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“I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you,” I say for the hundredth time and shake the hand that’s extended to me.
“I was heartbroken to hear about Antonio.”
Another shake.
Uncle Ray, Sofia, and I are in a line beside the casket still hanging over the open grave at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
I can barely stand to glance at it, but keeping myself from doing so is as hard as ignoring an elephant. I’m completely aware of its presence. Almost as if my brother is calling me from inside.Look at me. I’m here. Look!
So I do. I turn to stare at the dark wood and gold casket my uncle chose. Fucking gaudy thing seems more morbid with so much decoration. Not to mention the heavy wreath of lilies that’s been laid on top of it. The smell of them continuously being carried on the cool breeze is making me gag.
But not any more than the idea that within that box are Tony’s remains.
“So the prodigal son has returned.”
I snap my head around at the sound of the nasal voice in front of me.
Joaquin Gianni snickers, his fat lips pulling back to display two gold teeth.
Uncle Ray tugs Sofia to the other side of him, ignoring her protests.
I rise to my full height, which is unnecessary given that the fucker is at least a foot shorter than me.
Rolling back my shoulders, I ask, “What are you doing here, Gianni?”
“Easy,” he says with a leer, lifting his palms to me. “I come in peace. Simply wanted to pay my respects.”
“Is that all?” My uncle throws his chin up. “Seems awful disrespectful for the man who threatened to kill Tony if he stepped foot in Jersey to come here now.”
“Hey. I don’t speak ill of the dead, but you know why I said what I said.” He adjusts his black skinny tie. “Besides, with him and Dino gone, territory disputes are too.”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” I ask.
“Nothin’. I’m just payin’ my respects is all.” His grin widens. “So, uh, when exactly will you be leaving?”
“I. Am. Not.” I make sure to lace a hint of warning through each word. Although I’m not speaking loudly, my tone must carry, because several feet away, I spot Gunn alertly staring our way, ready to come if I need him.
Gianni’s brows nearly touch his receding hairline. “Is that so?” He laughs. “Well, when you change your mind, New York will be in good hands.”
I bend down so he alone can hear me this time. “Listen well, you short fuck. New York is mine, and the only chance you have of ever getting your hands on it is by prying it out of my cold, dead grasp.”
“Good to know.” He slaps his palm on my arm. “Guess I’ll be seeing you around.”
“Who was that?” Sofia asks as Gianni retreats.
“None of your business, girl,” Uncle Ray replies before I can.
She scoffs. “In case you didn’t know, I’m part of this family too.”
“He’s no one of consequence,” I interject.
“Really?” My sister crosses her arms over her chest. “Because it sounded to me like he wants New York. Tony hasn’t even been buried yet, and people already want to take what’s ours.”
I tilt my head down to look at her, surprised at what she’s said, expecting to see that little girl who used to nag me to play dolls with her. A child who should have no concept about the world she was born into.
She’s not little anymore, and she unfortunately knows about our world.
