Page 39 of Vita Mia

Both men looked up.

“Is someone going to tell me what’s going on? What happened to Carlo?”

“It’s nothing Bella. We have it under control.”

“Renaldo?”

Renaldo lowered his gaze.

“Today was a good day for Eve, Gio. You’ve been here for us. If you need to handle business I understand. I know it’s been hard.”

“Leave us Renaldo,” Giovanni commanded.

“No. Wait. Please. We know the truth now. It wasn’t the Santoro’s that started the fire. It was Eve. Gio, you’ve been neglecting business for over a week. If something is wrong with Carlo, then just tell me.”

Giovanni stroked his chin. “He’s on his land with his bandits and won’t see anyone. Renaldo says he’s drinking heavily and arming himself as if he’s going to war.”

“How bad is it Renaldo?”

“Very bad Donna. I can’t even get close to him.”

“This is your fault Gio. I’m sorry sweetheart but it is. Sending Shae away and marrying him off to Adara.”

“He loved Adara,” Renaldo jumped in. “He was committed to her. Loyal.”

Before the fire, Giovanni opened up to her and confessed his regrets. She knew everything. She knew more than any wife should. Giovanni had interfered with Carlo’s life too many times. It wasn’t surprising that things had begun to unravel.

“I can’t have him behaving this way,” Gio said. “He’ll act out and be back in jail or dead before the end of the week. He’s too far out of control Bella.”

“Then we have to help him. We need Shae. We need to bring her back.”

Renaldo frowned. “No disrespect Donna, but Shae is the last thing he needs. He is mourning Adara.”

Giovanni looked equally shocked.

“I’m not trying to disrespect her memory Renaldo. Carlo’s world is collapsing. Nothing you do or say is going to help him heal. Maybe Shae can. Marietta told me how Shae helped him with Ciro when you and Lorenzo could not. Shae came here once pregnant looking for him. We should send for her. Make it her choice, and set her up with whatever she needs. Sweeten the deal Gio, but bring her and fast. Before it’s too late. Maybe we can help end his suffering. Don’t you think we should try?”

Mirabella nodded at Renaldo before she turned and walked out.

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GIOVANNI NODDED TORenaldo to make it happen. His capu walked out. He sat in the chair in the room and sighed. It was the first time he was alone since they arrived in Napoli. Though Mirabella rarely spoke to him he was with her and Eve every day and every night. He slumped forward and put his face in his hands. Finally alone he let go of his grief, and struggled to make himself stronger. He took as much time as he could until he found the courage to stand and go talk to his wife.

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