“I won’t sell my soul to the devil because of Don Mancini’s foolishness. He ostracized not only me, but his own daughter, and refused to see reason. Everything I did for him was nullified when he discovered my affair with his daughter, even when I shared my intention to marry her. I’ve never been so disrespected, and I’ve never allowed anyone who’s disrespected me to live to tell the tale. I’ve done enough for him—and my loyalty has officially expired. My retirement came sooner than I anticipated, but I would rather live a quiet life with my woman than be involved with the violent chaos that’s about to overrun Sicily. If your remorse is genuine, then you will allow us to settle here in Palermo without interference.”
I wasn’t sure how Wolfe could cloak himself in such calmness. My heart was racing so fast it was about to burst out of my chest, and whenever I looked at him, his breathing hadn’t changed at all. It remained gentle and slow, like his threshold for danger and adrenaline and fear was higher than the skyscrapers in Manhattan.
Don Russo stared at him for a long time, and it wasn’t until after a minute had passed that he released a slow breath in disappointment. “That’s not the answer I wanted…but I accept it.”
Wolfe didn’t change his expression, still hard and impenetrable.
“Your retirement is too soon for your age, but not for your years of service. This job has been your life, and I think the happiness you’ve found is well-deserved.”
There was a quick flicker across Wolfe’s face, like he hadn’t expected Don Russo to say something so kind.
“I wish I had handled the past differently. I knew how you’d feel about the business opportunity, but I did it anyway because I assumed you would abandon your principles. But that was idiotic on my part—because you’ve never abandoned a thought or a promise or a principle. I was livid when you walked out, not because I didn’t get my way, but because I created a much bigger problem than the previous one I solved. I lost my greatest asset, my most trusted lieutenant, because I cared more about my own pride than family. I sit here and judge Don Mancini for his absurd stupidity, but I realized my error was just as idiotic. It’ll always be my biggest regret. I’d offer you more money if you’d take it. I’d offer you a promotion if there were anything higher than the position you already had.”
I didn’t know this man, so I didn’t know how to gauge the truth from a manipulative speech, but it seemed genuine to me. He still held great respect and affection for Wolfe and not just for what he’d done for Cosa Nostra, but for being one of them.
“I’d do anything to go back in time and redo all of that.”
Wolfe continued to stare at him, maintaining an indifference that was starting to slip.
“But I understand your principles. I understand you don’t believe in second chances. I understand no matter how many times I try to rebuild this bridge, you’ll continue to burn it down. So I’ll let you go.”
Wolfe still didn’t say a word.
“But if, in a few years, you find yourself bored and ready to get back in the game, if we aren’t all killed by Icarus and the Skull King, you’re welcome anytime.”
Wolfe didn’t reject him this time. Just let the silence stretch between them.
“And perhaps…we could be friends.” There was a tone of hopefulness from Don Russo.
I expected Wolfe to reiterate that they were enemies, but he didn’t. “A truce is reasonable.”
Don Russo gave a nod. “I appreciate that. But perhaps in time, maybe we could have more.”
“I willneverreturn to Cosa Nostra,” Wolfe said sternly. “So if your hope is to build a friendship from ground zero in the hope you can steer me back into your ranks, you’re wasting your time.”
“That’s not my intention.”
“Maybe you don’t remember all the shit you said when you dismissed me, but I still do. I have a damn good memory, and there was no olive branch then. And now you bring me the entire fucking tree, despite how unreceptive I remain.”
“As I explained, I was temperamental and proud and lost sight of what mattered,” he said calmly.
“Hindsight brings clarity to your memory, but it only inflames mine.”
Disappointment entered Don Russo’s face.
I would never betray Wolfe anyway, but I certainly wouldn’t do it now. Because this man didnotforgive or forget.
“Cosa Nostra meant the world to me,” Wolfe said calmly. “After a lifetime of service, I assumed my place in that family was unconditional. But all it took was one single disagreement to be dishonorably discharged. I believe your remorse, but that’s not enough to change the events that brought us here. Perhaps if you’d reached out sooner, before you needed me for something, maybe it would have been different… But probably not even then. You know me better than anyone, so you knew the moment you dismissed me, it was irrevocable. And you can’t pretend otherwise.”
Don Russo didn’t deny it.
“I would like to peacefully coexist with you in this city.”
“And we can—even if you never grant your friendship.”
19
WOLFE
