Page 146 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“Oh, Nonno. We weren’t ready. The time is perfect. We’ve finally grown up. I’ve finally let go and taken the steps to heal.”

“Yes, but you have lost the most. Your sacrifices have been the greatest. This thing doesn’t even want you, but you have stood next to my grandson as he makes it his. I want you to know my home and anything else you desire is yours.”

“Thank you, Nonno.”

“I’m getting old. I won’t be traveling as much, but I want you to know my door is always open.”

“Wait. You won’t come to see the babies?”

“Ah, if you and Michelangelo have children, I will be there.”

For the first time, I notice how tired he looks. I reach for his hand and cover it with mine. “In that case. You take good care of yourself. I will be here every summer with yournipoti.”

“And I will step in to walk you down the aisle. That is if you will have me.”

“Oh,Nonno. I would love that.”

Elijah will probably want to, but they both can. Heck, I’ll have two grooms. Why not?

He chuckles. “I hear our little Bella has been making her family proud. You protect our family.Ti amo, mia nipote,” he says with a smile.

“I will. I promise. I love you too,Nonno.”

* * *

Gio

I know this isn’t ideal, but after Ma placed herself in danger to see Lizzy and Carleen, I had to do this. I’ve brought Dario and Dante to this church not far from the farm so Ma can get a look at them.

With eleven of the master dolls watching over her, I thought this was the right time to do this. Ny’s at the house visiting Nonno. The old man was so happy when I asked him to use the house for the wedding.

Nonno looks tired. I need to finish this and give him peace. I would never forgive myself if I didn’t do this while he’s still breathing.

“You all right?” Dario asks.

“Yeah, I have a lot to do when we get back.”

I spot Ma while Dario is talking. Dante is lighting a candle. Ma has her eyes on him. She covers her mouth as if she’s sobbing. Blake goes over and wraps her shoulders, whispering something in her ear.

“You guys ready?” Dante asks while making the sign of the cross and turning to us.

“Yeah.” I nod.

It’s time to close this coffin.

Chapter 62

Enlisted Help

Gio

I’m not inhuman. I just get shit done. Some things are a necessary evil. Peter Hall has tons of shit on my family on his computer. He also has shit about a lot of the individuals I’ve erased.

Some he dug up and some I’ve had placed there. All incriminating, but anything that could implicate my family has been removed. Everything else—I’ve linked all that shit to Riccardo, Barbieri, and any family not connected to my blood.

Talon was nice enough to let me know when Peter became less interesting and untouchable. After all, the agency is low on resources. They can’t afford to waste them.

Now I need Peter to draw FBI attention in the right way. The best way to do that? The kidnapping of a six-year-old from an affluent family. Yeah, yeah, I have gone too far, but trust me, I’m in control.

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