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“Fine.”I arrive early at the restaurant where I’m meeting Vitelli. My men have already checked the place and I’m on my second espresso when Vitelli and two of his men walk in. I haven’t seen him since a wedding eight months ago, but he hasn’t changed much. Maybe a few more gray hairs, but he’s got the same look on his face as always, the one that says he’s owed something simply for the sake of a shared history, and I don’t like it.
After my men are done searching them, Vitelli approaches the table alone.
“Sergio,” he says in greeting.
We don’t shake hands.
“Sit down.” I signal the lone waiter. “What would you like?”
He looks at my espresso and orders the same.
“How’s Joe?” I ask. It’s unspoken who did the damage, but we all know.
“Recovering.” His tone is flat. “Although it’ll be slow.”
I nod. Sip the last of my espresso as he gets his. Silence drags out, but it doesn’t bother me. I want him to start.
“Look, Sergio, our families go way back. We were neighbors in Calabria.”
“That was a long time ago.”
“Yes, but we have history. Shared roots. My boys,” he focuses his attention on the little espresso cup, and I see his mouth harden, see the rage behind it.
Violent men. It’s what we are. He and I both.
He looks up at me. “My boys fucked up, Sergio.”
“Yeah, they did. And Joe fucked up twice.”
“My youngest is sitting in a fucking hospital bed with his face sewn together.”
I study him, my expression even. Give him a minute to compose himself.
“You played together when you were little, for Christ’s sake!”
“Like I said, that was a long time ago. I know you were unaware of their dealings, but I’m not sure that’s an excuse. If you’re unable to control your family...” I let my words trail off.
His shoulders visibly tense up and a moment later, he clears his throat. “It was an oversight,” he acknowledges, knowing where I’m going. Knowing he can easily be replaced. Am I surprised he values his position over loyalty to his own sons?
“Will it happen again?”
“No.”
“Because if it does, someone will be in a box rather than a hospital bed. Am I clear?”
His youngest got his eyes from him. The same arrogance fills them.
“You’re clear, Sergio.” He makes to stand, but stops halfway up. “How’s your mother?”
I feel my eyes narrow, feel hate move through me.
“Your uncle mentioned she’s finished with her treatments.”
My uncle did what? He must see my surprise because I see that minuscule hint of victory in his eyes.
“Wish her well from my family.”
“Goodbye, Mr. Vitelli.”
I watch him leave, rage boiling inside me. How dare my uncle discuss our family’s private affairs with anyone? Especially this.
Checking my watch, I get up and walk to the back door. Eric’s beside the car. I get in, preoccupied now. This meeting didn’t go as planned. As I expected. I’m distracted as we drive to the hospital but when we pull up and I climb out, I take a breath in, compose myself. I’ll deal with Roman later. Right now, I need to be here for my mother.
When I arrive at the doctor’s office, they’re waiting for me. My mother and father sitting across from the doctor, my mom’s head wrapped in a teal blue scarf. Roman is standing off to the side.
“Sergio,” she says when she sees me. “There you are.”
“Mom.” She stands and I hug her, feel how much weight she’s lost. And I think I already know what the doctor’s going to tell us. I think she does too when she pulls back and gives me a weak smile. I wonder if all of this, if it isn’t for our sake. If she isn’t humoring us. Giving my father hope because she knows what will happen to him without it.
Another moment later, the door opens and my brothers, Salvatore and Dominic step inside. Salvatore spots me first, greets me, then our mother. Dominic goes directly to her and when everyone’s said hello, she pats the chair beside her for Dominic to take. She keeps one of his hands in both of hers.
Dominic is different than Salvatore. Salvatore, I get. He and I are close. But Dominic has anger inside him. Rage even. Jealousy rules him and in a way, I understand. He’s third born. If anything happened to me, Salvatore is next in line to rule. And to rule, to be king, is what my little brother wants most of all. I sometimes wonder at what cost.
Once we’re all gathered, the doctor puts his glasses on and opens a folder on his desk. And from there, he delivers his news.10NatalieI haven’t seen or heard from Sergio in three days. I’m confused, not sure what I should be feeling. Not sure I should be feeling anything at all.
