“Frank told him to find some guy named Tommy something. Frank said he’d contact him when he thought it was safe. But with Frank gone, I don’t know.”

  “You mean Tommy the T-bone?”

  “Yes. That’s it.”

  “If that’s true, Di Natale already knows who Frank was with that night. It’s only a matter of time before he comes around asking questions, and that’s not good. If he can’t find Frank, he’ll seek justice the old way.” Tony rubbed at his chin.

  “If Gaetano hadn’t survived . . . you don’t know how close I came to telling the cops everything. But then I thought of you, and Carm, and Vin. But Tone, this . . . all of this . . . it’s gotta stop.”

  “In this family it’ll never stop, and you know it. And if you would’ve done that, you’d have been killed too. If you don’t care about Pop, think about how tore up I’d be if I lost you, huh? Huh, Vi?” Tony rose from his chair and stood before me with his palms on my shoulders. “Please don’t make me suffer like that. You’re my sister, and I love you,” Tony pleaded, then pulled me up into his frame and hugged me tightly. “I wish things were different, but they aren’t. I don’t make the rules, I just live by them. I can’t lose you, Vi.”

  I sniffed and looked at my big brother. “I love you too. You won’t lose me. Not yet, anyway.”

  “Good.” He pressed a kiss on my forehead.

  Tony put his plate in the wash basin and walked outside.

  As sad as it was to admit, Tony was right. Human life was never high on the Mafia agenda. It was always about business and power. Nothing else. Anyone who got in the way of that died, plain and simple.

  Once again, they’d gotten away with murder. From what I’d read, their control also helped get me off the hook. But I’d never thank them for my freedom. I’d earned my freedom long before this. I’d paid my dues and more.

  It had been over a week since I’d heard anything. Antsy, I thought about ways to steal my father’s keys, but Pop and Tony were smart to me now. They probably hid them somewhere I’d never find.

  I sorted through the mail as my mind wandered for ways to escape to see Gaetano. There was one letter addressed in a hand that I recognized immediately. It was from Gaetano. I ran to my room and locked the door.

  July 19th, 1947

  “Sole mio, I am writing you from my hospital bed. It’s the first day I feel strong enough to write. I hope this letter finds you alive and well. I hope you were able to get away and that you are safe back at the ranch. I would’ve called, but there is no phone in my room.

  I’ve developed an infection and may have to stay in the hospital another week or so. They say I can’t leave until I stop spitting blood. I’m weak and sleep most of the day.

  I feel sad for my mother and Espi. We’ve lost so much.

  Being confined to this hospital bed makes me feel powerless. I can’t be there for my mother as I wish. When I’m feeling better and return home, I need to speak with you in private. There’s much to discuss. Please know that I love you and am thinking about you.

  I pray you get this.

  I’ll reach out again when it’s safe.

  -G

  Ps. If what I think has happened, happened, I’ll do everything in my power to make it right and see you well again.

  His letter was cryptic—never using my real name, never mentioning anyone by name, and even referring to Esperanza as Espi. Gaetano was smart. He didn’t know who would intercept the mail. With no return address, I was left with only his words—that he loved me, and that he’d call me when he got home from the hospital. As much as I wanted to see him, I’d wait for him to contact me. He’d know when the time was safe. I’d need to avoid any possible further interrogation from any pain-in-the-ass cops and any possible run-ins with his mother and Espi.

  I hid the letter at the bottom of my hope chest.

  I heard Carmela’s voice from the other room. I hadn’t seen her since she left for LA with Louie.

  “Hey, Vi, you in here?” She knocked.

  “One second,” I said and opened the door.

  “Hey, what happened to your lip?” She looked concerned.

  “Sit. I need to tell you what happened.”

  I told Carm everything that day. I needed to speak to another woman—someone who understood this life. Like me, she was a Mafia wife. She knew the rules. She’d never tell a soul—not even her husband—or Tony would be locked away forever. She thanked me for taking over the duties of the ranch and for giving her time with Louie, but after hearing what I divulged, she said she felt guilty for leaving me. I told her if she had been here, Frank would have hurt her too. I told her what Paulie had done and that I never wanted to see him again. She cried and wondered if he’d ever return.

