by Sienna Mynx
Adara watched the television until the shower stopped. Carlo came out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist. He turned off the light in the hotel room. The only one left was the lamp by the bed. He walked over to his suitcase and dug out a pair of boxers. He dropped his towel and put them on in front of her. The scarring to his body looked old. She could tell the difference between gunshots and knife cuts. The tattoos seemed to stretch over his entire back.
"Ever been to America?" he asked.
"No," she replied. It was the second time he asked her that question.
"I just returned. Brought back a gift for someone. Forgot to give it to her husband. I want you to have it," he said. He dug into his bag and then removed it. Adara frowned. She waited. He turned with a golden wrapped box. He tossed it to the bed. She glanced at it and then to him.
"Go on. Open it," he said. He stared at the box as if it were a rare jewel. Confused she unwrapped and inspected the gift.
"Perfume lotion?"
"Shalimar. I want you to put it on. Now."
The request wasn't the strangest thing to happen to her that day. Adara nodded. She eased off the bed as she removed the bottle. She then squirted a dab on the wrist and then rubbed it into her hands.
"Between the breasts. There," he said and pointed.
She did as he asked. She removed the shirt she wore and rubbed the lotion over her breasts and neck.
He nodded. "Get in bed," he said with a weary sigh. "On the right side. I take the left."
Adara wanted to question his intentions, but it was clear what they were up to now. She eased into the bed but kept her eyes on him. He then lowered his boxers as if he changed his mind. This time, she saw his dick and had to look away. It was the most magnificent part of his scarred, tattooed body.
"Why did you go to America?" she asked without looking at him.
Carlo came around the bed. He eased in with her. He pulled her closer to him. "Tonight I want you to be quiet. I want you to lay here and hold me and not say a word. Do you understand me?"
She nodded that she understood.
"Good." He turned and shut off the lamplight. He grabbed the remote and turned off the television. And then he rested his head against her breast. His strong arms wrapped around her gently. It felt nice. Frozen stiff at first she wasn't sure what else he needed. But somehow she felt it. She stroked the top of his head. And he settled into sleep. Adara’s gaze shifted over to the left where the box for the perfume lotion lay. Who was the woman who wore Shalimar? And why did he feel the need to pretend he was in her arms tonight?
***
The storm had delayed them. She hadn't seen that kind of lightning in a long time. When she ran inside under the cover of the umbrella, Catalina was nearly knocked over by Rosetta.
"Oh, scusi," Rosetta said.
"Watch where you're going!" Catalina hissed.
"Ladies, it's late. Can you save the argument for the morning?" Dominic sighed. He glanced back at the luggage being brought in by the men. Catalina shot Rosetta a withering glare. She wasn't sure why she was angry with her. Rosetta had been quiet and observant since the drama began. Still, she hated the sight of her.
"I'm going to bed. Come on, Dominic," Catalina said.
Rosetta stepped in front of him. "Where do I sleep, Domi?"
"On the floor. Who gives a shit! Just go away," Catalina said.
Dominic sighed. "Take a room down here. In the morning we'll figure out the arrangement. Good night."
Rosetta opened her mouth to object, and Catalina was ready to pounce. But the door flung open and in walked a laughing Mirabella with Giovanni. Everyone paused at their appearance. Giovanni wore no shirt or shoes. His pants were wet. They dripped from his hips. And Mirabella wore a wet spaghetti strap dress that was plastered to her body. She also had on Giovanni’s wet shirt to cover her breasts. Her hair was flat to her head with smooth flat bangs.
"Catalina! Rosetta? You're here?" Mirabella said. Rosetta reached her first. She hugged Mirabella, who hugged her back. Giovanni frowned at Catalina and then Dominic. He didn't say anything. But he questioned them both with his eyes.
"I thought you were in Paris?" Giovanni said. "And where have you been? I've been trying to reach you all day."
"Long story," Dominic said.
"Let's talk first thing in the morning," Giovanni said and pulled his wife back from the girls.
"Grazie, Gio! Donna! Tante grazie for inviting me to stay. I am so happy," Rosetta said.
