Page 105 of Urgent Vows
There was no viewing of the body beforehand because the fire destroyed too much. The casket will be closed at the church as well.
Is something wrong with me that I feel no grief today? Carlotta will grieve his death and it hurts more to think about her missing the funeral than to think of his demise.
I'm restless though and I want to run my hands over my books, to seek comfort I should not need since I am not grieving. Why does the prospect of burying the man who tormented me make me want to be sure of my ability to run if I have to?
Over breakfast, the urgency to hold my books and thumb through the pages to assure myself they are as they should be grows.
However, I've looked in every room on the main floor except Severu and Miceli'soffices. If my things had ended up in either place mistakenly, they would have told me, or at the very least had them brought to the suite I share with Severu.
Luigi must have put my things in a guest room on the lower level by mistake.
I have hesitated to tour those rooms because it is the primary living space for Aria and Miceli. And Aria has not offered to take me. She's been busy I know. Her social calendar is frighteningly full.
One day soon I will be expected to participate in the seemingly endless luncheons, charity organizer and board meetings, and coffees with the capo's wives. I've been given leeway because of my recovery and lack of appropriate clothing.
The bruise on my face is nearly gone and doesn't show through the light makeup I prefer to wear. That cream the hospital gave me is amazing.
Now that we've been shopping, I have outfits for every possible occasion, as well as a full complement of makeup.
I feel increasingly trapped in my new role and I need my things. The reminder that I have options because I made them. I am not useless. I am capable. I can do this. I can be this.
Aldo and the rest of the security detail are in a meeting with Severu and Miceli. A mafia funeral is a logistical challenge and an inevitable security risk. Having the don with so many high-ranking made men in one place is a temptation for our enemies.
Because the rest are in that meeting, there are only two guards watching Aria, Guilia and me. Neither notice when I take the stairs down to the floor below. I'm not worried about it. The house is secure. No one can come up the elevators without the family's approval. The staff elevator is locked.
I only peek briefly into rooms that are clearly occupied. I don't want to snoop; I just want to find my things. I've found an empty kitchen and living area, the gym, which has a great set up. I'll start doing my Yoga down here instead of the floor of mine and Severu's sitting room.
I'm in the east wing of this floor when I hear several deep voices.I recognize all of them. Severu, Miceli and Big Sal.
The habit of years kicks in and I edge closer to the open door.
"We can't just let him go back to Detroit," Big Sal says.
"I agree." Miceli's voice is grim. "He'll find it too easy to disappear from his home stomping ground."
"We'll pick him up after the funeral," Severu says, his voice cold. "Angelo can question him tonight."
Angelo is one of Severu's top men. But who are they talking about picking up?
I only know of one man who is supposed to move to Detroit soon. Zio Giovi.
But why would Severu want him questioned?
My stomach starts to churn. They can't think he's the mole. Zio would never betray the Cosa Nostra. Besides he doesn't have access to sensitive information. My father always saw him as an outsider because he wasn't from New York.
He never told Zio anything.
Big Sal's voice saying how bad my father's security system was replays in my head. No. I won't believe it. Not my uncle. Zio is a good man. He never hurt me. He's the only person to see me as a treasure since Mamma was killed.
I realize the men are going to come out of the room any second. All thought of tracking down my things gone, I rush to the stairs. I rip my shoes off and carry them in one hand while grabbing the stair rail with the other and going up as quickly and silently as I can.
I don't know what Severu would do if he found me spying on him and I don't want to find out.
Lucky for me I make it to the guest bathroom before anyone noticed me or the men return to mine and Severu's floor. I sit on the closed toilet lid and catch my breath for several seconds before I put my shoes back on. I flush the unused toilet and wash my hands and then open the door.
Aldo is standing on the other side. "No one knew where you were," he says.
I frown. "Am I expected to announce when I need to use the bathroom in my own home?"
