Chapter 19
DANTE
“Lucky break,” says Lorenzo lighting my pipe in what was once our father’s smoking room. “With Gina escaping Silvio’s wrath, that is.”
“She’s lucky that way,” I say. I just hope Gina’s good luck holds out.
“Remember when we were kids, the men would all gather here after one of mom’s famous dinners?” Lorenzo says. “They’d smoke their Cuban cigars and talk their talk.”
“I sure do,” I say, exhaling. “Have you found the reason the Petrovs followed Gina home the other day?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “Spoke to every source. Nothing.”
“They’re planning something,” I say quietly. “We need to be prepared. Damn them for bringing Gina into it. These Russians are worse than dogs. Is nothing sacred?”
“How are you preparing Gina for the war that might come?”
“I’m giving her gun training.”
“Training is one thing. You think she’ll be able to use it?”
“She’ll have to,” I say, my gut turning sour. “I’m also taking a few other precautions. I put a tracker on her phone. Every photograph she takes comes to me in case of an emergency. Don’t tell her it’s there.”
“Smart thinking,” Lorenzo says, looking at me a long moment.
“What’s that look about?”
“What look?”
Lorenzo smiles and shakes his head. “The look of love,” he says, singing the lyrics to the classic hit song. “You really love her, don’t you.”
“Gina’s my responsibility.”
“It’s more than that,” he says, stubbing out his cigar in the ashtray. “You’re genuinely happy with Gina.”
My brows shoot up. That’s a personal question, even for a brother.
“Word of warning, Lorenzo. Keep out. I’m not going to ask twice.”
“Sorry, Dante.” I’m satisfied to hear the sincere apology in his voice.
“You’ll get your own ‘ball and chain’ one of these days,” I tease. “From what I hear, the Chicago outfit’s looking hard to marry into our family. And you’re a prime candidate.”
“Hold them at arm’s length, Dante, I beg you,” Lorenzo teases, matching my tone. “No marriage for me until I’m past Silvio’s age. And maybe not even then.”
“What do you have against marriage? Women adore you.”
“Maybe that’s the problem. Too many women, too little time.”
We both laugh and head towards the door to rejoin the party.
“Lorenzo, hold up,” I say, just before I turn the knob. “I want you to promise that if something happens to me, Gina will be taken care of. Protected.”
“What the hell are you saying, bro? Nothing’s gonna happen to you. You’re the ice man.”
“I know. Just promise.”
“Sure. I promise, bro.”
I look into my brother’s black eyes. He means it.
“Good.”