Epilogue
Axl
Three days have passed since Giovanni blew up his house and I’m thankful we made it out alive. I’m disappointed that I wasn’t able kill him myself especially after finding out he is responsible for my mother’s death. How evil can one person be.
The next day the local news station ran a report on the fire.
The newscaster stated the police found several bodies severely burnt around the yard.
The Fire Inspector came on and stated the second floor had collapsed when the structure gave way and after combing through what was left of the house, numerous unrecognizable remains were found under smoldering debris.
I hope Giovanni and Gian are burning in hell right now.
The police came by the estate later that day to speak with father.
He played the role of grieving son rather well when they told him about the fire.
They relayed to him it would take weeks or even months before they could verify which of the remains belonged to Giovanni.
The lead officer thinks there might be foul play at foot since they knew of Giovanni’s past and his list of enemies.
Father told them we would be leaving to go back to the states soon and if they needed to get in touch with him to contact him at the number on his business card.
He also asked if they would contact him as soon as they have the final results.
The officers gave their condolences before leaving and promised to keep father up to date with their findings.
With that over with and what seemed to be the demise of Giovanni Romano, we were able to put the whole ordeal behind us. We were finally able to enjoy the rest of our stay without having to look over our shoulders.
Last night at dinner, father announced he and Brittney planned a grand dinner and party for tonight in the backyard.
He said it would be formal attire, so dress to impress.
It’s a good thing I told Felix and Adam to bring their tuxedoes with them.
He then said while the party planner was here setting things up, he was going to honor his promise to take the men out for a day of fishing.
That had us men whooping it up. I was finally going on my first fishing trip with my father and the best part about it was this was going to be Felix and Adam’s first time too.
This morning father woke us up early to journey down to the yacht.
I tried to get a quickie in with Monica before I left but she rushed me out the house saying she would take care of me later.
When I got to the foyer, Felix and Adam had the same looks on their faces as I did.
It seems they didn’t get their breakfast either.
Nolan came down right after looking refreshed and grinning.
“What’s got you smiling like that?” Felix asks annoyed.
“Shit, what do you mean? It’s a beautiful morning and I had a surprise visitor earlier. So, excuse me if I’m glowing.” Nolan says batting his eyes.
“Whatever” Felix response putting his hair into his signature bun.
I couldn’t even hate on Nolan but I wished I were glowing too. The others started trickling in and lastly father and Brittney came down.
“Is everyone ready for a day on the sea?” Father asks clapping his hands together.
“I’m ready” Adam replies perking up.
“Yeah, father we’re ready.” I say ready to get our day started.
Brittney walks over to the door, opening it. “Well, you all better get going. I know you don’t want to be around while the party planners are setting up.” She smiles lovingly at father.
“Yes, let’s get going. We should be back in time for us to get cleaned up before the dinner.”
Father kissed her on the cheek as he went out the door. We followed and jumped into the cars waiting to take us to the boat dock.
I think this was one of the best days I have had in my life.
I haven’t had that much fun in ages. After we boarded the yacht, father took us miles out onto the sea.
Nothing but water could be seen around us.
We pulled out the large fishing rods and I have to be honest, I was a little embarrassed that I had to have father show me how to use the rod and reel and bait my hook but he took his time showing me, Felix and Adam what to do.
Once we got the hang of it, we were throwing our lines out like pros.
Albert was the first to get a bite on his line and we thought that was a sign the fish were going to start hitting but that was not the case.
No one got a bite after that. We sat around telling crazy stories and laughing our heads off.
Luna had stocked the galley with Italian subs, chips, olive trays and the second fridge loaded with water, pop and beer.
It was a day of male bonding and camaraderie.
Things got serious when father stood holding up his hand to silence us.
“I just want to say this has been an extraordinary day. I have enjoyed having you gents with me today.” We raise our beers as we roar with agreement.
Father chuckles raising his hand again. “This has been a special day for me because I was able to do something that would seem simple to others but to me its major. I was able to take my sons fishing which will forever be marked as one of my greatest memories. Just like their little brother and sister, they mean the world to me and I love you three from the bottom of my heart. Thank you...” He starts to choke up.
