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“I figured you two had six months, max. But if you love her?”
“Don’t make wagers on how long I’ll stay married, you prick.”
He shrugs. “Can’t help myself. So what are you going to do?”
“She came up with a plan. It’s dangerous, but I’m at the point where I’ll do anything to make her happy.”
“Even if it means getting yourself hurt?”
I only look at him in reply.
He rubs his face and throws back his drink, shaking his head.
Saul and Renzo finish their game. We play some doubles, switching partners each time, talking shit on each other relentlessly. For a little while, it’s like being a kid again. I’m smiling, laughing, and I forget about the war and my problems with Allegra. I can focus on being a part of the family again, and I have to admit, it feels nice.
I don’t have a new business yet. I’m still a little lost, a little adrift, but my brothers are a good way to anchor myself. I just wish Allegra had the same thing.
After a while, Renzo drifts back to work. Saul grills me about the gambling business some more and eventually follows suit. I head out back with Carlo and sit on the porch overlooking the garden. I spot my butterfly bush, currently empty of its namesake.
“This plan your wife came up with,” Carlo says out of nowhere. It’s obvious he’s been thinking about what I said. “Tell me what she needs.”
I hesitate, not sure if I should share it. Not because I can’t trust my brother, but because I don’t want to involve more people if I don’t have to.
“She wants to find the Irishmen who attacked her father’s club.”
“That’ll solve her problems how, exactly?”
“It’ll show her family that she didn’t betray them and she hasn’t abandoned them.”
“Interesting.” Carlo drums his fingers on the arm of his rocking chair. “You think it’ll work?”
“I think you don’t need to worry about it. I’m already handling shit.”
“Let’s assume I’m already worried. Do you think it’s going to work?”
“Maybe. It’s hard to predict how her father will react.”
Carlo grunts, nodding to himself. He looks away, out at the garden. It’s twilight, birds chirp in the distance, and fireflies flicker between the flowers. “Fine. I’ll help.”
“No, you won’t.”
He glances over. “You can’t do it yourself.”
“I’m already working on it.”
“With what? The six soldiers Renzo assigned to your crew? Come on, bro, we both now that’s not enough. You’ve barely been back in the city and you don’t even have any connections yet.”
“The Rossi name opens doors. Six soldiers is plenty.”
“Bullshit. Look, I’ve heard rumors. Renzo wants me to keep this shit to myself, but I can help you.”
That gets my attention. “Rumors about what?”
“Where the fucking Irishmen are hiding, obviously.” Carlo rolls his eyes at me. “Get your head out of your ass, bro.”
“Okay, I’ll pretend like you’re not being a prick. How about you tell me what you heard and I go from there?”
“Nah.” He cracks his knuckles. “I’ll do you one better and help you bust those guys up.”
