Page 129 of Merciless Monster

“Sure, my son. What is it?”

It’s time to tell my mother of my plans to hand over the torch to Elio. My biggest fear is that she’s disappointed with me. Ever since my father died, I’ve taken on the mantle of family leader. I’ve done my best to grow and protect our business interests and to foster good relations with the other families in the area.

I’ve been successful, too. For the most part. But now it’s time to live my life for my young family; my own wife and son.

“Sit, my son. What is on your mind?”

“Mama, I love you. I want to say thank you for everything you’ve done to make me the man that I am.”

“Is something wrong, Dante? Are you ill?”

Mother looks worried.

“No. I’m not ill.”

“Spit it out, son. You’re giving me more gray hairs.”

“I’m stepping down as Don and handing it over to Elio.”

That should rip the bandaid right off.

Mamma doesn’t say anything. Her face gives nothing away about what she’s thinking. What a card player she could have been.

“Mamma. Say something, please.”

“Is this what you want or is it what Mia wants?”

“It’s what we both want. I want to dedicate myself to my family, Mamma. When we lost Pappa I promised myself I would try and be the best father I could be if I ever had a son. Angelo means the world to me, Mamma, and I almost lost him.”

“Son, there are many dangers in this world. Stepping down doesn’t automatically guarantee the safety of your family.”

“I know that. I’m not naive enough to think that everything will be wine and roses ever after, but stepping down does give me more time to be the kind of father Pappa was. Before he went too deeply down the mafia rabbit hole.”

“Have you spoken to Elio?”

“Yes. He is happy to take over from me.”

“Have you told anyone else?”

“No, Mamma. I wanted to talk to you first.”

“If this is truly what you want, Dante, then you must do it. I am an old woman. I lived my life the way I saw fit and I won’t stand between you and your life choices. You have my blessing.”

“Grazie, Mamma.”

“Prego, il mio forte figlio.”

29

MIA

Dante told me last night that he had spoken to his mother about stepping down. It’s sweet how he loves and respects her so much that he won’t make a move like this without discussing it with her first.

He said she gave him her blessing, which was a great relief. I don’t want to bethat American womaneveryone will resent after the fact. I feel as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. The thought of Dante and I starting a new life, untainted by the violence that touches his world on a daily basis, fills me with tremendous hope.

Today is Elio and Lisa’s wedding day and the little coastal town is teaming with De Lucas and Antonellis. Angelo was quite overwhelmed by all the new faces at first, but he soon got into the swing of it. My son isn’t at all used to such a large gathering. We don’t even get this kind of crowd at one of his little league games.

My family is miniscule in comparison. Being an only child makes the circle rather small. The time to leave for the church is ticking away and I’m getting Angelo ready for the big event.

---