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The glint of light on an object catches my attention, and I hold my mother’s left hand up. Blood coats the delicate platinum and diamond bridal set, except for a single clear spot that the sunlight blinks obscenely off of. I pull the ring from her finger and close my fist around it. It will belong to my wife one day, a memorial to this woman who raised and nurtured me.
I pull my mother’s dead body into my chest, and for the first time since I was six, I cry. I cry bitter, angry tears, and I swear to the gods that I will have my revenge on every Valachi.
They took my mother from me and took my light away.
They will pay.
Dread pools and swirls through my system as I think of the fate I am left with. Our mother declared her oldest son unfit after the death of our father, but this will give him the means he needs to seize power for himself. Power over both the O’Hanlon and Papparadofamiglias, power over me.
He’ll look to restore his birthright, regardless of the damage it could do, and the only person who ever protected us from it is dead in my arms.
Doom drums in the air like a warning of an incoming war.
I believe it.
CHAPTER TWO
LULU ( FIVE YEARS AGO, New York City)
Familycanbesomind-numbingly annoying.
The thought is one of many that rises to the crest of my consciousness as I sit in demure silence on the piano bench.
I’m demure on the outside, at least. On the inside, I’m twitchy with nerves and suppressed energy. I don’t want to be here, don’t want to deal with whatever it is Father is going to dole out today in the name of the Valachi legacy.
I definitely don’t want to put up with our mother, who looks to be about two G&Ts past her limit.
I’d much rather be holed up in my room, listening to the latest Ed Sheeran album and spending time with my sister. Vivi and I could do each other’s nails and pretend like we had tickets to his concert later that evening. She’d ask to wear the strappy heels I gifted myself on my birthday last month, and I’d let her because,Dio sa,the child never gets to have any fun.
But Father has something he wants to discuss, something important he wants all of us present for. Hence an impromptu,requiredfamily dinner.
“Isn’t that right, Lulu?”
Angel’s voice cuts into my thoughts, and I swivel on the bench to face my brother. He’s pouring his own drink and giving me a look loaded with meaning. Twenty-seven years old and aman, as he’s fond of reminding us, he would no doubt prefer to be out with his friends rather than stuck here with his family. Especially since that family just barely manages to tolerate one another most of the time. Except for Vivi and me, of course.
Sometimes I feel like she and I are the only ones who truly care about each other in this household.
“Lu?”
“Hmm?”
I’m not sure what the question was. While awaiting Father’s arrival at dinner, Angel and Mother busied themselves with their usual snarking back and forth. I zoned out on their byplay, not wanting any part of it.
Angel tips his head to the side and sucks on his teeth.
“I’m sorry,” I say, looking from him to Mother. “I wasn’t paying attention.”
He rolls his eyes. “Of course, you weren’t.”
Mother, off in her own little world, makes no comment, and Vivi slumps further into the cushions of the sofa they share before crossing her arms over her chest. It strains at the buttons of the youthful blouse she’s dressed herself in, and I make a mental note to take her shopping for more age and figure-appropriate clothing.
“I said, and I repeat, that I bet you know the reason our belovedpadrehas gathered us here in our Sunday finery.” A sneer lifts the corner of his mouth before he hides it with his liquor. “Being his little pet and all.”
Blood heats my cheeks, mainly because his shot is accurate. I am our father’s favorite child, although I don’t seek to be.
It also doesn’t mean much, being his favored one, except that he likes to show me off, preferring me to escort him to gatherings and events instead of Mother. The world ofla famigliahere in New York is filled with such social events necessary for showing off one’s family, wealth, and power. But there are no perks to the position of favorite child, nothing that makes this life more palatable. Despite the wealth and status of the Valachi name and reputation, I think we are all just a bit unhappy.
Adrift.
