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“Miss. Rinaldi, are you attempting to bribe an officer of the law?”
“Actually, I’m trying to prevent your family from suffering the same fate as the Beneventis if you refuse my offer,” I threaten as his demeanor shifts from mockery to confusion. Retrieving my phone from my pocket, I display the photos Frankie sent of Harrison’s wife and son at the park on the screen. They appear joyful as she pushes him on the swing - an innocent family outing with the potential to turn fatal in an instant. His confusion transforms into sheer terror as he comprehends that I will carry out my threat if he gets in my way.
Standing up to show him the way out, I inquire, “So, Chief, do we have an understanding?”
“Please spare my family,” he pleads, as I open the door.
“Ensure your men stay away from me, and your family will remain unharmed,” I reply, disregarding the fear in his eyes.
“What should I tell Mr. Beneventi if he starts asking questions?”
“Explain that you have pledged your allegiance to the Rinaldi family and you’re under my protection. That should suffice.”
Without another word, he departs, head bowed, likely regretting his involvement with Carlo. I call Antonio as Harrison's patrol car fades into the distance down the hill. The upcoming meeting that he set up with the other families marks phase two of my plan to take down Beneventi. He has wreaked havoc throughout the organization and the recent devastation caused by my family's tragedy has left everyone on edge, fearing they may suffer a similar fate.
“Is everything resolved with Chief Harrison?” He asked.
“He is fully cooperative, so there should be no issues,” I respond.
“Have you reconsidered our earlier discussion?” He queried, irritating me.
“I can only focus on one thing at a time, Antonio. Can we revisit this once everything is settled?” I request.
With a heavy sigh, he concedes, “Fine.”
“Thank you. I promise I’ll think about it and give you an answer soon,” I assure him before ending the call.
While Antonio remains steadfast in his loyalty, he’s pushing for us to fulfill my late father's final wish by tying the knot. He believes that our union would bolster the support of the other families in toppling Carlo's dominion. Taking some time apart to reflect on his suggestion, I grapple with an underlying unease regarding him. Although we have collaborated effectively in my mission, an unsettling feeling lingers, prompting caution in my decision-making process. He is presently living at one of our secure locations, affording me the solitude I need to collect my thoughts, and will return in time for the upcoming meeting in a few days. I wish for his sake that this unease dissipates.
Back in the kitchen, I settle down for a few more moments with Greta. I've missed our conversations, and being around her helps ease the void left by my mother's death.
“Is everything alright?” Greta inquires.
“I shouldn't have any more issues with Chief Harrison from now on,” I assure her.
“I'm glad to hear that,” she responds.
“I called Antonio to let him know that...” my thoughts become a tangled mess as a sudden understanding strikes me. “He was aware of Chief Harrison before I even mentioned it,” I utter slowly, struggling to comprehend how he could have known that information. The feeling I’ve had in my gut about not fully trusting him shatters, igniting the fiery anger that already consumes my soul. Antonio has been manipulating me all along!
16
Nico
The original plan was to propose to Lili, celebrate her birthday with her family, and whisk her away on a trip to Belize. Sitting alone now, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the rainforest, all I can think about is having Lili by my side. After Carlo and his men murdered the Rinaldi family, being in the same vicinity as him filled me with a murderous rage. I had never felt such a strong desire to end someone's life. Extending my trip beyond the initial two weeks allowed me the time to strategize and plan Carlo's demise. He will pay for his betrayal with his life at my hands.
Flashes of the blood-stained lawn haunt my thoughts, morphing my once peaceful dreams into terrifying nightmares. The image of Lili, once vibrant and alive, now gone, her resting place unknown, torments me. I would give anything to hold her in my arms once more. Sometimes I ponder what I would say to her if she were beside me. There were times when it seemed as though my grief would consume me entirely, driving me to the brink of madness. My heartache is unbearable, craving the sound of her laughter, a sound that brought light to my life. Whenever I was with her, I felt like the truest version of myself. Despite Carlo's constant attempts to diminish me, Lili's presence empowered me and gave me the strength to persevere until we could be together. The anticipation of calling her my wife one day filled me with joy, but now that dream is shattered.
My flight leaves in a few hours and I need to get some rest. Though leaving this secluded haven brings a sense of sadness, it is time for Carlo to face the consequences of his actions. I’ll have the element of surprise on my side and he won’t realize it until it’s too late. Power-hungry individuals always slip up, and with Don Rinaldi out of the picture, I can only imagine the shit Carlo is into now. Unaware of the other families' deep-seated animosity toward him, Carlo remains oblivious to their longstanding desire to get rid of him. His actions have drawn unwanted attention to Chicago, inviting the relentless scrutiny of the FBI. Instead of taking responsibility, he deflects blame, leaving others to clean up after him. Now, having orchestrated the massacre of an entire family with the Chief of Police under his thumb, Carlo believes he is untouchable. Lili and her family deserve justice, and I am determined to ensure Carlo pays the ultimate price with his life.
My hands quiver as I retrieve Lili's ring from my pocket, gazing at the dried blood still etched into the setting. I couldn't bear to clean it; doing so would affirm her absence and make it real for me. Often, the weight of my grief threatened to overwhelm me, but memories of Lili would pull me back from the brink of madness. Tears well up in my eyes, blurring my vision as I recall the night I proposed to her. We were so happy, celebrating with her friends, relishing our time together. Little did I know it marked our final moments together, the last time I would feel her warmth as she melted into my kiss and the last time I would ever make love to her. No one can replace Lili because she will forever reside in my heart, and she is the only person allowed to dwell there.
Placing the ring in my suitcase, I check my itinerary and set the alarm on my phone, hoping to snatch some rest despite the difficulty. Leaving my mother to deal with Carlo alone floods me with guilt, yet I had no alternative. Staying in Chicago at the time would have been unbearable. Even this secluded refuge hasn’t eased the ache of losing Lili. To honor her and seek justice, I needed a clearer mind. Carlo will pay for taking Lili's life and for the years of torment inflicted upon me and my mother. My stepbrother Salvatore is prepared to assume control of the family. He’s just as ruthless as Carlo and despite his resentment towards me, he’s shared with me on more than one occasion that he eagerly awaits the day of his father’s demise. Granting him that wish brings me satisfaction.
* * *
As much as I yearned to storm into the compound and confront Carlo, it simply wasn't feasible. My flight arrived well past midnight, and being Friday, I knew Carlo would be at his safe house with one of his several mistresses. My mother is well aware of his indiscretions but she doesn’t question him about them . To her, his “distractions” provide peace in the middle of her chaotic existence. After today, she will no longer live with an abuser that has her terrified for her life. Over the years, I've urged her to leave him, but she’s paralyzed by the fear of his potential retaliation. After Carlo's death, my mother and I will leave Chicago behind forever. Her own children have only brought her sorrow and heartache, so there's no reason for her to remain here. She deserves a fresh start after enduring his abuse all of these years.
As expected, Carlo's car is parked in the driveway of his safehouse. This is one of those rare moments where he leaves the compound unprotected. Despite warnings from Tomas about potential threats, Carlo's ego prevents him from fearing anyone. Hearing another car approaching, I quickly sprint to the side of the house where the dining room window is conveniently open, providing me with the opportunity to sneak in while they’re preoccupied in the bedroom. As I attach the silencer to my gun, I overhear voices engaged in an argument, but it's not a woman's voice accompanying Carlo's—it's a man's.
