Page 113 of Urgent Vows
I hold her tight. "No. It was my bullet that killed him."
"But I interrogated him instead of telling him to run. I knew he needed to run, but he knew too much. He couldn't go to the cartel." She breaks down again, her tears soaking my shirt.
"You protectedla famiglia."
"At what cost?"
His life. Her peace.
"He was going to be my children's grandfather."
Over my fucking dead body was a traitor going to be grandfather to my children. I don't say it though. She doesn't need the truth rubbed in her face.
Her grief is a living, breathing thing between us. "He started this in motion five yearsago." I don't know if he told her about Detroit, but I'm sure he played a role in the Russo losing his territory.
"They all betrayed him, Severu. Your father, my grandfather, Francesco. They took everything from him. He deserved so much better."
I cannot say what I think, that a traitor doesn't deserve jack shit. She sees him as a victim, and she loves him. Even in death. And still she putla famigliafirst.
She is one of the strongest people I have ever known. Her integrity is titanium threads running through her soul.
"I'll need you to tell me what he said, but not right now." It would be better to get it out of her immediately, but I cannot make myself question her in this state.
My wife shakes her head. Something tightens in my gut. Can I force her if she refuses me? My brother's expression reflects the doubt I feel.
She points to the computer. "It's all on there. I recorded it."
I see the red light that indicates the computer is still recording. I meet my brother's eyes and then nod toward the laptop. He will take care of it.
I need to take care of my wife.
"Lock this room and bring in a cleanup team after the mansion clears out," I tell my brother. "Send Carlotta back to the safe house now though."
"What about Lora Revello?"
She's a loose end but I don't want to dispose of her. Catalina has lost enough.
"The Jilanis have connected family in Italy. Relocate her there with a team of bodyguards who can keep her under surveillance." If she becomes a problem, they'll be in a position to take her out.
"We need to get you cleaned up then I'm taking you home." I pick Catalina up and she lets me, clinging to my neck.
I feel a tightness in my chest. I'll have to make an appointment with my doctor. These pains in my heart are happening more and more often.
I carry her into the office en suite and set her on the counter. I can't do anything about the blood on her dress but it's black, so the blood shouldn't show. She's not going to be mingling with any mourners on the way to the car.
I wet a towel and then carefully wipe away the blood from her face and neck. She never stops crying, but the tears are silent now.I help her wash her hands. As bloody water swirls in the porcelain sink she starts to sob in earnest again.
"I'm sorry he had to die," I tell her.
I am not sorry he is dead. I cannot be. His collusion with the cartel could have cost the Cosa Nostra dozens if not hundreds of lives. Good men. Loyal men.
She doesn't reply and remains silent and docile as I guide her out of the office, down the hall, through the foyer and out the door. No one approaches us. I glare murder at anyone who looks like they are going to try.
Chapter 37
CATALINA
I have a headache from crying when Severu follows me into the master suite's bathroom. The sobs have finally stopped, but my sorrow is still choking me. Zio Giovi is gone.
