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“No, it wasn’t,” I responded.
“So you violated a truce and killed—all without approval,” he said.
“I did, Don Carlo,” I said.
“You don’t sound sorry, Enzo,” he said.
“Because I’m not,” I responded.
“You made an oath to this family. Part of that oath was obedience.
You broke it. Yet you won’t even pretend to regret it?” he said.
Nico shifted next to me. I didn’t look at him.
Instead, I kept my gaze on Don Carlo and made sure my eyes were on his when I spoke.
“No. I don’t regret it. Not one bit. And, if I were so lucky, Fabiano would come back to life so I would have the joy and pleasure of killing him again,” I said.
I went quiet then, waiting for Don Carlo’s response. Each second stretched, taut, the weight of the silence pressing down. But still, I refused to blink.
“She must be special,” he finally said.
“She is,” I responded without hesitation.
“It’s going to cost you,” he said.
“She’s worth whatever the price,” I said.
“Fabiano’s family will receive an appropriate tribute. And fifty percent of what you earn is mine for the next year,” he said.
“Yes, Don Carlo,” I said.
“Now, fuck off,” he said.
The old man lit his cigar, and Nico and I left without another word.
We didn’t speak until we were back in his car.
“You got the cash?” he said.
“Yes, I have it,” I responded.
“You don’t seem happy,” Nico said.
“You want to talk about my feelings, cousin?” I said.
“Not particularly, but you just slipped out of a capital offense with barely a slap on the wrist. Seems like you should be more excited,” he said.
I knew he was right, but I looked at him and said what was on my mind.
“What’s the point without her?”
Nico didn’t offer me an answer.
Molly
“Have you thought about what you want to do?”