Page 80 of Cartel King

“Mama, I was safe. But I nearly killedtío’s?—”

Alejandro looks away from his mom to Enrique to me, and back to Enrique. He doesn’t know what to call me. I don’t know what I am since we’re in a committed relationship I swore I didn’t want.

“Novia.” Girlfriend.

I know that one. Better than something like lady friend. That would make it sound like he’s a widower, and I’m eighty.

Alejandro looks back at me, and there’s something akin to wonder in his expression. I brace myself.

“I went in that room afterward. The angle was tight, and the hole was meant for an eye not a rifle muzzle. You must have stood on a rickety crate. Knowing that makes your accuracy even more impressive.”

“Thank you.”I think.

I’ll take it as a compliment, but I’m uncertain that’s what it was. Catalina, who must be Alejandro’s mother, observes me. Judges me.

“How did you know who my son was?” Her accent is thicker than Enrique’s, reminding me she didn’t move here until much later in life compared to Enrique and Luis.

“There was something familiar about him that reminded me of Enrique. He was never my target. When he turned toward me, the wall hid me, but I could see him clearly. They’re two peas in a pod. It was like looking at a younger version of Enrique. There was no doubt who he was, even though I didn’t know which nephew.” I lift my chin, and my tone hardens. “I would never do that to Enrique.”

I dare them to accuse me of something—anything—that betrays Enrique. I don’t feel as defiant as I sound or look. That doesn’t mean I don’t speak the truth.

“You’re a Vizzini.”

I know the man who just spoke must be Luis. The family resemblance among all the men is uncanny. Luis and Enrique could be twins if Luis’s hair was a little darker. There’s another man standing beside a seated woman who looks tired. It’s unquestionable that the younger one is Luis’s son. It’s like a look back in time for Luis and a fast forward for his son.

“By marriage, I was. My family’s ties with the Vizzinis go back generations. Ever since my father’s family came to America from Sicily. My mother’s side of the family only goes back to the fifties.”

“But you’re not a Vizzini anymore?” Luis isn’t wasting a minute to launch the Inquisition.

“You know I live under an alias since you couldn’t find me. I could’ve changed my last name back to my maiden one, but I want the same last name as my sons. My father is Pauly Luigiano.” I let that bomb explode for a moment. “My maiden name is probably more dangerous for me on my own than being a Vizzini.”

The Vizzini name protects the bearer because they’re close enough to the don’s family to still have it. There’re plenty who hold grudges against my father for what he’s done to men who wronged the don’s family over the past fifty years. The Luigiano name would paint a bullseye on me for anyone who wants revenge against my father.

“Let me introduce everyone before we dive into that,manito.”

I guessmanitois the diminutive for little brother. I’m learning already.

Enrique introduces me to his other sister, Luciana, and his sister-in-law, Margherita. Then I meet Pablo, his heir apparent. Is part of his suspicion that I’ll have a son who’ll usurp his position? He needs to know not only can’t I have more kids, I wouldn’t even if I could. Not just because Enrique is who he is. That phase of my life is over.

Javier, Joaquin, and Jorge look similar to the others, but not as much as Alejandro and Pablo look to Enrique and Luis. They must take after their father more. I know their mother is a widow, so that explains why Luciana is alone, but no one says where Catalina’s husband is. She’s wearing rings.

“The rest of this conversation with Ellie will take place in my office.”

I don’t like how Enrique summarily dismisses his sisters. If we’re moving to his office, they’re not invited. I turn toward him, and he realizes I don’t approve.

“Tell me where to go, but I’m going to speak to your sisters first. Alone.”

It’s like the air is collectively sucked out of the room as everyone inhales a silent gasp. If he wants a partner of equals like he said, then I won’t defer to him on everything in the privacy of our homes. I won’t argue with him in front of anyone, but I don’t take orders outside of sex and my safety.

“It’s down the hall at the end. Please knock first.” He kisses my cheek like he did earlier.

The men file out of the room behind them, leaving me with the three women. Javier, Alejandro, and Pablo hesitate. They fear for me alone with their mothers.

What the fuck did I just invite myself into?

I watch the men walk away until the door closes behind the last one. I join the women at the table and pull out a chair, hoping Luciana and Catalina will sit, too. Otherwise, they’re going to stare down at me literally and figuratively. I relax when they do. It definitely feels like three against one.

“I don’t know what the men would tell you if I left it up to them. I’ll tell you all I can, and I’ll answer whatever questions I can. I don’t know if Enrique told you how we met.” I pause, and Luciana shakes her head. “I was trying to clean leaves out of my gutters and was leaning way too far while standing too high on the ladder. I knew it wasn’t smart, but the company I hired cancelled. I worried about the weather changing and the gutters getting clogged when it rains. He pretty much ordered me off the ladder then did the work himself. After that, wecoincidentallywound up outside at the same time. I think he timed his runs for when I walked my dog. I started timing the walks when I thought he’d go by. I enjoy his company, and we chatted about different things, but we were both evasive about family and anything too personal in our past. I didnotknow who your brother is. Not until he told me his last name. I recognized it.”

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