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“You’re not asking. It’s already done. I know he will do this. It won’t be forever.”
I release a breath. She’s right. We need time. That’s all. If everyone can play their part until the right time, we can get through this.
“Riccardo just needs to forget us. Once that happens, we can start to move,” I say.
Nyla wipes a hand under her nose and sniffles. “He’s my kill. I’ll do whatever else you want, but when he dies, it’s my bullet. That’s all I ask.”
“I’ll make it happen,” Gio replies before I can protest.
With that, my life as a mother ends. I put Ava Di Lorenzo to rest, along with my best friend and her husband. Not forever, one day I will resurrect, and I’ll call for my price in blood.
CHAPTER4
Iknow All
Ava
I standin my father’s study stunned. However, I shouldn’t be. This is Giuseppe Di Lorenzo. It’s only been a few days and he already knows of all that’s happened in New Jersey, while never taking a step away from his home in Italy.
“Papa, why haven’t you ever said anything?”
“You had to learn. Your actions and the actions of the others had consequences. I wanted you to learn from them.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. My father has known everything all along. It’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I furrow my brows.
“Wait, but I thought you’d be furious.”
He shrugs. “I was. Not so much with you. I wanted you to experience life, I believe this is what you have done. My anger was more so with Frances. I was going to have him killed, but this is how I learned Riccardo was up to no good, just as I thought.”
“You mean going to Don Ferrari?”
“Riccardo has been to more than your godfather.”
My mouth falls open. I knew it. “What makes him so bold?”
“I’ve never allowed Riccardo to know the connection between you and Don Ferrari. The bastard has been planning for years. After my father reneged on the marriage between Riccardo and my sister, he became unhinged.
“The Espositos have always felt entitled to something that has never belonged to them. Riccardo has made friends in high places. Knowing I would figure him out. Don Giovanni Barbieri had forbidden me from ending Riccardo’s sorry life.”
“But isn’t he the one who had his father executed?”
“Yes, it’s all complicated. However, as long as Giovanni is alive Riccardo is safe.”
“Son of a bitch,” I snarl. “So, I will kill Giovanni.”
My father pulls a face. “And start a war we’re not ready for? No. I’ve been waiting patiently all of this time. We will continue to wait.”
“Then I have to leave. I can’t stay around here. It’s too dangerous.”
He nods. “Yes, I believe this is true, you can go to the farmhouse you were born in. It’s in the country and no one knows of it, but first I want you to explain your life to me. Teach me what I do not understand, and I will teach Gio to be ready when the time comes.”
I smile. This has always been his way. A lesson for a lesson. I will give him what he asks for to get my son the mentor he needs.
However, my smile drops as I look my father over and wonder if he can hold on long enough to teach Gio anything. Concern for my father’s health fills me.
“What is this look? I will be fine. You will see.”
“Papa, maybe Gwen can help with your diet and that will give you more strength.”
