I shivered and shed the unwanted feeling, not letting him get to me.
After everything was put away, I pulled out what I was going to wear. I’d settled on a simple black dress and heels. Often less was more. Since I still had some time, I decided to take a stroll around the grounds. I wanted to get my head ready for the evening.
“Well, imagine my surprise when my good friend tells me his cousin has returned from the dead.” A familiar face and a sardonic smile spoke to me.
“Salvo,” I greeted the man from the bar the other night, and I knew exactly who he was. Salvo was more than just Stefano’s good friend. They were like brothers, and though Stefano had been assigned aconsigliereby Nonna Rosa, Salvo was always around keeping tabs on things. The ears of the city. Thankfully, Ugo had Oscar dig deep into the family and was able to fill me in enough so I could start to understand the family webbing. My mother would be furious if she knew how much Oscar helped us, but she’d get over it.
“Good memory, Sienna.” He made a show of remembering my name. “So, where are we going?”
“Going?”
“You look like you were heading somewhere.”
“Well, not far, given these sixteen-foot prison walls.” I waved my arm about. He chuckled, amused, once again, by my lack of positivity.
“Yes, the Coppolas tend to be a bit paranoid.” He mused over my humor.
“They might as well have a moat, draw bridge, and guards in full armor.”
“Nah, the armor is too restrictive,” he chuckled, “but I’ll suggest the moat at the next meeting.”
“I’m still learning the ins and outs of the family, but if they have more than one home, why not live outside the city instead of this cold, old place?” I turned my nose up at the lack of things to look at on the grounds.
“You can’t keep your finger on the pulse of the people if you’re hidden away in the countryside. Here, they can keep an eye on everyone and everything.”
“You mean look down on everyone.”
He made a face as though he was thinking about what I said.
“I understand you’re here to prove your place within the family as head of this syndicate. Don’t you think you should embrace life here? The Mafia is, after all, a life of crime, and aren’t you trying to step into the seat of power?” He eyed my ring.
“Yes. It is my place.” I lifted my chin but looked around, knowing that someone was always listening. “I just think things should be brought into present day, that’s all.”
“Such as a female being Don?” He smirked.
“It’s a start.” I reached up and twisted a piece of my hair between my fingers. “But I’ve many ideas and a plan in mind.”
“Now you have my attention.”
“Yes, yours and many others.” I glanced around at the soldiers hovering nearby. “As I’m sure my dear cousin has filled you in, I once dated Elio.”
“Yes, that was brought up a few times.”
I laughed. “I’m sure. During my time there, I learned a lot about their life.”
“That was then, and I’m not saying it won’t be useful, but what about now? Do you still talk to him?”
“Not since Greta Capri banished me. The whole Capri family made sure I knew I had no place with them, and especially not with Elio. They made that point very clear.” I grimaced dramatically.
“Then what kind of information can you offer about them if you don’t have contact anymore?”
“Just because I left doesn’t mean I don’t have contact.” I glanced up at him and pictured Wyatt. “I just heard from someone this morning, and I know exactly where Elio and his two cousins will be this evening. Fiano Romano.”
“And are you planning on telling Stefano this?”
I stopped and turned to look at him straight on. “I just did.” I gave him a knowing smile. This was a move to see if Stefano would share the news with Nonna Rosa, and if he didn’t, which I was banking on, I hoped it would start the game of doubt.
“Stefano painted you so differently.”