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“He’s not.”
“What’s his name?”
“What’s the difference? Go back to the Baron, Marshal. Tell him what I said, and tell him, too, that the days of feckless nobility running the country are over. Sicily will be led by men like me, who earn our bread. From now on, we’ll make sure that every man has justice and equality. Thank you for your visit.”
“Not so fast.” Marshal Rosselli raised a hand. “You must come back with me and make a formal statement.”
“What’s the point? Don’t you agree, men?” Franco looked back, and they all nodded.
“So you won’t come voluntarily?”
“I won’t.” Franco straightened, and Roberto rose to stand beside him. Their men stood up and arranged themselves in a line, a show of armed force.
Marshal Rosselli eyed them, puckering his lips. “I’ll be back.”
“No, you won’t.”
Later, Roberto took Franco aside,putting a hand on his shoulder. “You handled Rosselli well, but why did you make a job offer to thecarabineri? I don’t want them. Remember, I’m in charge of my men. We agreed.”
Franco detected pique, which was justified. “You’re right, Robo. I’m sorry, I got carried away.”
Roberto’s smile returned. “I get it. You need work. You’ve been unemployed since you burned down yourgiardino. We need to buy you a new one.”
Franco chuckled. “The auction is tomorrow.”
“By the way, what happened with Violetta? You’ve been quiet since you got back.”
Franco’s heart ached, but he kept that to himself. “It’s over with her.”
“Why?” Roberto frowned, sympathetic. “You couldn’t get her out of the convent?”
“She doesn’t want to see me anymore.”
“Why?”
“She’s mad I burned down her house.”
“Women.” Roberto rolled his eyes.
Franco chuckled, though it hurt.
Roberto touched his arm. “Franco, it was the right thing to do.”
“It was also the wrong thing to do.”
“Exactly!” Roberto smiled crookedly. “It was the right wrong thing to do.”
Franco burst into laughter, despite his heartache.
“So anyway, what’s the plan?”
“It begins tonight,” Franco answered, then told him.
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
Gaetano rose to start the meeting of the Beati Paoli, then noticed that many of the members were missing. “Should I wait until the others get here?”
“I don’t think so,” Carmine answered. “Let’s begin.”
