Marco left briefly and returned with a few panini. He gives me one and I’m so hungry I scarf it down. He gives me water to drink and now we wait as night falls, and I wonder how long I’ll be here.
I’m not going to think about any other alternative. Marco lets me use the bathroom with a gun on me. As if I’m capable of taking him. I had to pee so badly. I’m sleepy and I force myself to stay awake. The wind blowing in the weathered slats in the wall continues to wake me.
I must have drifted off when I hear a bang.
I jolt in my chair, but I hurt all over and can’t move very far.
Massimo? Is it him, or am I imagining it?
There are words, then Massimo pistol whips Marco upside the head before he shoots him like a dog and he and Francesca wrap him in fishing nets and hook his body on a boat anchor before they send him out to sea.
Sal cuts through the ropes holding me. I try to move and can’t. I’m in pain. I try to stand. Sal catches me when I slump forward.
“Breathe,” His voice comforts me and he puts his jacket around my shoulders.
“I’m thirsty,” I whisper.
“Just a minute, Massimo will be here in a minute.”
My eyes close, I’m tired.
“Valentina.” His strong and capable arms wrap around me as I lean into him, safe at last.
“I’m so sorry, I love you. I was crazy without you. I’d never stop looking for you,” he promises as he squeezes me to him like he’ll never let me leave his sight again.
“I love you too, I’m sorry about the ring. I was afraid I might not be able to tell you that. I’m so sorry. I was full of stubborn pride.”
“No, I judged you on your background and upbringing, never realizing you wanted something different.” He’s kissing my dry lips and I don’t know why. I smell, I’m tired, I have no idea what time it is.
“Giovi?”
“He’s fine. We knew where you were, and he just had to sit tight. It seems some or your father’s men set him up and were going to take over. We changed that and they realized that you were the person they could use against your brother.”
“And Laura?”
“She worked with Marco, but we’re not going after her. I don’t do women and children. But she’ll pay. They’ll be broke because her father was a part of this too.”
I would have cried knowing them my entire life,but for now, I just want to get back home with my family. All of my family.
Massimo helps me in the van, and minutes later we arrive at my brother’s house. Giovi and Mama run out and hug me. I’m sobbing. I’m so relieved to see them and knowing the worst of it is over for me.
Or so I think.
Massimo helps me take a shower and I’m so exhausted I fall asleep in my own bed in his arms. I swear he’s going to watch me all night to make sure I’m okay.
30
Massimo
Ican’t believe I found Valentina and holding her in my arms wasn’t enough to reassure me she is okay. I can’t let her out of my sight. She sleeps so peacefully, and I can’t believe I almost screwed up the most important relationship in my life.
I’m never taking her for granted and can’t wait to get her home. I fell asleep next to her hugging tight enough to smother her with my love. I never want to be apart from her again.
Breakfast was a feast and the gang showed up. Everyone hugged Valentina and she cried when she heard of what all transpired to save her. She grew up with these men and it was all about money.
Dante called Sal to make sure we were all fine and that he’d see us in another week. They are on a Mediterranean cruise and enjoying themselves, but they mostly sat by the phone until we resolved the issues in Sicily.
“I never doubted you guys for a minute,” he said.