Chapter 15 - Blood Between Brothers
Alessio struck Domenico across the throat and drove him against the railing.
The old man fell to the warehouse floor below.
He survived the fall but could not move.
Matteo’s men secured him.
Vittorio caught Alessio before he collapsed.
His brother looked almost amused.
“I finally did something you cannot call betrayal.”
“You chose a dramatic time.”
“I learned from Father.”
Vittorio pressed both hands against the wound.
The bleeding would not stop.
A medic rushed forward.
Isabella remained conscious several feet away.
She watched the brothers with an expression Vittorio could not read.
Marco’s gun fired inside the freezer corridor.
Sophia screamed.
Renzo emerged holding Marco’s wrist.
They struggled beside the open refrigeration chamber.
Vittorio ran toward them.
Marco saw him and smiled.
“You protect gardeners now?”
“I protect men who remained loyal while captains sold themselves.”
Renzo struck Marco with the metal door.
The gun fell.
Sophia kicked it away.
Vittorio pinned Marco against the wall.
“Where are the children in Palermo?”
Marco spat blood.
“You think Domenico is the last man buying loyalty?”
“Names.”
“Minister De Luca.”
The Minister of Justice had financed the hidden school.
He used the children to control judges, police officers, and rival families.
Domenico provided the locations.
De Luca provided protection.
Marco had served both men.
Vittorio wanted to kill him.
Renzo stopped him.
“Sophia is watching.”
The words mattered.
Vittorio released Marco to Matteo’s men.
Sophia stood beside her father.
Her brave face had finally broken.
Renzo knelt and held her.
Across the warehouse, Isabella’s breathing became shallow.
Vittorio returned to her.
“Luca is safe.”
She smiled weakly.
“Does he hate me?”
“He does not know enough yet.”
“Tell him I tried.”
“I will tell him the truth.”
Tears moved into her hair.
“That is harsher.”
“Yes.”
She looked toward Alessio.
“Do not trust him completely.”
“He wants redemption because he thinks it comes with the empire.”
Then Isabella closed her eyes.
The medic checked her pulse.
May you like
She was still alive.
But barely.
