“What?” Her eyes pried into mine.
“I’m just impressed. He deserved it.”
“He did.” She settled into her seat but still glared at Wyatt, but her friend seemed totally unfazed. I was pleased to see that she had someone in her life who challenged her and loved her enough to out her truths.
The church fundraiser was just as it was every year, band playing in the center of town, baked goods for sale, and homemade crafts donated by the same ladies who also made blankets for the local hospital.
“Elio Capri.” The minister came over and greeted me and my entourage. “Thank you for coming. I was just speaking to your parents. It’s wonderful to see you all looking so well.”
“We wouldn’t miss it.” I scanned the faces, making sure we wouldn’t stumble upon any unwelcome company. “I would like you to meet my friends, Sienna and Wyatt.” I left out their last names on purpose.
While the minister chatted with Sienna and Wyatt, I stepped away and walked among the tables, making sure to speak to as many people as I could. Some of the women flirted with me, and I shot them a charming smile then moved quickly on to avoid conversation. Others were nervous and tried not to make eye contact.
“Lemonade?” A little girl tugged on my pant leg and held up a half-full cup of juice.
When she stepped forward, it sloshed on my shoe, and her mother popped out of nowhere spewing apologies.
“Sorry,” the child said as her cheeks grew red and her eyes grew glossy at her mother’s fussing.
I bent down and took the cup she still held and smiled. “I would love to buy one. How much?”
“Oh, no, please.” Her mother frantically tried to get her friend’s attention. “Let me get you a napkin for your shoe.”
“I’m fine.” I waved her off. “Nothing is free, now, is it?” I said to the child and pulled out twenty euros and handed it to her. I made a show to take a sip of the incredibly sour brew. “That,” I tried to hide my face with my hand, “has a good bite to it.”
“I made it myself.”
“I bet you did, and that’s impressive. Thank you for sharing it with me.”
“You’re welcome.” She smiled and raced back over to her table.
Francesco smirked when I stood and turned around. “She got me last year, so it was only fair that you took one for the family.”
“Thanks,” I laughed, and we continued wishing everyone a good day.
“At least your good deed didn’t go unnoticed.” He gave a slight nod over to Sienna, who was watching us. I immediately twitched in her direction, drawn by her smile. Her expression changed suddenly, so I followed her line of sight.
“Well, look who finally decided to join the family,” Francesco muttered.
“There’s my girl!” Mariano scooped up Sienna and whirled her around. When he placed her back down, he grabbed her face, but she pulled away, and I saw red.
“Mariano,” she hit his arm, “have a little respect for where we are.”
Don’t kill him. Don’t kill him.
“Do you want to hurt him or shall I?” Papa appeared at my side.
“We could make it a family affair,” Francesco huffed as he devoured something chocolate.
I reached behind me under my coat and discreetly handed Papa my gun. “I don’t trust myself right now.”
“Wise choice.”
Making my way over to them, I felt my mouth go dry and my fists clench. Sienna caught wind of me first, and I could see the concern on her face.
“Mariano, a word.”
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her back against him. He leaned down and whispered loudly, “Be good. The boss is here.”