  Her time in LA was eye-opening. Because Louie had lots of business down there, he talked to her about moving that way. She didn’t want to leave us but wanted to start a family. I tried to be happy for her, but with what I witnessed, I couldn’t imagine raising a baby in this environment.

  While in LA, Louie heard from one of his guys that Frank’s dad made a lot of noise about Frank’s whereabouts. Even went as far as to say there were rumors that Don Molanano himself wanted to visit Pop. We were both worried about that news. She said she’d tell Pop so he’d be ready for anything.

  Di Natale was bound and determined to find his son. Little did he know he’d be looking forever.

  The Sit-Down

  The summer sun stung my back as I picked tomatoes from the garden. It had been a month since the fire. I wanted to go up to Napa and see Gaetano, but it wasn’t safe yet. I didn’t know how many cops might be lingering around, asking questions, not to mention Signora Sanna’s threat to kill me if I stepped on her property. And then there was Esperanza. She’d hate me even more for getting her father killed. There’d be no limit to the wrath that waited for me at the winery.

  Not only did I worry about Gaetano’s family, I worried about Pop and the rumors swirling around about Frank’s father coming to the ranch and demanding justice for his missing son. I didn’t know what Di Natale had planned, but I didn’t trust him. Not one bit.

  I had many enemies now.

  The whole thing made me sick. Nerves twisted up in my gut, leaving me nauseous. To settle my stomach, I took a sip from the water hose and placed my basket of tomatoes on the porch. Hoping to get another letter from Gaetano, I went to the front to retrieve the mail. Sadly, there were only a few envelopes from the Franchise Tax Commissioner and medical board for Pop’s business.

  With letters in hand, I walked back to the house when a black limousine crept down the road. Dust billowed in its wake. I opened the screen door and stood behind it to see who it was.

  The limo parked in front by the old oak. The driver opened the back door. Three men with black hats sat in the back. Pop and Tony came out to greet them. Consigliere Rapino was first to step out, then Frank’s father, followed by the man himself, Don Molanano. The men were dressed in black suits with pocket squares. Pop and Tony shook their hands and kissed Don Molanano’s ring.

  “Don Molanano, è così bello vederti,” Pop said. “I wasn’t expecting you. You come to visit da horses?”

  “No, no, Giuseppe. Dis isa about a different matter, my friend. We needa talk privately.”

  “Coma wit me. We go to da back.” Pop motioned Tony to walk the men to the big house for a surprise sit-down.

  I peered out of the clinic window and watched the men march to the big house. The door slammed shut. My stomach knotted. That meant private conversations and no entry to anyone.

  As much as I wanted to sneak around and hear what they said, I couldn’t take the chance of my father-in-law seeing me. After what happened in Brooklyn, he didn’t like me much. I didn’t want to be caught in the crossfire.

  I stood in front of the window and waited for the men to leave so I could ask Tony what happened.

  After almost an hour, I spotted Frank’s father storm out of the sit-down, cussing and hollering. Consigliere Rapino ran after him to the front. Shortly after, Pop and Don Molanano walked out with Tony behind them. Pop shook his head while Don Molanano pointed to the barn. He probably wanted to see the horses—they were his money makers, and the only reason he and my father remained close after all these years. Pop was a good earner for the family and in this life that was his only life insurance policy.

  I waited for the men to leave so I could get Tony alone. Another twenty minutes passed. Pop and Don Molanano walked to the front. Tony wasn’t far behind.

  “Pssst,” I hissed as Tony walked by. He stepped into the house and I shut the door behind him. “What happened? And don’t tell me ‘Nothin’,’ Tone.”

  Tony huffed at my words.

  “Don Molanano wouldn’t come way out here if he wasn’t fishing for something,” I said.

  “Di Natale wants to know where his son is. He says Pop was responsible for his son and blames him for his disappearance,” Tony explained. “Says if Pop doesn’t produce his son soon, he’s gonna start a war.”

  A shiver ran down my spine.

