Page 153 of Carnal

"Bullshit. She wouldn't forget me," I claim.

Papà points to the chair. "Sit, Tristano."

"I'm fine."

"Now," he orders.

I hand the joint back to Luca and plop in the armchair. "If you're going to lecture me, save it."

"That's not what this is," Papà claims.

"No? Then what is it?"

He sighs. Concern fills his face, and that scares me more than anything. He hesitates then replies, "You need to be prepared that she may have agreed to marry him."

"There's no way in hell she'd do that," I seethe.

"If she doesn't remember any of—"

"She wouldn't," I insist, then rise. "You two twiddle your thumbs. I'm going to get Pina back."

"Sit down," Papà barks.

"I'm not listening to this—"

"You found her?" Dante asks.

I spin. It's no secret I feel and look horrible, but Pina's absence has had a similar effect on Dante. I curse myself for not going to him instead of Papà.

"She was transferred to Jacopo's this morning," Luca states.

Dante clenches his jaw. His eyes turn into dark slits. He locks eyes with me.

"You ready to get her?" I ask.

He glances at Papà.

"Are you serious right now? You're going to ask Papà for permission to save the one person who's been more loyal to you than anyone?" I accuse.

"It's not like that, and you know it," Dante claims.

"Bullshit!"

"You can't just shoot your way into Jacopo's. You'll die, and she might, too," he declares.

"Saturday night at Bella Bella's," Luca says.

"What's that?" Dante questions.

I snarl, "Biagio and Pina's engagement party."

Dante's eyes widen. He slowly shakes his head. "No way she'd marry him."

"She won't have a choice," Papà quietly asserts.

I stare at the ceiling, wishing there was a simple solution and wondering what she's gone through. Even if I get her back, will things ever return to normal? Has he done things to her she'll never be able to forget?

Luca breaks the silence. "I'll put a plan together for Saturday."

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