Page 148 of Vita Mia

The woman at the piano stopped playing. Mirabella glanced back as the pianist discreetly left the room. Mirabella then went over to the sofa and took a seat. Nico sat to her left and Brian sat across from them in a Victorian style chair.

“Something to drink?” he gestured. A man was at the bar at the other end of the room. Mirabella didn’t recall seeing him at first. He looked up at her, his dark gaze fixed on her. She shook her head no to the offer. Nothing was offered to Nico. In fact, he was ignored. And she noticed.

“How is Giovanni doing?” Tarzan asked with the deepest concern in his voice.

“He’s doing well. I just learned today he will be moved to Roma.”

“That is good news. I hear the Poggioreale prison is a very nasty place for Dons of the Camorra. I was shocked when I heard the great Giovanni Battaglia was sent there. Where is the respect?” Tarzan asked.

“Thank you for your concern. And thank you for agreeing to meet with me.”

“Of course, your husband has been a great ally. The Camorristi on the other hand, not so much,” Tarzan said.

“Without my husband in position they are cannibalizing themselves.”

“True,” Tarzan said and sipped his brandy. “Such a shame. But Giovanni knew the risk. Didn’t he? He prepared, no?”

Mirabella glanced over to the only other American in the room. She found no comfort in his presence, so she continued to focus on Tarzan. With Nico at her side she felt less vulnerable. But she knew she was. Tarzan had all the power now that Giovanni was in jail. And he was relishing it.

“It’s why I’ve come to see you.”

“Really?” Tarzan acted surprised.

“I’ve come to talk to you about Lorenzo.”

“Ah, my pet.”

“He’s our pet uncle,” Brian chuckled.

Tarzan glanced over to his protégé' and nodded. “Agreed. He belongs to Brian, gave him to him as a gift. If you want to speak about his condition you should talk to Brian directly.”

Mirabella once again turned her gaze to Brian. “How is he?”

“He’s alive,” Brian said.

“So, you know that he was the one who lied and said your father killed Tomosino Battaglia?”

“Oh, yes, I know the story. He’s told me many times, when I visit him.”

Tarzan chuckled.

“I want to bargain for an early release.”

“Release? What does that mean?” Brian asked.

“I want you to give him to me.”

Brian stared at her as if she hadn’t spoken.

She turned her gaze to Tarzan who was reclined back into the corner of the sofa. He had his arm resting on the top of the sofa and his brandy glass in his hand.

“You knew that Lorenzo’s detainment with you was temporary.”

“I knew your husband could give a shit about an expiration date. We’re not done with Lorenzo.”

“What do you want for him?” she asked.

“Did you not hear?” Brian Smith asked. “My uncle was clear. We are not done with him.”

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