Page 58 of Broken Hearts of Sin

The same three women as last time or possibly a new trio of crones are sitting in the front row, listening intently to his words. There are a few more people scattered about, less than a handful and I take a seat at the end of an aisle somewhere in the middle.

Thankfully, the mass is at closing prayers, and I close my own eyes, letting the words wash over me, their hypnotic cadence soothing my troubled spirit. Finally it’s over and I stay seated as the priest escorts his parishioners out. I see him stop to greet my aunt and exchange a few words before coming towards me. He beams as his eyes fall on me and I try my best to smile back. Taking my hand, he helps me to my feet and then leads me to the office at the back of the church.

He turns to face me, head cocked to the side, examining me like I’m an experiment. “How are you doing, my child?” he asks.

I shrug. “No worse than yesterday so I guess that’s good.”

“I like your fighting spirit.” He rounds the desk and goes to a shelf behind it. He presses some buttons and the shelf slides to the side, revealing a safe. I cock my eyebrows in surprise. It seems very cloak and dagger for a priest.

He opens the safe and reaches into it, pulling out a small bottle, secured with a cork. He holds it out to me. “This is the belladonna. Tonight, before you sleep, drink it all. Tomorrow you will not wake up.”

I shivered. “Is it possible to die for real.”

To my horror, he nods. “It is. That is why I’ve measured the dose very precisely. Don’t worry.”

I take a deep breath. “I’m trusting you here. Don’t kill me.”

He laughs. “I won’t. I’ll see you on the other side.”

“Yes…” I bite my lip hesitating, but I really need to know. “Romano knows about this right? He’s going to be there when I wake up?”

“Yes. I have a meeting with Eric today.”

I grimace, but nod.

“I’m going to tell him the plan. He’s a neutral party and will be able to help you get out.”

“And he’s willing?”

“Yes, I believe so. He agreed to meet with me, and talk.”

“So, he’ll tell Romano that my death is fake and not to worry. That I’ll see him on the other side, and that I still love him in spite of this marriage thing?”

Father Lorenzo smiles. “Yes, all of that.”

I let out a sigh of relief. “Good. Thank you. I can’t wait to see him again.”

“I know, he’s dying to see you as well. No pun intended.”

“Is he here? In New York?”

“Not yet. But Benedetto tells me he should be in town by tonight.”

I feel my tension immediately diminish. “Oh, that’s… that’s good. God, I wish I could see him.”

“I expect your parents have a full evening planned for you.”

“Yeah. Hair and make-up, the works.”

“Shouldn’t that wait until tomorrow?”

I snort. “Apparently, it’s a process. Beauty takes time and all that.”

“I expect if the groom were different, you would be enjoying this.”

“If I was marrying Romano, I’d be happy to partake in all the mani-pedi-facials in existence… the works.”

He squeezes my shoulder. “Well then, I wish you well as you embark on married life. It can be a challenge, but I feel that your love is real and will endure.”

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