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“I knew it. I knew Frances would betray me. Between that bitter bitch and his father, it was only a matter of time, but you don’t worry about them. I have plans for their family,” Ma seethes as she paces the living area in the farmhouse.
I came here to tell her all Dad found out. He is back at Nonno’s with the twins. Dario is cooking for everyone. I’ll slip back in by dinnertime.
“We should head back to the States.”
“No, Barbieri may have banned him from Italy, but that’s not enough. He’s still untouchable. This could start a massive war. Something you’ve never seen. We have to wait.”
I huff. “For how long? Nonno has been talking about me needing to wait for the twins to help me.”
“Nonno is right, you will need your brothers.”
“They’re fourteen. Need them for what?”
“This is above revenge. You are to be Don. Do you know the target that will be placed on your back? Not just from our enemies. Do you know what the RICO act is?”
“No.”
“It’s the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Let me explain. It’s a United States federal law that provides for extended criminal penalties and a civil cause of action for acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization.
“A single charge comes with twenty years. Riccardo did me a favor. I was facing ten counts before he made his move. Those friends of ours were smoothing things over. A nice working mom like me, I couldn’t have done half of what they wanted to charge me with.” She gives a cynical snort and goes back to her pacing.
“What do you have to combat this reality of our lives?” she continues.
“I kill Riccardo and then take over the family business.”
“This is bigger than Riccardo,” she says as she slaps the back of her hand in her other palm. “You have to know the board and be able to see everyone on it. You need to know all the moves and consequences behind them.
“There are reasons for everything we’re teaching you, but you can’t see that because you’re leading with your heart. You can’t afford to do that, Gio. If you do, you will lose everything.”
“Then what am I supposed to do? I’m already losing her,” I bellow.
Mom purses her lips. “Stop trying to do this without her. You’re not listening to me and your grandfather. You’re only as strong as your soldiers. Yes, Jace will serve you well, but you need more than him. More than someone in your ear. You need the force that will open doors.”
“And you think that’s Ny?”
“I know it is because I know you. You think I don’t see your wheels turning or her loyalty to you? Her soldiers were for you.”
“But I can’t have both. If she’s in my life to stand with me, I can’t have her any other way.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t have what she needs. I can’t give her what she needs. I lost all that a long time ago. Every time I was told I couldn’t show love openly or that I wasn’t enough… I don’t have that soft shit she needs anymore.”
Ma licks her lips, pulls her skirts up and takes the seat across from me. I stare her in the eyes, hoping she has the answers I need, because I’m struggling to make it all make sense. I thought I had it, but when it comes to Ny, I’m so lost.
“Oh, Gio. I’m so sorry. We were trying to prepare you, not break you. Let me ask you something.”
I nod. “Has she ever asked you for those things?”
“No.”
“Before all of this, when you two started, were you any of those things?”
“No, but—”
“But nothing, Gio. Nyla knew who you were then, and she loved you. Give her who you are.”
“And Jace?”
