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Domingo’s gait was slow, his entourage all in dark sunglasses even though the day was cloudy. I was more amused at the pomp and circumstance than anything.
When he was within a couple of feet, he kept his silence. “Don Giuseppe, your reputation precedes you.”
As he lifted his hand not for a handshake but expecting me to kiss his ever-loving ring, I resisted bursting into laughter. I merely took it, shaking his hand in the awkward position.
He was immediately incensed, cursing in Italian. The words were what I would have expected about the goddamn American fools. It was very difficult for me not to laugh. However, the ring caught my attention, the black onyx stone housing a diamond shaped ruby. I’d seen it before. But where?
“My condolences to your new family, Mr. Thorn. You will be watched.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
Leonardo growled when the man sauntered away, but I had a feeling he had no intention of talking to Margot. Maybe it was just as well.
“Riccardo Amato. Giovanni considered him a friend.”
I noticed and the man was wearing a ring as well. “Are they all wearing the same ring? I hadn’t noticed it when I’d met with Giovanni.”
“Yes, it’s a designation for being a part of the Omerta.”
Where silence was required. “Did Giovanni have one?”
“It was stolen from him two days before he left to come to America. He never wore it except when making public appearances.”
Interesting. Where had I seen it?
“Don Amato.”
“Don Thorn. While welcoming you to our illustrious group is in order, I must say I am sorry that it is under these circumstances. How is Maria holding up?”
Given my ability to read people easily, I could tell not one of the three knew that the young woman dressed in black wasn’t the real Maria. “She is understandably distraught.”
“Yes, of course. I knew her well. I will try and provide some words of comfort.”
I only hoped he wouldn’t figure out who she was. “Please do. I know she will be grateful.”
“Congratulations on your nuptials. Maria is an amazing girl.”
“Thank you, Don Amato.”
He nodded to Leonardo before heading off.
I glanced toward Maria. “You should go to her in case Don Amato gets suspicious.”
“Not a bad idea. That’s Don Tommaso Pesci getting out of the limousine.”
“And the fifth Don?”
He scanned the area. “I don’t see him as of yet. He didn’t get along with Giovanni at all. They sparred many times over the years. I’ll be right back.”
“Yes.” I also scanned the area, searching for any sign of trouble.
“Interesting crowd,” Brock said quietly.
“I’ll say.” I took a deep breath as the last man approached, still watching Don Amato talking with Margot. She seemed to be holding her own. I only hoped it stayed that way.
“Don Thorn. I do not need to tell you that there are people who do not want you here,” Don Pesci stated as an opening.
“While understandable, I am the Don of Sicily now. Make no mistake about that.”