"It's late, everybody. I agree with Giovanni; we'll talk in the morning," Mirabella giggled as Giovanni dragged her away. He caught her by the waist and swept her up into his arms and she squealed.
"Goodnight!" she waved at them before she was gone.
Catalina couldn't speak. It felt wrong to stand there and smile for her brother when she knew he could be hurt so deeply.
"Let's go to bed," Dominic whispered.
"Okay," she agreed. When they arrived at their bedroom, she shed her anxiety. The bed she shared with Dominic, any bed with him, was one of the few places she felt safe. She didn't bother to ask for her suitcases that were left downstairs. Instead, she stripped and got under the covers. The guest room had a small full-size bed. When Dominic got in with her, he claimed most of the available sleeping space. Which meant she had to be against him at all times. She craved the closeness. But the moment she closed her eyes she saw another man's face. So she slept with her eyes open for as long as she could.
"Domi?" she asked.
"Yes," he answered and kissed the back of her head while cradling her breast in his hand.
"If we are at war will we kill Armando?" she asked.
"Possibly," he replied.
"Good," she sighed and forced herself to go to sleep.
***
Morning –
Giovanni was an early riser. And so was his son. He carried a grinning Gino down the stairs. In the middle of the night, both boys woke in their playpens which substituted for cribs, and then joined them in bed. He didn't mind. Not after the time, he shared with his Bella.
"Eat. Eat." Gino bounced in his arms. The toddler took pride in being the first up. He had Daddy all to himself.
"Yes, yes I know." Giovanni stopped one of his men walking toward the door. "Domi?" he asked.
The young man pointed to the other hall. "Second room, Boss."
He nodded his thanks. The villa had six rooms, and all were quite small. Even the one he shared with his Bella. The visit made him miss Melanzana even more. He knocked on the door twice with his fist. Gino dropped his curly head on his shoulders. After a few seconds, Dominic came to the door in his boxers.
"Kitchen. Now," Giovanni said.
Dominic rubbed his eyes and pulled on his dick. He nodded that he would join him. Giovanni went into the kitchen with Gino and put him down on the floor. He found some eggs from the fridge and some leftover veal from dinner. He got out some cheese, butter, and cherry tomatoes. He tossed one to Gino and his boy caught it, grinning. Gino popped it in his mouth and started chewing. He raised his tiny hand to ask for another.
Giovanni chuckled and gave him one.
"Morning," Dominic said.
Giovanni glanced back at his adopted brother. Dominic looked defeated. His eyes were red and swollen. He dropped in the chair at the table and put his face in his hands.
"What is it?" Giovanni asked and began to light the flame on the gas stove.
"Got a call yesterday, after I visited the doctor. Catalina went to Sicily."
Giovanni paused. His gaze swiveled from the frying pan to his consigliere. "Sicily?"
"That's right. She was supposed to go to Paris but made a detour. Apparently, Mirabella wanted her to visit Francesca and pick up Rosetta. Did she mention it?"
"No," he said with concern. He threw the veal into the cast iron skillet and let it sizzle.
"Armando had our boys arrested by the Carabinieri. Catalina was trapped in Palermo. I had to have the co
usins pick her up and take her to Mondello. I've moved everyone from Sicily. Like you wanted... we are at war. And she could have been caught in the crossfire Gio."
"Was she okay? Did anyone..."
"She's fine. I found her at Madre's grave. Crying."
Giovanni glanced back. "Madre?"
"Yes. She misses her."
"We all do," Giovanni said.
"Morning," Lorenzo said. "Gino! What's up, my little man?"
Gino left Giovanni’s side and went straight to Lorenzo, who tossed him up in the air. The toddler giggled and clapped his hands together.
"Change of plans," Giovanni said.
"Dominic will send for the doctor. She will meet Bella here. Today. And Lorenzo, call the Dons. The meeting is tonight. Make sure everyone can attend. We are going forward. We are telling the clans about Mirabella and Marietta."
"Now? But, Gio..."
"And then we are leaving for America."
"America?" Lorenzo gasped.
"For a week or so."
"I can't. I think I know how to draw Isabella out of hiding. I think I know where to find her."
