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“It’s not who you are, it’s simply what you do. Why must it be your cause?” Maria’s eyes flashed. “Are you making up for not entering the priesthood? Is that why?”
“No, but I’m doing it for the same reasons I felt called to the priesthood. I’m trying to serve the common good. I’m trying to do something for my fellow man. I’mcalledto save the boy.”
Maria sniffled, frowning. “Anyway, now does it stop?”
“Stop? No, why would it? I can’t, I told you.”
“No?” Maria asked in disbelief. She rose, resting a delicate hand on the table. “You have to make a choice. That boy, or your family.”
“Why?” Gaetano rose, opposite her. “I can do both.”
“Can you? You gotfired. You’ve worked there since law school. You had a future there—”
“I tell you, I’ll find another job.” Gaetano reached for her arm, but Maria pulled it away.
“Choose.”
Gaetano’s heart sank. “Maria, I can’t, I won’t—”
“Is itthathard a choice? You choose a stranger over your own blood?” Maria’s eyes brimmed with tears, and she hurried to their bedroom, closing the door.
Gaetano hurried after her, because he loved her more than anything.
Except God.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Gaetano stood before the Beati Paoli, updating them on his investigation and giving them the latest tally. They supplied their tallies, but their progress was far slower, owing to work or familial obligations. They were attending to things he was ignoring, and he didn’t blame them, but decided to ask for their help.
“Gentlemen. There’s one last personal matter, if I may. I’ve had a setback in my professional life. I’ve been spending time away from the office, frankly doing these interviews, and Don Matteo terminated my employment. I’m hoping you might have leads on job opportunities.”
“I know one,” Carmine answered, as the men burst into chatter. “A friend of mine needs a new lawyer at his firm. It’s general practice, like Don Matteo’s.”
“I have one, too,” Don Fabiano chimed in. “One of my clients owns a ceramics business. He’s decided to take on a business lawyer.”
Don Ugo waved his hand. “I myself have an interest in a shipping company. You know Admiral Bentinck and the British garrison are overrunning Palermo these days. There are so many complex questions of international and maritime law that need answers. I feel certain you could do it, Gaetano. Would you like to learn a new specialty?”
“Yes!” Gaetano answered, encouraged. “I’m interested in all of these opportunities. Thank you!”
“It’s the least we can do, since we got you fired,” Carmine quipped, and everybody laughed, even Gaetano.
Love never fails, he thought.
“Gentlemen, let me add one last thing,” Gaetano added, cheered. “I have a new baby on the way!”
“Bravo, Gaetano!” “Congratulations!” “What wonderful news!”
Carmine grinned. “It won’t be long before he sits at our table! The Catalano family will run the Beati Paoli!”
Gaetano laughed, then led the oath. “Who are we, men?” he asked, and they responded as one:
“We’re the Beati Paoli, the Blessed Society of Saint Paul!”
“And for whom do we fight?”
“For justice, for Sicilia, and for God!”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
