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“Let’s go inside,” I say, gesturing for Emilio to unlock the door while I go to pick up Gabriella.
“I can walk,” she protests. “It doesn’t hurt so much.”
“You’ll stay off your feet until I say otherwise,” I mutter.
“So bossy,” she sighs as she rests her head against my shoulder.
I walk to the living room and set Gabriella down on the nearest couch. The mansion isn’t as big as the one on Shelter Island, and it doesn’t have an elevator.
Mamma’s bedroom is on the first floor, whereas mine is on the second one.
“You should all try to get some sleep,” I say.
Carlo takes hold of Mamma’s arm. “I’ll help you to your bedroom, Aunt Aida.”
“Thank you.” Her tone is filled with sorrow as she hooks her arm through Carlo’s.
I turn my attention to Emilio and Vito. “Make sure all the fallen men's families receive their payments for their sacrifice.”
“Yes, boss,” Emilio replies. “Tommy let me know they’re on their way back from Sicily.”
“Good,” I mutter.
“We’ll stay here while you get some rest,” Vito says before walking to the front of the house.
When Carlo comes back into the living room, I can see he’s struggling with losing his mother.
I close the distance between us, and placing my hand on his shoulder, I lock eyes with him. “You’ll have your revenge soon.”
His jaw clenches as he nods.
“You going to try and sleep?” I ask.
Letting out a sigh, he replies, “Yes. Tomorrow’s going to be one hell of a day.”
“I’m here,” I murmur.
His eyes meet mine again before he nods.
When I turn around, Gabriella’s standing behind me. Her eyes flit between Carlo and me, then she asks, “Can I give Carlo a hug?”
“It’s okay,” Carlo replies. “Thanks, though.”
I pick my wife up, and walking out of the living room, I head for the stairs.
“I just wanted to offer him some comfort,” she explains.
“If he needs a hug, Mamma will give him one,” I mutter.
I walk into the bedroom and kick the door shut. After I set Gabriella down on the bed, I draw the curtains to block out the light.
Instead of staying on the bed, she follows me into the walk-in closet, then asks, “Where did you get my clothes?”
“I had Aunt Greta’s personal shopper purchase an extra set of everything and bring it here. There’s also clothes at the penthouse. I like to travel light.”
“Grazie a Dio,” she murmurs as she takes a pajama set off the shelf. While we change, she asks, “Have you been to the mansion on Shelter Island? Is there a lot of damage?”
“Yes. It will take a couple of months for all the repairs to be done. I’ll have Emilio find candidates for the housekeeper position, then you can choose one or two.”
