Chapter Twenty Nine

Lorenzo

Festus just called to say that Fergus was almost here. I got up from the seat in the study and stretched myself. Then I downed the remaining glass of wine and went into my room. A knock came on my door, and the knob turned as Portia came in.

"Dios! I told you to always knock!" She closed the door behind her and smiled. She always looked different when she smiled, like the mother she was when I was little. It always brought back memories, and I found myself wondering why she changed. That was then. Now, I knew her not as the mother she was but as the greedy woman she'd become. Not "madre" again, but as Portia. She stepped into the room.

"Lorenzo, you know I'm in full support of you taking control of the Mafia."

"Last I remember, you were totally against it," I replied drily.

"Sì, I know. But now I want to support you. That's why I want to help. I've found you a bride."

"What the hell are you talking about!?" I shot out. "I don't need your help, OK? And I've already gotten a wif