My feet were heavy as I walked toward her gravestone, noticing the fresh flowers that couldn't be more than a few days old. Red roses. My mother's favorite. I guess I'd never been very sentimental, but the only person who would have left them was my father. The surprise was haunting. I hunkered down, wiping dust and dirt from the chiseled lettering highlighting her name. "Hi, Mom. I know it's been awhile. So many things have happened."
She hadn't deserved the violent end to her life, but did anyone? Sadness swept through me as I talked, my hushed tone devoid of life. I had to explain to her what I was doing and why. A light breeze was blowing, wafting the scent of the roses into my nostrils. All the advice I'd been given during the last few days had been correct. I could no longer hide from the man I truly was.
Dangerous.
I fingered her name, believing she'd heard me. "This is something I have to do. I hope you can understand. I promise you that I will avenge your death, one way or the other." Bile formed in my throat, all the years of blaming my father coming to a head. The Saltoris would suffer for what they'd done to my family. I could almost feel her strength, the willpower and tough resolve she'd wrapped around her because of my father.
She might not forgive me, but she would understand.
As I stood slowly, a coldness wrapped around my very soul. There could be no hesitation.
And there wouldn't be.
The quietness of the setting was more unnerving than spending time in the hospital. Whatever was going to occur was only partially by my doing, but my actions would be swift. I walked back toward the SUV, not saying a word. I didn't need to. When the doors were closed, the engine humming, I closed my eyes, reliving some of the good days.
At least for now, they would be my last look into the past.
No one talked for the rest of the drive.
"Here you are, boss," Jax said after pulling to a stop in the circular driveway.
I glanced out the window, studying Dominick's house. Nothing seemed real any longer.
"There's going to be a meeting called tomorrow. I need updates on every job we have going, whether good or bad, the names of the assholes who haven't paid. More important, I need Saltori's hiding place found. Tonight. I don't care what favors you have to call in. I want him." The command was clear.
Rizzo sucked in his breath. "Yes, sir. We'll make it happen."
I threw open the door, climbing out and glaring at the afternoon sun. "I'm sure you will."
I stormed toward the door, uncertain of how I wanted to handle Francesca. I might be that monster she claimed me to be but she would need to fully comprehend that I was in charge. She would cooperate and tell me everything she knew about her father, the Massimos and the Saltoris. I would take no less.
Going to the cemetery had allowed me to shed the last of the man I'd turned myself into. There was no guilt or shame in letting that part of me go. It was necessary. Tony was on duty near the front of the house, his expression much like the rest of the man-flat-lined. He'd been trained well.
"Any issues?"
He shook his head. "She was as good as gold. No visitors either."
"Good." I patted his shoulder as I walked by, cognizant of just how much time I'd spent visiting my mother's grave. The sun was already starting to set, the trail of crimson and tangerine hues shimmering through the various windows. I was exhausted but fully prepared to handle what needed to be done. The house seemed far too quiet as I walked in, devoid of anything that seemed like life. There was nothing out of place, no sign of unusual activity, but still, I checked the various rooms.
I noticed Grinder standing by the door to the great room, his feet firmly planted apart. He nodded to me as I approached, a wary look in his eyes. "Boss."
I finally heard noise, what sounded like a television with the volume on low.
"How has she been?" I kept my voice down nevertheless. Francesca was the kind of woman who would be gathering every scrap of information that she could. As a bargaining chip? Maybe. As ammunition? Definitely. She was a daddy's girl after all.
"Full of questions this morning then nothing. She's kept to herself, hunkered in front of the television. There was some shit about your father on the news."
"And there's going to be more. By tomorrow night, the shit will hit the fan." He actually seemed pleased with the change in my demeanor.
Grinder shot a look over his shoulder. "If you don't mind me asking, boss. What are you going to do with her?"
I had that very question floating through my mind. "Hell if I know but we keep her safe and alive at this point. Set up a meeting tomorrow for all the capos. Noon. We need to discuss the next steps."
A slight smile actually curled on the corner of his mouth. "That's good, boss. A lot of the men are asking questions."
"I'm sure they are. So you're aware, I'm putting out a hit on Saltori. Need to know only."
He took a step back, his brows lifting. "You're sure? I mean, yes, boss."
"I need to send a message and that's exactly what I'm going to do. We can't let this go."
"I hear that, boss. What about Vincenzo? Heard some shit that he's been making threats. Damn fiancée was kidnapped and he's tossing back tequilas and talking shit."
This was disturbing news, but I had a feeling his antics were another ploy. Vincenzo was basic scum, but he wasn't stupid. He was no doubt dotting the i's at this point. "I'll deal with him myself." I started to head into the room then pulled back. I wanted sweet Francesca all to myself tonight. "You and Tony need a break. I can handle myself and our guest tonight."
"Hell, no, boss. Not leaving you alone. You know Saltori will be gunning for you."
I pulled back my jacket, revealing the sidearm. "Grinder, I appreciate the concern, but there's something you need to keep in mind. Whether or not I've been an active member of this family, I can handle myself. If anyone tries to fuck with me, they die. It's that simple. Besides, this place is secure enough for now. Get some rest. Let me know about the meeting." This wasn't a request, but a command and he knew it. When he hesitated, I shifted my jacket, making certain he had a bird's-eye view of my weapon.
The poor guy wasn't entirely certain I wasn't issuing a threat to him.
After wiping a bead of sweat from his brow, Grinder eyed my Glock and grinned. "I knew there was more to you than a pretty mug. I meant no disrespect, boss."
"Don't worry, Grinder. None taken. There's one more thing I need and keep this quiet. Find out everything you can about Antonio Alessandro and the relationship with his daughter. Some things aren't adding up." Like why her father would allow such a marriage. Saltori wasn't a Don and to the Italians, Americans were second class. Trash. Even the real estate. The only angle I could figure were the millions to be made in schmoozing around Hollywood. Plausible.
He shifted his gaze toward the room, nodding. "O-kay, boss."
"Make sure you send one of the soldiers here tomorrow to watch her in our absence. Set the security system on your way out. I have everything else I need." I was ceremoniously dismissing him and he knew it.