  “From what it sounded like, Don Molanano respects Pop. They were telling stories about the first time they met in the old country. They go way back. I don’t think the Don will make any orders against Pop, but Di Natale is a different story. He’s pissed. He started makin’ threats and insulting our family and . . . you. That’s when I called him a son of a bitch.”

  “Jesus, Tony.” My voice jumped an octave. “You have to be careful. That man is a lunatic. He’s looking for an excuse. What did he say about me?”

  “Nothing. I took care of it. I won’t let anyone talk bad about our family.”

  “Tell me.”

  His face grew pained. “He thinks you were the one that turned in his son back in Brooklyn. Says you’re an animal for biting Frank’s cheek.”

  “He deserved it,” I fired back. “Is that all?”

  “No.” Tony paused. “He called you a puttana. That’s when I lunged at him.”

  “Have you lost your mind?”

  “Pop and the consigliere got between us. That’s when he accused me of killing Frank. He said Frank told him of our fight the night before your wedding, and that I wanted to take my revenge.”

  “Did the Don believe him?”

  “No. That’s when Pop spoke up. He told the Don that he thought it was Frank’s smart mouth and stupid behavior that caused Di Natale’s son to vanish into thin air, and that he probably deserved it. Di Natale spit at Pop’s feet, but that’s when Pop asked him where Paulie was. Pop said he thought Di Natale knew more than he was saying about Paulie’s whereabouts. Even went as far as calling Frank a rat and that, with his sources, he could prove it.”

  “The mayor,” I said, putting Pop’s plan together.

  “Yeah. Di Natale tried to plead his case, but the Don asked for the proof. He said he needed to know who he could trust, and that he could ensure Pop’s safety if he provided facts. That’s when Di Natale came unglued. He said he felt betrayed, then flicked his cigar at Pop and stormed out, but not before threatening that if he found out anyone had anything to do with his son’s disappearance, we’d all suffer. It pissed him off that the Don sided with Pop over him.”

  “Don Molanano is smart. He knows Frank was a liability and that his father covers for him any chance he gets. After what happened in Brooklyn with the Sambino murder, the family took a ton of heat for years.”

  “I gotta get back to Pop. After everything that was said, he’s gonna wanna get some guys over here. We need to be ready in case Frank’s old man makes good on his threats. As much as we tried to avoid it, a war may be coming.” Tony walked out of the clinic.

  My brother was right. Pop would do anything to protect us. I also knew Frank’s father was ruthless, like his son. Pop had never given Don Molanano a reason not to trust him, but in this life, loyalty was fickle. Paulie was an example of that. I hoped Frank’s father would believe what my father told him, and leave us alone. But what Pop said about Frank being a rat—that wouldn’t sit well with Mr. Di Natale. I didn’t want another war. I’d seen and experienced enough violence and bloodshed to last a lifetime. I wanted to get to Gaetano and run away with him so we’d be safe.

  This situation was far from over.

  The Morning the Sun Didn’t Shine

  After the sit-down, things were tense. My father beefed up security. I wasn’t allowed to leave the ranch—not even for a loaf of bread. Carm and Louie moved back in to help. Things felt different at the ranch. I missed Gaetano, but as much as I wanted to drive up to Napa, my father wouldn’t let me leave.

  After Don Molanano’s visit, Pop assembled an arsenal in the event Di Natale made good on his threats. Different wise guys at different times showed up every day at the ranch. Pop took them straight to the big house and into the basement. Lots of sit-downs meant lots of food and drinks. Cases of beer and whiskey were dropped off weekly. Sal and Angelo brought trays of meats and cheeses while Carm and I made pounds of pasta and gravy. Gangsters never worked well on empty stomachs.

  Pop invited many of his closest friends and confidants to the house—San Jose’s finest. He’d say he was having “meetings” and not to disturb him. Things were so hush-hush that Vinny stood guard, so even I couldn’t snoop anymore. From the looks of it, things were brewing.

  I’d seen Mafia wars in my past, and this had the signs of a full-on battle. I was certain that lines had been drawn after everything that was said between Pop and Di Natale. Pop knew it and prepared for the worst.

