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“I’m happy,” he replied. “There isn’t really anything anyone could give me.”
She looked at Carmine incredulously. “There is something someone could give you. Actually, it’s what I’d ask for.”
“What’s that?”
“Your freedom.”
Carmine wasn’t sure what to say. “Well, too bad it doesn’t work that way.”
“Yeah, too bad.”
They arrived at the restaurant within a few minutes. He led Haven inside and saw his uncle right away, sitting at a table in the back with Celia. A slew of men gathered around them like a massive human shield of protection, but Celia managed to spot them through the crowd. She waved, the movement catching Corrado’s attention. He looked over as they approached, his expression blank, but Carmine could see the annoyance in his eyes.
“Up,” he barked at the two guys sitting across from them. They didn’t hesitate before pushing their chairs back, vacating them, and Corrado motioned toward the now empty seats. “Sit.”
Haven immediately took a seat in the first chair, looking at Carmine apprehensively. He gave her a smile, trying to be reassuring, but the truth was he was just as nervous.
“You’re late,” Corrado said, glaring at Carmine from across the table.
He glanced at his watch: five minutes after eight. “I guess I am.”
“You guess you are?”
“Yeah,” he replied. “I tried to be on time, but I—”
“But nothing.” His voice was sharp and Carmine shut up right away, a few people quieting down as they looked in their direction. “There’s no excuse for tardiness.”
“I know, I’m just saying—”
“I know what you’re saying, Carmine,” he interrupted again. “And I’m saying there’s no excuse.”
“Yes, and I—”
“He’s sorry,” Haven blurted out.
Corrado looked at her peculiarly, his expression unreadable. “Is he?”
She nodded hesitantly. “Yes, sir.”
“Well, at least there’s that.”
Things were tense as Corrado continued to stare them down, Haven still fidgeting and making Carmine even more anxious. After a moment Celia sighed and shook her head, turning to her husband. “If you’re done throwing your weight around, I’d like to eat.”
o;There’s this thing tonight. Everyone’s supposed to be there.”
“What kind of thing?” she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
“Just a thing,” he said, shrugging. “The new underboss’s son is getting married or whatever so they’re having a get together at Sicillitas.”
Typically those kinds of events took place at the Boss’s house, but Corrado wasn’t like the guys who used to run things. He tried to keep the Mafia out of his home, so special occasions were often spent in someone’s business now. Sicillitas was an upscale Italian restaurant owned by one of the Capos.
“So you have to go,” she said quietly.
“We,” he corrected her. “Corrado specifically said ‘You and Haven.’”
She frowned. He didn’t blame her. He didn’t want to go either, but Corrado was all about showing a strong front. He had gone out on a limb and vouched for her, something that made a few of the guys question his judgment. Haven integrating smoothly into their world was important to him.
Plus, even if Corrado would never admit it, Carmine was pretty sure he actually liked her being around.
