Page 113 of Destino

“Yes, but he said he wanted to talk to Giovanni.”

Mira glanced back at the villa. “I guess they’re upstairs.”

“Wedding was nice.” Fabiana nodded. “She looked beautiful. You did a good job.”

“Thanks. I spoke to Giovanni about our leaving.”

“Oh?” Fabiana looked away. “What did the great Don have to say? Did he try convincing you to give him more time?”

“He’ll come to New York. He and I are going to see each other exclusively. It’s real between us.”

Fabiana’s gaze swiveled back to her, and she frowned. “Are you saying you’ve decided to date him?”

Mira chuckled. “Isn’t it obvious? We’ve been here for almost three weeks.”

When Fabiana didn’t smile, Mira stepped to her concerned. “What is it?”

“He’s a bit controlling. You don’t like to be controlled. Just want you to be sure of what you are getting into.” Fabiana shrugged.

“That’s not it. What’s going on with Lorenzo? Did he tell you who attacked him? Are things strained between him and Giovanni?”

Fabiana smiled at a couple of men who passed them and waited for the men to move out of ear shot. She nodded. “Yes. Giovanni did it. He had it done. Lorenzo disobeyed him, and that’s his version of discipline.”

“Not true.” Mira said. She wanted to discuss Lorenzo with Giovanni, but he had disappeared for three days. When he returned, she was selfishly consumed with thoughts of her feelings for the man. Still she saw no evidence of Giovanni being a violent man and doubted he did anything to Lorenzo.

“It is Mira. I’m sorry. I pushed for us to get involved with these men. Now I’m confused about what’s going on with them. What it is we don’t see and know.”

“I’ll talk to Giovanni.”

Fabiana shrugged. “And what good will that do?”

“I’m not stupid. I think I can help. Let me try to talk to him again.”

Fabiana sighed. “I'd rather you not. It’s best we stay out of it. Agreed?”

Mira looked back up to the balcony the men had once stood upon and frowned. “Agreed.”

****

“Angelo,benvenuta, thank you for coming. How is Don Calderone?” Giovanni walked off his balcony into the room and greeted Angelo Calderone with a kiss to both cheeks. The man did the same to Flavio. He had been told that Calderone was in attendance and expected the visit.

“The same. My uncle is sick with grief, but we have faith that we will find Giuseppe.”

Giovanni clasped his hands together as if in prayer. He wore a sincere look of concern. “If there is anything I can do just ask.”

“Today is not the day. Today is a day of celebration. Catalina has grown into a beautiful woman.Bellisma!The service was wonderful. I only wanted to extend my congratulations to you both. I brought gifts.”

Angelo’s men stepped forward with two offerings. The first a cigar box with Giovanni’s favorite imports. The second was a thick envelope padded with money, both of which were accepted by Flavio.

“Have a seat.” He gestured for Angelo to sit. Giovanni never took his eyes off Angelo. The formalities settled, he fumed inside at the disrespect the bastard had shown by calling a meeting within theCammoraand not including him. “Now, what is the news on Giuseppe?”

“We have not found the body. My uncle has his hopes, so does my aunt, but I know differently. My cousin is gone.”

Giovanni lifted the lid of the cedar box and removed a long uncut cigar. He rolled the slender stick between his index finger and thumb. “I hear you had a meeting, recently.”

Angelo nodded. “I’d already met with you twice. I wanted to reach out to the other families to make them aware of our search, seek their assistance.”

“And I was not included in this discussion?” Giovanni asked, picking up his cigar cutter and slicing off both ends.

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