  Pop had a lot of friends who would protect him to the death. Over the many years, he’d served Don Molanano’s men faithfully. He helped wise guys on the run. He tended to their wounds, gave them a place to live, and protected them from the cops. He even gave them money. They remembered his generosity and came to my father’s call. Although they loved my father, sadly, cash was the only way to ensure loyalty. So we paid, and we paid big.

  In between the cooking and cleaning, I decided to ask Tony to take me to the winery. I wanted my brother there in case things got out of hand. I needed to see Gaetano and hoped he wanted to see me.

  Water flowed over my hands. My fingers were caked with dough from the five pounds of pasta Carm and I had made for our new visitors. I wiped my wet hands on my apron. Vinny whizzed by with a box of whiskey in his arms.

  “Hey Vin, you know where Tony is?”

  “He’s in the stables.”

  “I’ll go find him.” I followed him out. “How’s everything going out there? You think it will come to a war?”

  “I hope not. But you never know.”

  “Thankfully, you’ll be starting school soon—away from this crap—to live a good life—a legitimate life. I’m proud of you, squirt.” I ruffled up his hair. “You’ll be the first in the family to graduate from college.”

  “Hopefully.” He shot me a quick smile, then looked down at the whiskey box. “Do you think Paulie’s alive?” Vin looked back up with desperation and hurt in his eyes. “Think he’ll ever come home?”

  I placed my hand on his shoulder. Vin stopped to face me.

  “I know you love Paulie, but he’s changed now. This life promises money, prestige, and power, but it also serves up its share of consequences. At some point, Paulie will have to face his.”

  Vinny nodded.

  “I love you, and I don’t want this for you. After college, move away and never return, or the next time, you might be the one who’s running. Everything’s gonna be fine, brother.” I patted Vin’s face.

  “Yeah.” Vin smiled back at me.

  “I’m gonna go find Tone. Remember what I said.”

  With hands full, Vinny nodded and continued for the big house.

  I walked into the barn. Tony placed hay around the stalls.

  “Hey Tony, I need to talk to you,” I said as he dug into the bale.

  “What is it? I’m pretty busy today.”

  “I know things have been crazy lately, but I need a favor.”

  “What is it now? Can’t you see I’m busy?”

  “If you get some time this week, could you drive me to Napa?”

  “Maronn, here we go.” Sweat dripped from his chin. “I don’t know, Vi. It’s not a good time for me to be leavin’ the ranch, and with the cops and Di Natale . . .”

  “Then can I at least borrow your truck? I was going to ask Pop, but I know what he’d say.”

  “Things aren’t safe right now.”

  “I know, but if I don’t see him soon, I feel like I’ll go crazy. Please. Don’t you remember how it feels to be in love—real love? It’s a miracle he survived after what Paulie did to him.”

  Tony placed his pitchfork against the stall and wiped sweat from his forehead with his shirt. “Yes, I know what it feels like to be in love. I haven’t told anyone this yet, but I was planning to ask Christina to marry me. I’m going over there later to ask for her father’s permission.”

  “Oh Tony, I’m so happy for you.” I hugged him. “I was wondering when you were going to tie the knot.” Tears leaked down my cheeks.

  “Why you cryin’?”

  “I don’t know. After everything that’s happened, I’m a ball of emotions lately.”

  “Don’t tell anyone. Not even Carm. I want to tell them when I’m ready.”

  “I promise.” I paused and looked around the stall. It was the same stall where Gaetano and I had our first sexual encounter. Thoughts of his naked body on top of mine made my breasts feel heavy in my bra and my nipples ache against the fabric.

  “What are you thinking about? You look like you’re miles away.”

  “Sorry, so, um . . .” I swallowed deep. “Do you think you can take me?”

  “I’m not promising anything. It would kill me to see your name on a headstone. I can’t let anything happen to you.”

  “Please, I beg you. I need to see him. After everything I’ve been through, I need to speak with him. There are things I need to say,” I said with a tight throat. “What if this was Christina?” More tears poured.

 

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