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“I’ll be damned. I must be dead already.” There was a sparkle of amusement in his eyes, but his voice was weak and hoarse. “Why else would I see an angel standing next to me?”
I smiled and leaned down to kiss his cheek.
“It’s good to see you, Uncle.”
“Is that why you’re here? To see me?”
“I came forhim.”
He coughed and the entire room shook.
“Ah, Grazia, you see what son I’ve raised. He’s going against my word even when I’m on my death bed.”
“It wasn’t him who called for me, Uncle.”
“You don’t have to call me that anymore.”
“What? Uncle?” I’ve never known him as anything else. “I won’t if it bothers you.”
“You were always such a gentle soul. The spitting image of your mother.”
“You should save your strength.”
“I’m dying, my dear. There’s nothing left to be saved. Where’s Salvatore?”
“He had to make a phone call. I can go and get him if you want.”
“No, let him take care of the business. He’s aDonnow.”
“Not yet.”
“Soon enough. He ran the family on his own for a while now. Salvatore knows it’s his responsibility to take care of our people.”
“Someone needs to take care of him too.”
His eyes were drowned in sadness.
“Not you, Grazia Caputo. My son doesn’t need another target on his back. The best way you can take care of him is by staying away.”
His truth was callous, but it was true regardless.
“I know you’re right.”
“You know I love you, child, like you’re my own, but you come from foul blood.”
Me? He was the one who broke out the alliance with his greed. He betrayed his friend and his honor when he stole fromBabbo.
I wasn’t going to argue with a dying man, so I wiped away my tears and cleared my throat.
“I can go if you don’t want me here.”
“I think it’s the best thing you can do for everyone.”
I just nodded and got up. I would have respected Adrian’s wishes if Salvatore wouldn’t have walked into the room.
“Sit back down, Grazi.”
“I shouldn’t.”