Giovanni glanced back at him. Dominic too looked on. Lorenzo held Gino and smiled at the men. "Well? Say it?" Giovanni asked.
"Spoke to Carlo last night. He has a girl. She was sent to Banfi to spy on us. Get information to feed back to Baldamenti. The old man is sniffing in our backyard. And you know he does it for a purpose. I was thinking last night. Who has enough power to hide Isabella? Who has the biggest grudge against the family? Baldamenti is helping her, Gio. I feel it."
"Doesn't matter. You and Marietta are coming to America. I told you. I will deal with Isabella."
"How?" Dominic asked. "Lorenzo has a point, Gio. If Baldamenti is plotting against us, we need to focus there."
"We focus where I say!" Giovanni slammed the mallet on the counter. Gino jumped in Lorenzo's arms and hugged his neck. The men silenced. Giovanni regretted his reaction. He had worked hard to remain calm. It would make him happy to take his brothers into his confidence. Reveal all that he knew, and all he intended to do. But he knew he could not. This war between him and Isabella would end by his hand. He was close to finding the witch, and he wouldn't let anyone get in the way.
"Call the Dons. Call the doctor. We do this my way." Giovanni reached for his son. At first, Gino rejected him. Giovanni picked up a slice of cheese and offered it. Gino forgave him and came into his arms. He kissed his cheek.
Lorenzo stormed out. Giovanni didn't flinch. He cooked with Gino seated on his arm and removed the warmed over veal to a plate. He tossed a cube of butter into a cast iron pan for the eggs.
"Isabella is dangerous, Gio. We can't let her slip away," Dominic said.
"She won't."
***
Catalina lay in the bed staring at the phone. She could barely sleep. With Dominic gone from bed, her anxiety surfaced again. Should she call Armando? If she did, what leverage did she have? It wouldn't be wise to be caught off guard by him again. Not after the stunt he pulled in Mondello. She had to come up with a plan. A fast one.
She tossed her cover aside and sat up naked and afraid. Dominic had brought in her luggage. She went to her suitcase and got out her robe and vanity bag. She quickly went to the bathroom and freshened up. And then she left. It didn't take long to find the room Marietta shared with Lorenzo. She heard them arguing from the hall. Catalina crept to the door and listened. Their voices lowered. She went closer and put her ear to the door.
"I don't understand this. Why has Gio changed his mind... you have to find her, Lo!"
"I can't disobey Gio! Let me handle it!"
"She's out there. She's out there, and she's coming for us. Convince Gio to let you take some men and..."
"Basta!" he shouted. "Don't tell me what to do, Marie! I said I would handle her; I will. End of discussion!"
Lorenzo marched to the door, and Catalina quickly stepped back. He threw it open. She looked up into his eyes. He frowned at her.
"I... I was looking for Marietta."
Lorenzo mumbled something and stormed off past her. Catalina glared after him. At that moment she wanted a gun herself to pull the trigger. He was guilty. He did it. And it broke her heart.
"Catalina? What are you doing here? I thought you were going to Paris?" Marietta said while she wiped away her tears.
Catalina walked into the room. She closed the door. "Trouble in Sicily."
"What kind of trouble?" she asked.
Catalina crossed her arms. "Did you know my brother wants to go to war with Armando? With the Mafiosi? Did you know that?"
Marietta shook her head no.
"Well he does, and Armando is ready. Trust me I know."
"So, you saw Armando?" Marietta frowned.
Catalina cut her gaze away. The frustration and fear bubbled up in her to the point of explosion. She broke down in tears. Marietta rushed to her side. She threw her arms around her and hugged her. And the support backfired. She shoved Marietta off. "You knew! Didn't you!"
"Knew what?" Marietta stammered.
"You knew all this time. All that talk about us being women and strong. Having to keep this family together. You were covering your ass and his!"
"Wait a minute. Who the hell are you yelling at? You come in here cursing me out and I--"
"I heard the tape, Marietta." Catalina crossed her arms. It was all she needed to say. The rage on Marietta's face melted. It was as if she drained of her color. Marietta’s eyes stretched, and her hand went to her swollen belly. She stepped back several steps before she sat on the edge of the bed.
