable options you could present her with, let her feel like she has a choice? A young man closer to her age, perhaps?”

He shakes his head. “This can’t leave this room, but the sad truth is that I don’t have long left. I must ensure the strength of my successor. Guido is shrewd at business and proved his loyalty by eliminating Franzetti for me. But he doesn’t have the men’s affection. My granddaughter does. Their union will prevent a civil war.”

“I understand your concerns, but it will hardly inspire loyalty if she doesn’t appear to be ahappybride. Where is Lombardi, by the way? He hasn’t been at church.”

“Out west, taking care of business,” he says, confirming Moretti’s story. “It’s at least another two weeks before he can get away. So tell me, how do I convince her in that time?”

Sick over doing so in front of Bianca, I deliver the lines I’m praying will work. “Forgive me for speaking bluntly, sir, but you’ve spoiled her. She needs to be taught her place, the old ways, the importance of family and obedience. Once she understands those things, she’ll fall into line.”

“Fair points.” He sighs. “But how? Other than church, I’ve kept her locked in the house all week. It’s made no difference.”

I roll my eyes. “You’re keeping her here like some pampered pet in the lap of luxury. Show her what she has to lose. Or rather—let the sisters in Palermo show her.”

“The convent? Out of the question. While I have no doubt the nuns would be persuasive, I couldn’t ensure her safety. My men wouldn’t be permitted inside.”

“Mostmen wouldn’t.” I fold my hands in front of me. “But there are men they make exceptions for, and while I may have taken the cloth, you’re aware of my capabilities.”

“You’d do that for me? Leave your parish to watch over my little girl?”

“Family comes first.” I shrug. “And whatever you may think, Ihaven’tforgotten where my loyalties lie.”

“She won’t go willingly…”

“Leave that to me. Once I speak with her, she’ll see that this is best for everyone,” I say, hoping that it’s true.

Because Ineedto get Bianca out of here before things heat up. And after talking to Moretti last night and my brother Dominic this morning, I have no doubt that they will. Given Lombardi’s activities in California and the don’s approval of them, there’s no clean way to extricate her from this.

Mancini stands. “I’ll have one of my men fetch her. I’m in your debt, Padre.”

“No need for that.” I rise to my feet, mentally cursing Bianca fornot fucking listening. “I’ll speak with her after dinner. There are calls I should place to Italy before it gets much later. Just arrange for safe transport. After dinner, you can have her pack her things—her sister’s, too. Keeping Elise close by will make it easier to persuade Bianca of where her duty lies.”

“My girls will be in good hands.” Mancini drags his wheeled oxygen tank alongside him as he walks slowly toward the door. “Dinner’s not for a while yet. Forgive an old man for needing to rest. But I’ll have my consigliere make arrangements, and I’ll put in a call to the bishop.”

“I appreciate that, sir. She’ll fall into line. I’ll make sure of it,” I say, praying Bianca knows I’m lying. “Do you mind if I use your office to make those calls?”

“My office is your office.” He gestures expansively. “You’re a good man, Romano. I’d give a dozen of my men to have you running one of my crews.”

Inwardly, I wince at his use of that name in her hearing. “It’s my pleasure, sir.”

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