Page 28 of Tesoro: Mayhem Makers

“Irish twins.”

Smiling, I nod my head, a warmth in my chest I hadn’t felt in such a long time.

“After my father was killed, my mother tried to take care of us, but most days she couldn't get out of bed. Angelo turned seventeen that year and I right behind him at sixteen. We both worked various jobs, but it was never enough. One day, Angelo came home, said he’d met this guy, Carmine, who had a job for him. I asked him what it was, and he told me all he had to dowas to stand outside this warehouse and knock on the window if anyone walked by.”

Thinking back, I can’t believe we were so naive. At the time it was about survival and not which direction our moral compass pointed.

“Angelo did this for a few days, the money was good, so he asked Carmine if he needed another worker. I remember how excited I was when Carmine agreed to let me work with Angelo. Mom never asked where the money came from, not that she was in any position to.”

Looking at Angelo, he favored our mother more than I did. We both had our father’s Italian features, but Angelo got her eyes.

“We worked for Carmine for about a month before we were told to deliver a package to a house in Beacon HIl. I remember looking up at this massive place and swearing when I had a family, I would live in a place like this. When the door opened, I gave the package to the guy we were told to, who turned out to be Frankie.” I laughed, tipping my head toward the door. I had no idea at the time this was a test to see if we could be trusted. As it turned out, the package contained a tracker and a note which read,You failed.

“The next day we were told to go to a bar to meet with Frankie. I didn’t think we would get past the door given our age, but no one blinked an eye when we walked in. Frankie had us follow him to several businesses where he introduced us and told the owners we would collect in the future. A few days later, we came home to find our mother lying on the floor of the bathroom. I called the ambulance and they took her to the hospital. The doctors did everything they could, but she died three days later from a clot in her brain. From what the police could gather, she’d tripped and fell, colliding with the sink.”

Kate laid her hand on my arm, squeezing gently. “I’m so sorry,” she whispers, her eyes reflecting the truth.

Staring at her tiny hand on my arm, I was helpless as I took her hand in mine, interlacing our fingers.

“Joseph came to the hospital, made arrangements for Mom and moved us out of the apartment. He stood beside us as we buried her, giving us time to grieve. Not long after, he called us into his office, his consigliere and a priest waiting with him.”

I remember being scared shitless when I walked into that room. Our parents were catholic, but only walked through the doors on Easter and Christmas.

“Joseph had adoption papers drawn up, filed by the consigliere and blessed by his priest. With a swipe of a pen we went from collecting protection money, to being groomed to become future leaders.”

I thought it was stupid at the time, Angelo was a few months from turning eighteen and I wasn’t far behind. Now, on this side of things, I understand the importance of having the Cavaletti name.

“A month after I turned eighteen, Joseph loaded us on a plane and took us to Italy where we were introduced to the Don of the Cavaletti Family. He gave his blessing and Angelo dove head first into learning everything he could about running the Family. I, on the other hand, developed other interests.”

Squeezing Kate’s hand, I caught sight of the ink on my fingers, recalling the day I had it done.

“Her name was Bellamia and she was the local priest's niece. While Angelo was knee deep in family business, I was making every excuse I could to go to church. We met in secret for a while, until Frankie found us making out in one of the confessionals. He made me go to her father and ask his permission. Joseph used our relationship as an opportunity to expand his territory.”

Keeping my focus on Kate’s fingers, rubbing my thumb back and forth along hers. “I asked her to marry me after knowing her for a month. Her parents loved me and gave us their blessing. Our wedding was ridiculous the entire village in attendance. Frankie explained that’s how it was done and my only job was to keep a smile on Bella’s face.”

Kate squeezes my fingers before pulling her hand away. “I’m sure your wife is missing you, it must be hard being this far apart.”

I didn't care for the sadness coating Kate’s voice, my heart pounds as I feel her slipping away. Reaching out, I grab Kate by the arm, “Tesoro, my wife died three years ago in a car crash.”

Chapter

Twenty-One

KATE

My mouth feels dry as I repeat his confession inside my head.

“She was coming home from a trip to see her sister when a drunk driver ran a red light.”

A combination of sorrow and elation fills my chest. He wasn’t married, but something tells me he wasn’t finished mourning either.

Reaching into his pocket, Dante removes the rosary I’d seen him use prior. Deep red, almost black beads, held together by a gold chain.

“Father Michael had this made for me out of the rose petals from her funeral.”

My priest had done the same for me after Nona’s funeral. Sadly, mine were tucked away in a drawer as I’d been too busy to step inside church since starting school.

“What about you; boyfriend, married?”

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