Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 126060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 630(@200wpm)___ 504(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 126060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 630(@200wpm)___ 504(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
“The few times I’ve managed to take her to a performance, she has,” Stefano said. “It’s been several years since we were able to go with her high-risk pregnancies. We didn’t go out much during those times. After this last birth, Francesca and I didn’t feel like going out in public. Not too many outside the family knew we were expecting twins, so it did make it easier not to have to answer questions, but all the same . . .” He broke off, one hand shading his eyes for just a brief moment.
“I’m so sorry, Stefano,” Amaranthe said, sincerity in her voice. “I can’t imagine what you and your wife have had to go through. I appreciate more than ever the bond you and Francesca have with Geno that you would come to him when you and your wife prefer to be together right now. It says a lot about you both.”
Geno knew how much Stefano and Francesca loved each other. Since she’d given birth, no one ever spoke of the difficulty or the fact that they’d had yet another loss. He’d been to their dinners, and they’d come to his home with their children, Crispino and Luciana. Francesca was always smiling and appeared happy, but Stefano hovered close, as did his brothers and their wives. Geno wanted to gather Francesca into his arms and hold her tight.
She’s the heart of the Ferraro family, Danzatrice Ombra. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. She looks after everyone. Geno didn’t know how to explain Francesca to Amaranthe. I can’t wait for you to meet her. She changed Stefano’s life completely. For that alone I’m grateful to her.
“Thank you, Amara. I hope that you listen to my cousin when it comes to matters of your safety. He has a certain intuition, if you will. He doesn’t always express himself before he acts, but you’ll get to know him and hopefully will understand he is acting for your safety. I don’t always explain myself to Francesca the way I should. I come off overbearing, and I know it hurts her when it’s the last thing I ever want to do.”
Geno knew Stefano was talking to him more than he was to Amaranthe. She smiled at his cousin. He wanted her to see what a good man, a good leader, Stefano really was. He always made the hard decisions, but he tempered his decisions with the love of his family and for the people in his territory.
“What do you think happened to your father that night, Geno?” Elie asked. “The night you were made head of your family? If you believe that was the key to these murders, then it is entirely possible whoever is behind this is after revenge. You must have heard a whisper.”
Geno shook his head. “Not one single word. My parents remained in their suite for an entire year. Doctors and therapists came and went. They wouldn’t allow us to see them. The Archambault trainers were allowed to go in after about three months, but not their children. Certainly not me.”
“You honestly have no more idea today than you did when you were thirteen what happened?” Elie asked.
Geno’s dark eyes were cold as ice as he shifted his gaze over Elie. “I knew they hadn’t been in a car accident. Well, there had been a car wreck. They told a partial truth. I knew it was a partial truth. My parents were wearing their shadow rider clothing and they had come through the shadows. Other riders were there concealed in the shadows.”
Amaranthe held up her hand. “Wait a minute, Geno. Your father was taken into the shadows after he was in that condition? With his leg already so torn? I thought he was driven back to your house. Are you certain?”
Geno found his fingers closing into fists just as they had that night. He had to fight to relax his hands. He wasn’t thirteen and traumatized as he had been that night. He had gone down to their private parking garage. All their cars were accounted for. A day later, one of their cars, the Cadillac, was mysteriously towed to the garage, smashed, with blood on the driver’s side. It had been just fine and in the garage when he saw it the night of his father’s surgery. Geno recounted the story to them.
“They lied to me and to the other riders. I don’t know who helped them cover up whatever really happened, but they did a thorough job of it.” He glanced at Stefano and then away, ashamed that he had kept the truth from his cousin.
Stefano gave him an enigmatic smile. “We all cover up for our family members, Geno. If it was true, and your father was trained as one of these specialized riders, it’s possible council members covered for him.”