Page 60 of Condemned to You

“That’s not how it goes Luca. Not ending me will make you look weak.”

“To who? No one knows what happened aside from us, my mother, and my siblings. As far as anyone knows, you were away on business and faced a tragic ending. People know we always have something up our sleeves. It wouldn’t be a shock if you resurfaced.”

“If I chose to stay. What’s the catch?”

“There’s to be no ties with Bethany. Her and her husband will move out of Chicago permanently.”

I knew I couldn’t have it all but was it worth losing Bethany? Was the bullet still an option?

“Or you pick a new life with Bethany.” Luca continued as he nodded behind him to his Bentley Continental. “The car has everything you need. New identity, money, and an account set up to live comfortably for both you and Bethany.”

“She may not want to come.”

“She’s waiting down by the river for you.”

There was pressure on my chest as though someone was sitting on it. Shouldn’t I be relieved that I get to live and run off with the woman I love? Why am I feeling overwhelmed and unsure?

“You have my blessing. I know with you she’s in good hands,” Luca encouraged.

He didn’t need to tell me that the offer was for a limited time, so I nodded my head.

“There’s something you should know,” I voiced as my potential last act of service, “If you just told me about Alfie, this would have never happened.”

Luca nodded in agreement, “I know. I couldn’t risk it, Emilio. He’s the last of Marco we have. I vowed to protect his identity in Marco’s honor.”

“Even if it meant preventing this very moment?”

“Even if it meant preventing this moment. I owe at least that to Marco.” Luca stood there waiting for my decision. “So, what’s it going to be?”

Epilogue

“It’s almost time,” the wedding coordinator popped her head into the room.

“Thank you,” I smiled with a nod.

Taking a deep breath, the last 25 years flashed before my eyes. It all seemed to go by so fast yet so slow at the same time.

“Ready dad?”

I looked up to see my son adjusting his bow tie. Getting to my feet, I walked up to him and gave him a manly handshake.

“The question is, are you ready?” I replied, perfecting the knot around his neck.

“I’ve never been more ready for anything more in my whole life.”

I laughed, “Didn’t you say that when you graduated law school?”

“That wasn’t in the question you asked me,” he laughed in return. “It was more of a ready to knock ‘em dead.”

Proud was an understatement about how I felt about my son. He was everything I couldn’t be but so much more. He was book smart, but he also had my street smarts. He never dabbled in the lifestyle, and I was so grateful for his lack of interest. My children went to the best schools, dressed in the finest clothing, and I gave them everything they could ask for.

“Pops, can I ask you a question?”

“You know you could ask me anything.”

“You think I’ll make a good husband? You and mom set a high standard.”

“If you don’t, I’ll beat the shit out of you. I just wish you took more time putting a ring on her finger.”