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“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Nicholas replied coolly. He turned to Paulie, who had finally released David. “Paulie, your job is to keep an eye on Giovanni. Make sure he doesn’t leave the premises or cause any further trouble.”
“Whatever you want, boss,” Paulie nodded, his gaze fixed firmly on my father.
With that settled, we returned home. The atmosphere was heavy with tension and unresolved anger. David, unable to cope, went straight for the liquor cabinet, pouring himself a drink as if it were a lifeline.
“Damn it, David,” I whispered under my breath, my heart aching at the sight of him drowning his sorrows in alcohol. But there were more pressing matters to discuss. We needed to decide how to deal with Papa.
“David, we need your input,” I said, trying to pull him away from the bottle. “We have to talk about your father’s punishment.”
“Let me beat him senseless,” David slurred, his deep brown eyes clouded with rage and intoxication. “I want to be the one who ends his miserable life.”
“David, that’s not the answer,” I replied, my voice wavering. I turned to Nicholas, seeking guidance. “What if we turn him over to the police? Let them handle it?”
“Bad idea,” Nicholas warned, his expression grave. “Giovanni knows too many secrets about too many mafia families. He’d trade them for leniency, putting us all at risk. No, the only option is for him to die.”
My stomach churned at the thought, but I knew he was right. My father could not be trusted. As much as I wished I didn’t have to make this decision, it was necessary. “He has to die,” I said, fighting back tears.
“Are you prepared to be the one who kills him?” Nicholas asked softly, his hand finding mine for support.
I shook my head, tears streaming down my cheeks. “No, I can’t do it.”
“Understandable,” he said, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’ll take care of it.”
“Wait!” David interjected, swaying slightly. “I’ll do it. I’ll kill our father.”
“David, sit down and shut up,” Nicholas ordered, his voice laced with authority. “You’re in no condition to handle this.”
David slumped into a nearby chair, his eyes glazed over as the alcohol continued to take hold. Nicholas stood by my side, a pillar of strength in this storm of chaos that had become our lives.
My mind raced with thoughts of my father – the man who once held me, taught me, and I thought, loved me. Yet, now he was nothing more than a monster who had betrayed us all. The weight of this decision bore down on me, but I knew deep down it had to be done. My loyalty to my family had always been unwavering, but even that had its limits.
I looked into my husband’s eyes. “Are you sure there’s no other option?”
“Believe me, Liliana,” Nicholas said, his tone solemn, “I wouldn’t suggest this if there were any other way. Giovanni knows too much. If he were to strike a deal with the police or another family, it would mean our destruction.”
“Nicholas is right,” David mumbled, his words slurred. “We can’t risk it.”
“Then it’s settled,” I said, steeling myself against the storm of emotions threatening to consume me. “He must die.”
“Nicholas,” I said, my voice trembling, “please make sure no one else gets hurt. And make sure it’s as quick and painless as possible.”
“Of course, Liliana,” he replied, his blue eyes full of understanding and determination. “I’ll take care of everything.”
Chapter 11
Liliana
The scent of pine and freshly baked gingerbread filled the air as I carefully rearranged the ornaments on the family Christmas tree. David sat on the couch nursing another glass of whiskey, his brow furrowed in a mixture of anger and frustration. Despite our best efforts to bring some holiday cheer into the house, David was the gloomy storm cloud that ruined our festive spirit
"Something bothering you, David?" I asked cautiously, hoping not to provoke him further.
"Nothing your pretty little head needs to worry about," he muttered, taking another sip from his glass.
Just then, Nicholas entered the room. "Liliana, the tree looks lovely," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "The three of us need to talk."
David scoffed but said nothing, his eyes focused on the amber liquid swirling in his glass.
"I've just received word that your father is dead." Nicholas' words struck like a bolt of lightning, causing me to drop the ornament I was holding. It shattered against the hardwood floor, the sound echoing through the room.
