FORTY-FOUR.

“Me?” She screeches, placing her open hand over her chest in utter shock.

Riccardo moves to stand beside me and Savannah, waving to one of the men guarding the perimeter to come over.

The man jogs over to us, “what do you need me to do?” He asks, sounding serious.

“I need you to take Savannah to the kitchen and get Mia to serve her some lunch,” Riccardo orders, looking at the man sternly.

"Si, sir. Right away.” He replies and takes Savannah by the hand. “Venga con me, Let’s get some food in that belly of yours.”

Savannah sighs loudly as she places her hand in the man's grasp, then waves at me with a sad look on her face.

I wave back, blowing her an air kiss as I watch her being led away. When we can no longer see them, Mrs DeLuca continues with the dramatics.

“How dare you speak to me in such a manner, Don Valentino. I know for a fact that your Mamma taught you better manners than this. I am your mamma’s most trusted and loyal friend. Yet, you choose to stand by her, some stray