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“How is Mamma?”
My frown comes on before I can stop it. “You know she doesn’t talk to me.”
“That doesn’t stop you from trying. Who is to say when her tantrum will end?”
That makes me laugh. “Salvatore, it’s been eighteen years.”
“I’ll talk to her.”
I shake my head. “It’s fine. I’ve learned to accept it.”
“I’ll be home in less than a year. Then it’ll all go back to normal.”
I snort. “Normal? You mean her tolerating me because she fears you?”
“I’m sorry,” he says.
I reach across the table and squeeze his hand. “I’m the only one to blame for the breakdown of my relationship with my mother. Don’t apologize for something you have no control over, brother.”
“Narciso has said all is well with the family.” He changes the subject. “The incident with Amadeo and the younger Caruso brother was taken care of.”
My brother refers to the Irish soldier who found himself in one of our clubs. Leonardo Caruso, underboss to the New York family, and Narciso’s younger brother, Amadeo, took it upon themselves to teach him a lesson in the consequences of trespassing in territory run by someone more powerful. The term trespassing is a stretch, but the Carusos have a history with the Irish. With the olive branch extended between our families in the shape of a blushing bride just out of her teenage years that my brother is expected to marry, Leonardo took the Irish soldier's presence as an insult.
I dip my chin. “Lorenzo and Narciso were in agreement on how to handle the situation. We discussed it before he met with Caruso. I wasn’t present, but I was assured it unfolded without further issue. We’re remaining vigilant.”
“Communication with New York?”
“Open and regular. Caruso has been in Seattle solidifying connections with the Rein and Shay conglomerate. I don’t know them. Are you aware of their dealings?”
We normally wouldn’t speak so openly during visits. However, the table was chosen specifically for this reason. Our conversation would be nothing but mumbled syllables against the steady rhythm of the generator outside.
He tips his head side to side. “I haven’t met either of them, but Rein has a reputation for being loyal. If Caruso trusts him, we can too.”
“Can we trust Caruso?” I lower my voice.
“Considering he’s sending his consigliere’s sister-in-law into my world, he’d be stupid to double-cross me.”
“That’s hardly enough reason for us to put our trust in him?”
He watches me for a beat. “Lorenzo Caruso is honorable.”
I accept his words because I trust my brother.
“Caterina Rossi will arrive in the next few weeks.”
My eyebrows pull together. “Why? You won’t be released for another four to six months.”
He straightens his shoulders. “It was Caruso’s idea.”
“She’s young,” I whisper before I can stop myself.
“She is.”
“How soon will you marry her?”
“I’ll decide when I meet her.”
“New York will be satisfied with that?”