"I heard it. I heard Lorenzo order the hit on my father. I heard it and you knew!"
Marietta began to cry.
"You knew? How could you protect him from something like that?"
"Please, Catalina. Please. I'm begging."
"How could you keep something like this? How?" Catalina screamed through her tears.
"Stop yelling! Someone will hear you!"
"I don't care!"
Marietta stood. "Do you want Lorenzo killed? Do you? If you don't stop right now, they are going to charge in here and demand to know why you are so upset. And if you tell them what you know they will take Lorenzo out back and put a bullet in his head!"
Catalina put both hands to her face and cried. "He killed my father. He has to pay for that."
"No, he didn't! No, Catalina!" Marietta grabbed her by the arms. She shook her. "You heard the tape. You heard him. Now listen to me. Lorenzo was drunk. He was angry. And yes he's a fucking idiot to speak against the family. But he did not order the death of Tomosino. He clearly stated that it was a 'what if' kind of thing. Like a wish, not a command."
"How long? How long have you known this?" Catalina asked.
"From the beginning. It's how we met. That wicked, evil bitch she did this!" Marietta turned away. "Isabella sent me that tape and Lorenzo found it in my hotel room. We fought. He thought I was trying to hurt him. It's how we fell in love because of her."
"That make no sense!"
"It's the truth!" Marietta shouted her down.
"Who else knew about this? Who?"
"Giuseppe Calderone. He was blackmailing Lorenzo. He had to kill him."
"Oh my God," she said in disgust. "Oh God, I'm going to be sick."
"It's not his fault, Catalina. Isabella is out there trying to destroy him just like his mother. She's torturing him. And yes he's been running from that mistake for years. Years! He loved your father. He loves your brother. He loves this family. He made a mistake!"
"A mistake? That's not a mistake? Do you know how many people died because of this mistake? Mirabella could have died and you wouldn’t have known her. If Lorenzo hadn't killed Giuseppe Calderone to protect the mistake, that bomb would have never been planted in the car. That mistake killed Fabiana."
"It's in the past," Marietta wept.
"It's not! Armando has the tape, Marietta. He has it. And now they are go
ing to war with him. He'll use it and Giovanni will be destroyed. Lorenzo will be killed. Nothing you say or do can stop it now."
"No. No. Please... no," Marietta wept.
Catalina went to her and wrapped her arms around her. They sat on the bed and cried. "What are we going to do?" Marietta asked. "How do we stop it?"
"I dunno. I don't." Catalina cried.
***
Mirabella thought she heard yelling. She carried Gianni on her hip, and Eve trailed her, reading to her from her favorite book. Her daughter did so from memory. But she was a fast learner. Mirabella knew she would be reading on her own before primary school. When she arrived in the hall, she found Rosetta. The sight of her stopped Mirabella. Rosetta had her ear to the door of Marietta's room listening.
"Rosetta!"
The young girl nearly jumped out of her skin over being caught. She looked at Mirabella with her eyes stretched wide.
"Come with me! Now!"
Mirabella turned and walked out of the hall, and Rosetta was quick to follow.
"Why were you listening to the door?" Eve asked her. Mirabella glanced back to see her following. Rosetta smiled at Eve and took her hand. They turned down the hall, and she found that the open terrace was clear of the men and family. She set Gianni down.
"I'm sorry, Mirabella. I'm so sorry. I heard yelling. And then crying. I wasn't sure if I should knock or..."
"Save it!" Mirabella said. "Sit down!"
Rosetta did as she was told. Mirabella paced. She knew it was risky bringing Rosetta back into the family with so much going on. She had hoped the girl had changed. But it was evident she hadn't been properly motivated.
"I won't have it. Do you hear me? I won't have you snooping around this family stirring up trouble. Not again. I brought you here because you are family. And I want to teach you what that means. But if you think I'm going to let you bring drama into our lives after everything we've been through this year you don't know me."
"I apologize. I do. I know this is a chance for me to change. I am so grateful. I didn't mean to cause trouble. Not now or before. I only wanted..."
"Save it," Mirabella said. "Why are you here anyway? Weren't you supposed to go to Paris with Catalina?"