Page 72 of Vita Mia

“I understand.”

Mirabella gave the phone back to David. She wiped the tears from her face and went back into the room where her children were all huddled. Her daughter had Leeza on her hip and was telling Gianni to stay seated on the floor next to Gino and Lorenza. Mirabella heart melted at the sight of them but she refused to give them an ounce of fear. It was her job to stand strong. They need her.

Eve looked up when Lorenza pointed at her. “Mummy? Where is Papa? Did they take him to hell?”

“Hell?”

Eve nodded. “I heard Father Christopher say that Papa was going to hell with everyone else who burned in my fire.”

“Eve, no, honey, Papa is fine. He’s going to be okay.”

Eve gave her a nod of bravery. Mirabella went to her knees. “Can Mama have a hug from her babies?”

The boys were the first to go to her and hug her. Lorenza squeezed in and gave her a hug. She looked up to Eve and Leeza who only watched. She winked at Eve. This was the day she knew would come. But she could never gauge how badly it would hurt and scar her children.

***

“DOMI!” CATALINA RUSHEDinto the office. “They’re here!”

Dominic got up from his desk. Catalina held baby Armando in her arms and looked as worried as a woman would be under the circumstances. They had only shared a few short minutes before the Italian Carabinieri marched into his home in military fashion.

“Dominic Battaglia, you are ordered to appear before the republic to answer to the kidnapping and murder of Lorenzo Battaglia.”

Catalina said nothing. She knew not to react. Dominic nodded that he would obey the order. He walked around the desk and put his hands before him. His wrists were clamped with iron cuffs. He addressed Catalina. “Pack your things. You two go to Mondello. Stay there with Mirabella. Not Bagheria, or here, Mondello. Not until I am back with you. Understand?”

“Yes Domi,” Catalina said. “I understand.”

Dominic was marched out with armed men covering him. None of his men were arrested. Those found with weapons on them were on their knees to the front of the house and being searched for papers and questioned. He was handled with respect. Some of the men that arrived to take him were under his protection and payroll in Palermo, so they removed the cuffs when he arrived to the squad car and he was able to sit inside with a military officer without restraints.

The drive off his land went without incident. And when he arrived at the polizia station house he expected to be dragged into a cell with his fellow Camorra clan. He was not.

“Andiamo,” The lieutenant said.

Dominic followed the man into a hall and down a long corridor. He was taken into a room where several men waited. All of the men were officials and only one of the men seemed familiar. It was the Générale.

“Today is the day Dominic Esposito Battaglia. You knew it would come, no?”

“I’m an innocent man,” Dominic said.

The Générale laughed.

“We shall see. Please have a seat.”

He did.

“My attorneys? I expect them to be here for this little chat.”

“No need for any formality like lawyers and prosecutors. We only want to talk,” the Générale smiled.

“You said I murdered and kidnapped my brother?” Dominic asked. “That’s a serious accusation.”

“Is he your brother? I don’t understand the Battaglia’s. I hear you mix it up. Brother’s sleep with sisters and stuff of that nature,” The Générale’s sly smile surfaced in referencing Catalina. “But I thought Lorenzo Battaglia was a cousin. Wait!” The Générale’s eyes stretched. “I do remember hearing that Lorenzo felt Giovanni had stolen the family from him. Aah, yes. Lorenzo is the older brother. Eh? And you are the runt.”

“If I am not charged, then what do you want?” Dominic asked.

The Générale opened a folder. He showed some documents. Three were placed in front of Dominic. A picture of Sera Marchetti was put before him as well. “What is your relationship with Dr. Marchetti?”

“She was hired to counsel my family. There was no relationship.”

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