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I grit my teeth and ball my fists. This is driving me crazy. I know he has the answers I need. The more time I spend here, the more I know there was more to my mother’s disappearance.
However, I bite my tongue and flop back on the couch. My mind turns to Papa Esposito. Maybe I should go back to the States and step on his neck for the truth.
And end up in cuffs?
I growl and toss an arm over my face. If I were Dante that’s exactly what I would do. However, I’m not my twin. I need answers. I’m not going to ignore that I’m missing something.
I can’t sleep. I’ve been walking the halls thinking about my talks with my grandfather. He wouldn’t say any more during dinner.
My phone rings as I enter the great room, headed for the window with the view, hoping to settle my mind. When I pull it from my pocket, I see it’s Carleen.
“Hey, baby,” I answer.
“Hey, you. It’s so good to hear your voice. What are you doing?”
“I can’t sleep. I’m walking the halls of the house. How are you?”
“I’m fine. It’s my day off. I thought I’d call while I have some energy. I miss you.”
“I miss you more.”
“Thanks for the flowers. I was so surprised when they arrived.”
“Did they bring a smile to your face?”
“Yes, they did, as did the bracelet.”
I sent her a diamond tennis bracelet to match her earrings. I know it will look amazing on her. Jewelry always stands out against her skin.
“I wish I were there to see your face. Listen, you have perfect timing. I need to get something off my chest.”
I open the French doors and step outside to inhale the sea air. Between Carleen and the salty air, my nerves calm a bit. I run a hand through my hair.
“I’m all ears. What’s up?”
“I’ve never told anyone this, but I overheard a conversation the night my mother disappeared that has always led me to believe my mother didn’t just leave.”
“Seriously? What did you hear?”
“It was an argument. Back then I didn’t know with who. Christmas at Dante’s, it came back to me. I remembered the voice.”
“Who was it?”
“Papa Esposito,” I bite out. “I’d never heard him in a rage like that. He was always so nice to me. I didn’t put two and two together.”
“Babe, you were eight.”
“I know, but I should have known. I feel like he’s been using me all this time. For what? I don’t know, I’m still trying to figure that part out, but Nonno shuts down when I dig there.
“I’m here looking for answers. I have this gut feeling my nonno has them, but for some reason he’s not giving me what I want to know.”
“I’ve known Nonno since I was a little girl. He has always done things with purpose. I don’t think he’s holding this back to hurt you. After all this time, he has to have a reason.”
My son was meant to be head of the family. You’ve given more respect to those mulignons in New York…The insult.
The words float into my head so fast I have to plant my feet to ground myself as pieces start to stand out.
“Carleen.”
“Yes?”
“Your family—” I pause. She doesn’t know how connected they are. I chew on the inside of my cheek. “Never mind. Forget I said anything.”
Movement on the grounds catches my attention. “Babe, I need to call you back,” I say quickly into the phone.
I hang up right as the first bullet whizzes by my head and shatters the glass behind me. I move for cover as the lights in the house come on. More shots are fired and hit the pillar I’m crouched behind.
A commotion comes from within the house. I turn as the doors I came out of burst open. I expect to see one of my grandfather’s men, but it’s Nonno himself.
He comes out guns blazing. I haven’t been carrying since I’ve been here. Clearly, I’ve become too comfortable. My shock wears off when the gunfire ceases and Nonno stands with his chest heaving.
“Dario, are you hit?” he demands as he ambles over to me in his pajamas.
“I’m fine, Nonno.”
“Don Giuseppe, what were you thinking?” Nonno’s head of security says.
“My grandson was in danger. I wasn’t thinking. Something I should be able to say about those protecting us. What the fuck were you all doing?” he roars. “Find out who dares pull this shit at my home. We’ve had peace for years. Who has lost their fucking mind?”
“Maybe we should head to Naples. We can have more security there.”
“I’ve bent as much as I will. This is it. I will not be run from my home.”
One of his men comes over after checking the bodies out in the yard. He leans in and whispers to Nonno. I watch in awe and still in somewhat shock.
