Page 50 of Savage Poet

“No. I met her once. She was fat. Had a pock-marked face and wore her hair in two fat braids. She smelled of gelato all the time.”

“Maybe she’ll taste sweet then?”

“The only thing sweet will be her spilled blood.”

“On your wedding night?”

I nodded. “I’m taking all of them out. Then I’ll confront the remaining four families when I’m done. Who does that fuck think he is coming after me? Taking my family?”

“You killed Constantine. That man is a mafia legend. He was the best at what he did. Stories of his kills are notorious even in my circles.”

“When I’m done. Everyone will forget him and only speak about me.”

“Damn. I bet they will.”

We continued the drive back to Jersey in silence for a bit. “How did they know? Why did they only find me just now?”

“Modern times, my friend. It’s nearly impossible for anyone to hide. They probably always knew. Hell, you took all the money. Didn’t you put the charity in your name?

“No. I didn’t.”

“Someone slipped. Maybe bragged?”

My eyes cut through the changing scenery. We’ve left concrete behind and the bare trees of almost winter roll by. “Perhaps.”

“What are you going to do about Blue?”

“Keep her.”

“And your bride?”

I shrugged. “It’ll be a farce.”

“That’s a dangerous play. They’ll kill her if they find out.”

“They will try either way.”

“Dump her. End it.”

“I can’t.”

“You’re a fool. He sees it. I saw it weeks ago. You can’t be who you need to be and feel love, brother.”

He’s right. But that wouldn’t stop me from trying.

Johnny’s burner lit up with a text. “Fuck. Now I owe Sean Flannery a favor. He’s closing in on Carmela’s location.”

“Favors rule our world.”

“And lies.”

Drop me at her house.

“You’re so fucked?”

I shook my head, “I don’t plan to lose anything especially the girl.”

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