Page 134 of Savage King

"He's a criminal." He says the words I've been waiting for since he heard the news. But then he surprises me. Before I can argue, he continues, "I would have never thought I would say this, but in the kind of world we live in, I actually think you're safer with him."

"I'm sorry you had to let go of your principles twice to save me, Daddy."

He looks startled, "I'd do anything for you, sweetheart, you know that."

It hurts and scares me, but I have to know. "Dad… did you know? What Mom did? I mean, before that day."

"No, Scarlet, I swear to you I didn't. I would have never allowed that to happen. Never."

I believe him, despite Antonio's words about his father taking Gigi to dance lessons and giving her a bath, and how he had to have noticed. My dad did notice, but I choose to believe hereally believedthe bruises and cuts were accidents.

"I was so busy building my career that I believed your mother's lies about cat scratches and falls. I believed some of the bruises were from ballet. I'm so, so sorry. I should have known better, especially as a judge, where I've seen so many…" his face scrunches up in pain and anguish. So much so, it nearly breaks my heart.

"It's okay." I didn't mean for him to feel guilty or regretful. I wrap my arms around him. "Really, it's okay."

"No, it’s not Scarlet, and it never will be. I take full responsibility for this. I should have been there for you."

My heart aches for him, but I push thoughts of guilt down, because that's the old Scarlet. I have nothing to feel guilty about. I was a kid. I’m sad that I brought it back up again, but it had to be said.

"Well, you'll have another chance," I cheer him up.

"What do you mean?"

"Come." I lead him to the stairs this time. We're only going one floor down to where Antonio's and my suite is, and where Gigi and I are preparing a new room.

It's not done yet, far from it, but it's unmistakably a nursery.

"Scarlet!" Dad looks at the white crib and then swings his eyes to me.

I nod. "You're going to be a grandpa, and I promise you will be able to change all the diapers you want. Meet Jellybean." I take his hand and press it to my still flat stomach.

He hugs me tightly. "You're making an old man undeservedly happy."

I hate bringing Mom into this room, but we're here, and things need to be said. "It's not undeserved, Dad. I know you love me—have always loved me. You've done things for me… things that go against everything you believe in."

"And I'd do them again," he responds fiercely.

"So…" I bite my lower lip, "Mom was really dead then when you…"

He nods. "She broke her neck on impact. I took her and staged an accident. She had enough alcohol in her body to make it believable."

"I'm sorry, Daddy."

He kissed my forehead like he used to when I was a kid. "That's what fathers do; they protect their little girls. I failed for many years, but from the moment I found out, I swore I would never let you down again."

A few days later…

Once again, we find ourselves in my office, staring at the big screen, watching news coverage of the live reading of Carlos's sentence. Lambert already told me what it would be, so with no surprises in the offing, I have time to study Carlos as he sits, looking a lot more subdued than last time, next to his lawyer.

Further in the galley, I spy Marcello, very much alive despite his bandaged head, and, from the looks of it, ready to take over the Orsi clan.

I talked to him a couple of days ago, and he mentioned that a steel plate had been added to replace the part of the skull that was damaged. His expression is unreadable, and his attention is focused on Lambert, not his father. Since there is no love lostbetween the two, I doubt he feels anything but triumph at taking over the Orsi empire.

Carlos's expression, however, is easy to read. Fear shows underneath his fury, giving me the satisfaction I've been waiting for.

At the judge's table, Lambert readies himself to read the verdict. "Carlos Orsi, you have been found guilty by a jury of your peers for the crime of extortion and on the count of racketeering. I can't convict you for all the crimes you have committed and not been tried for, but by God, I can give you the maximum sentence for the crimes you were found guilty of. You will serve fifty years in Sing Sing, without the possibility of parole. Guards, take him away."

"I need to make a phone call." I excuse myself and leave my office, feeling Scarlet, Vito, and Igio's eyes on my back. I need to make sure Grigori is prepared. Carlos needs to be taken out as soon as possible. I would enjoy watching him wither in jail for a while, but given the danger he poses to the woman I love, he needs to be neutralized quickly. Not only that, but the sooner Carlos is gone, the sooner I can continue with plan B. Edoardo.

---