Cruel Saints

But a woman?

“Are you sure it’s a woman?” I ask.

He nods. “As sure as one can be.”

What the fuck?

My mind begins to race through all the enemies I know of, but I can’t figure out who she can be.

“Thank you.”

Peter nods and then tightens his grip on my hand. “Maybe we can put our differences aside. Consider the information a peace offering.”

Our eyes lock, and knowing there was no bad blood between our families, I nod. “An ally is always welcome.”

He lets go of my hand and then takes a seat next to his wife.

I greet a couple of politicians and detectives, and some other prominent families before I take my seat next to Elena.

Just like the day before, I take hold of her left hand and place it on my thigh.

While the priest performs the service, I rub my thumb over the engagement ring, and it offers me the comfort I need to get through today.

When we’re done with Mass, I get up and walk to the open casket. My father looks like he’s just sleeping, and it breaks my heart, knowing he will never wake again.

I lean over him and press a final kiss to his forehead. “Addio, Papà.”

I wait for Aunt Ursula and Elena to say their final farewells, and then we step aside.

The guards know to keep the press away, so at least we’re not inundated with reporters as we leave the church. It’s quiet in the back of the car, and when we reach the cemetery, Aunt Ursula begins to softly weep.

I close my eyes for a moment, tightening my hold on Elena’s hand.

She’s put her anger aside to offer my aunt and me comfort through this challenging time, and it tells me just how big her heart is.

When we climb out of the car, Elena wraps her arm around Aunt Ursula, and the sight offers my heart some warmth.

I link my fingers with Elena’s left hand, and then the three of us walk to the mausoleum where my father will be laid to rest.

Well aware, this is the perfect opportunity for an attack, I’m overly conscious of my surroundings even though I have an army of guards protecting us.

One slip up, and it can cost me dearly. I could lose Elena or my aunt.

My gaze connects with Alexei’s, and when he nods, silently assuring me everything is okay, the worry begins to fade.

My father taught me we don’t have friends, but looking at Alexei, I know with certainty I at least have one.

Thank God for small mercies.

The day proceeds at a somber pace, and by the time we get home, we all sink down on the couches in the living room.

Alexei and Demitri are staying as my guests until we’ve taken care of the threat.

Aunt Ursula only sits for a minute then she gets up again. “Come, Elena.”

I watch as the women head for the stairs and then turn my gaze back to Alexei. “Stathoulis said the threat is a woman who goes by the name of Umbria.”

“Umbria?” Alexei frowns, and leaning forward, he rests his forearms on his thighs. “Is that supposed to mean something?”

“It’s the name of an old Italian mythical goddess,” I explain to him. “Stathoulis thinks it’s an old enemy.”

“Any ideas?” he asks.

I shake my head. “You know how it works. The whole family gets taken out, so there’s no one left to do something like this.”

Alexei thinks for a moment, then he asks, “A scorned mistress?”

I let out a bark of laughter. “Fuck no.”

“Umbria,” Alexei murmurs her name again. “I’ll dig around and see what I can come up with.”

“Thanks.” Getting up, I leave them to work on the problem and go upstairs to check on the women.

I find them in the sitting room, which has a spectacular view of the Mediterranian sea. Leaning my shoulder against the doorjamb, I watch as Aunt Ursula shows Elena pictures of wedding dresses.

“What do you think of this one?” Aunt Ursula asks, tilting her head to Elena.

A funeral and a wedding. It sounds like the start of a bad joke.

Elena stares at the picture then she nods her head. “It’s beautiful.” There’s no excitement in her voice.

“The mermaid style will compliment your figure,” Aunt Ursula says, then she stares at the dress. “So chic.” She sets the picture aside, then spreads a whole bunch of new photos over the coffee table. “Now for flowers. What do you like?”

Elena looks at all of them then she shakes her head. “They’re all pretty.”

My lips curve up, and I slowly walk closer. When I reach the couch, both women glance at me.

“Planning the wedding?” I ask the obvious.

Aunt Ursula gives me a playful scowl. “One week! That’s all I have, so don’t you dare interfere.”

I hold my hands up in a surrendering motion while letting out a chuckle. “Oh, trust me, I won’t.”