Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 96198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
CHAPTER 4
I know All
Ava
I stand in 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.”
“The future of my family will give me all the strength I need. What was done is a slight against me. I will not close my eyes before I’ve seen this right.”
That’s a promise I know in my bones he will keep.
CHAPTER 5
Friends of Ours
Gio
Two months later…
It didn’t take Jace long to get Kington Thompson here to the States. My father has handled keeping anyone from digging into what happened or finding out there are no bodies for Mom or Gwen.
Everything has been going to plan except for Frances’s move. He has told everyone that my mother disappeared and abandoned her sons. He’s trying to play the victim.
He knows my grandfather will come to America and have his head if he finds out his daughter is dead. Knowing the truth, I take my hat off to the pussy. However, little does he know, he’s only going to piss my mother off.
I wish him luck. Too bad for him, my mother has told Nonno everything. Yet, none of that is my business.
My part is here, in this funeral parlor with this giant amber-eyed Bajan. Kington Thompson stands with his hands clasped in front of him with a hard look on his face. He takes me in but doesn’t say anything. Jace stands at my side as unbothered as I am.
I already know who I’m dealing with. These guys don’t play. However, I have a goal here. This needs to become my friend, not my mother’s. I need to establish who runs the Di Lorenzo family now.
“Wuh can I do fuh ya muddah dis time, big man?” Kington asks as he locks eyes with me.
“I’m not here for my mother. I’m here for me.”
“How yuh mean? Yer friend dey say yuh muddah sent ya. I don’t have time for games, boy. Ava always takes care of my people. I do wuh I can to help she out. Yuh understand?”
Do I understand? Just barely. His accent is so thick, but I get the gist of it. He’s loyal to my mother. I respect that, but I need him to understand I’m the next Don and I’ll take care of his people as well.