“Thank you for giving an old man another chance to make things right.”
Without hesitation Felix, Adam and I stood and pulled him into a hug. Silently our tears fell. We held onto one another until father raised his head and said, “I miei ragazzi (My boys).”
“Nostro padre (Our father).” We whisper in unison.
Our emotional moment was cut short when Reese yelled, “Adam, your rod.”
We turn to his rod and sure enough it was bent down. Holy shit, there was a fish on his line. Adam jumped into his seat.
“Father, what do I do?” He nervously asks.
“First, let’s get this on you.” Father says buckling a large belt around his waist. “Now, pick up your rod and put the end of it into the slot on the belt.” Adam does as father says. “Now, reel that baby in, son.”
Adam starts turning the handle on the reel. “Shit, it’s something big on there!” He shouts.
“Pull back on your rod, Adam.” Edgar coaches.
“Woo-hoo, little brother” Felix cheers.
Adam bites his bottom lip as he concentrates on landing his prize. He leans forward as he quickly spins the reel then pulls the rod up when he leans back. Suddenly the biggest fish I have ever seen shoots up out of the water.
“Oh my God!” Nolan gasps leaning on the rail to get a better look.
“Bring that motherfucker home, Adam!” I encourage, hitting his back.
Thirty minutes and a lot of whooping and hollering later, my baby brother reeled in a twenty-four-pound Dorado (Mahi-Mahi). Adam lets out a deep breath after father hooked the fish in his gill then he and Felix brought it over the rail.
We congratulated him on his prize as we clinked our beer bottles toasting his first ever large catch. I was proud of Adam this was one of the new things he could mark off his list of things to accomplish.
When everyone had their turn taking a picture with the fish, we threw it back.
The picture Lincoln took with me, Felix, Adam and father, I was going to have copies made and framed for each one of us.
This was just the beginning of our father and son’s photos.
Looking at his watch, father told us it was time to head to the dock so we could get back to the estate and get ready for the dinner.
Now we’re heading back to the estate with happy new memories of the day. Father told us that at least once a month he would like to do something with all his sons, whether it be another fishing trip or whatever. He just wanted to spend quality time with us. Of course, we were game to the idea.
As we pulled up to the estate expensive cars and SUV’s were parked along the circle driveway. Adam was damn near breaking his neck to get a closer look at them. Parking the car, father hops out waiting for us.
“I’m sure everyone is in the back, so go get cleaned up and make sure your suits are perfect. Axl, Felix and Adam I want the three of you to meet me in the foyer when you’re done. I want to walk out with my sons.”
We agree before heading into the house. Everyone separated and went to their rooms to get ready. Monica had my tuxedo laid out on the bed for me with a note saying, ‘See you outside, love you.’ I smiled as I read it. This woman was my heart.
I quickly jumped in the shower and washed up.
As I finished, I turned the water off and grabbed the large bath towel, wrapping it around my waist. Since I was wearing a tux, I decided to pull my hair back into ponytail.
Next, I trimmed up my mustache and beard.
After brushing my teeth and putting on some deodorant, I went into the room to get dressed.
Now, I’m standing in front of the long mirror fixing my bowtie.
I had on a black double-breasted tuxedo with a white dress shirt underneath.
As I admire my reflection, I couldn’t help but think this is what a Don is supposed to look like.
I smirked as I grabbed my cologne and put some on before leaving the room to meet father and my brothers downstairs.
As I came down the stairs, Felix was standing in front of Adam fixing his tie. They both look rather dapper in their tuxedoes.
“Damn, you two are killing it.” I praise going over to them.
“Thanks, Axl.” Adam says trying to move Felix’s hand.
“Yeah, thanks Axl. You clean up well yourself.” He responds still trying to fix Adam’s tie that looks fine to me. “Hold still, Adam.”
“Dammit, Felix it’s fine. Go fix yours.” Adam huffs.
I chuckle. “Stop fussing over him, Felix. His tie is straight.”