Cruel Vows

MASSIMO

My father circles Carlo, who he has strung up in the old pool house. None of us wants any of the famiglia, not even Lorenzo, to know about his betrayal yet. First, we need to get answers from the man himself.

“You have betrayed the famiglia, Carlo.” Father’s voice is intimidating even to me. “I want an explanation.”

Carlo spits on the floor, which results in my father punching him hard in the jaw.

“You dare disrespect me like that. What the fuck happened, Carlo?”

Carlo’s eyes are bound with a blindfold as he hangs from the ceiling by his arms. “I’m fed up with being overlooked.”

“Overlooked?” Father growls, tension coiling through his muscles. “You were the most respected caporegime in our famiglia.” Father punches him hard in the stomach. “And you work with the Russians as if it’s nothing.”

Carlo chuckles. “Russians? You have no idea what’s going on, old man.”

My father charges at him and punches him again, only this time he sways slightly, losing his footing.

I rush forward and offer him support. “Let me take over, Father.”

He looks at me and nods.

“We know exactly what is going on, Carlo.”

Carlo’s brow furrows as I step forward and pull off his blindfold. He squints as his eyes adjust to the light. “What is that, then?”

“You are working with Adrik and the cartel to bring all three mafia families down.”

His eyes widen. “How did—”

I slam my fist into his stomach. “What were they offering you to betray us?”

He tries to recover from the impact before speaking. “A lot of fucking money and a position in the only mob in Chicago if Adrik’s plan succeeded.”

“Since you are going to die, do you want to die with some dignity?”

His eyes narrow.

“When is he planning this obliteration?”

Carlo’s jaw clenches. “Why should I tell you if you’re just going to kill me?”

“Because there’s two ways a man can die. Quickly and relatively painlessly.” I tilt my head. “Or very slowly, over several days, maybe weeks, in excruciating pain the entire time.”

I notice the shiver that races through the man I’d looked up to as a kid. He was always so tough and one of the most respected men in our outfit. It’s sad that it’s come to this.

“Fine, he is planning to strike all of you on Independence day, Monday July 4th.” He shakes his head. “The kid reckons it is poetic. You still have a couple of months until he strikes, but if I were you I’d reconsider killing me.”

Coward. “And why would that be?”

“Because I’m your in to his plans. Kill me. It will make him suspicious and might expedite his efforts.”

I crack my knuckles. “How the fuck can we trust you after this, Carlo?”

“Wire me up.” He suggests. “Whatever it takes. I’ll make this right.” His eyes dart behind me to my father. “I got complacent.”

Father steps forward, taping a finger against his chin. “You are right that you are our only way to get intel on Adrik’s plans.” He pauses, as if thinking through it all. “But if we let you step foot in the same room as him, who is to say you won’t warn him and we’ll be blown to kingdom fucking come earlier than scheduled?”

Carlo shakes his head. “It’s impossible. He’s going to be hard pushed to get it ready for the 4th. The missiles aren’t ready.”

A sense of relief coils through me to hear that the weapons aren’t ready, but I’m skeptical of anything Carlo says.

“You could say anything just to get out of this, Carlo. I know men who will sell their own fucking mothers just for their lives.” I narrow my eyes. “We need time to discuss what we’ve talked about.”

I slam my fist hard into his stomach, knocking the air out of him. “That’s a parting gift.” I walk out of the room and wait for Father to follow.

He stares at him for a few moments, before finally saying. “I’m very disappointed in you, Carlo.” And then he walks out and joins me in the corridor of the pool house.

“What are we going to do?” I ask.

For the first time in my life, my father doesn’t look certain, as he says. “I honestly don’t know.”

His uncertainty only adds to my anxiety.

“Let’s discuss it with Leo and Luca.” He rubs a hand across the back of his neck. “Maybe it’s time to add your uncle and cousins to the loop.”

I clench my jaw as Uncle Marco isn’t the most trustworthy person when it comes to keeping a secret. He drinks too much. “Is it wise?”

Father shrugs. “I’ll make it clear he needs to keep it quiet.” He pinches the bridge of his nose. “I’ll call a meeting for tonight at Sal’s.”

I swallow hard, as he hasn’t mentioned the test results he was supposed to get yesterday. “And news from the hospital?”

He nods. “It’s spread to my liver. They’re not exactly hopeful, but they’ll do what they can.”

I clench my jaw, pain arching through my chest. “I’m sorry, Father.”

He shakes his head. “Everyone’s time has to come at some point. If it’s my time, then so be it.”

“When will you tell Mia and Camilla?” I push my hair away from my face. “Camilla arrived this morning.”

“I’ll invite them tonight. Bring your wife, Massimo.” He smiles wistfully. “I like that one.”

“I thought you were pissed that I didn’t marry Caterina Russo.”

“I was, at first, until I met Paisley.” He nods. “She suits you. Caterina does not.”

I smile. “Glad we agree on something.” I clap him gently on the shoulder. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“See you tonight, son.”

I walk away, struggling to contain the swirling emotions building in my chest. My father might die and I don’t know how to cope. The only comfort I ever find is when I’m wrapped up in my wife. She’s my salvation and I need her now more than I ever knew possible.

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