by S. W. Frank
He recognized Dominick‘s voice.
“Check your attachment.”
“Grazie, our mutual friend will be pleased.”
Alberti disconnected the call and walked to the young man covered in blood standing in the hospital waiting room. “It is done.”
The head swiveled and he saw his old friend in youthful days. The young man’s eyes did not smile, instead they glinted in fury. “Show me. I want proof!”
Alberti nodded, “Certainly.”
Alberti reopened the picture in his cell and showed Alfonzo the photo. The grotesque image of a severed blonde head belonged to the woman who set this entire tragedy into motion. Luzo’s deceitful wife, Gina!
Bloodstained hands balled into a fist. He spun around and pound a wall. The force cracked paint and left an indentation as evidence of his fury.
“Death was not good enough for her!”
Alberti delete the picture then tucked the phone away, “But she cannot plot anymore which is good.”
The younger man relaxed. He sighed and turned to stare toward the door of the ICU. “She’s pregnant, you know.” He said almost inaudibly.
“It is a wonderful blessing. She will recover and all this will be a memory.”
“I can’t let anything happen to her…to my family.”
Alberti understood, he lived with the same fears every day. Yet, he could not imagine a life without his wife and lovely daughters.
“If you love her…then love her, but to protect her you know what you must do.”
The young man nodded, “I wouldn’t forgive myself if …”
Alberti stood beside the young man, “It is better to live with love then die without it. Your father learned this too late. Do not make the same mistake.”
“What about the danger?”
Alberti lit a cigar, “There is always danger for the living.”
Alfonzo cocked his head to observe the old man. Luzo was lucky to have such a friend.
“Put that out, this is a hospital!” A nurse admonished.
Alberti winked at Alfonzo, “Life’s a risk, to hell with fate, make your own rules!”
EPILOGUE
The beachside home overlooked the Atlantic Ocean. Its spectacular view now home thanks to the constant harassment by the Feds and local NYPD. Alfonzo stood at the rear of the house and watched the figures running and laughing along the beach. The dark haired boy stopped and pointed toward him and began to wave.
Alfonzo waved back at his son, “Hola Salvatore.”
Barefeet, he trekked through the sand toward the boy.
“Papa aqui, mirar!” A voice exclaimed from behind his wife.
Alfonzo laughed as his son darted toward him. Once he collided with his legs he lifted his son high in the air and the short legs kicked excitedly as Alfonzo kissed the plump cheek. He twirled the boy around until he became dizzy then set him down on his feet. He waddled unsteadily then fell backward on his butt laughing.
Selange reached Alfonzo and he placed an arm around her waist.
“How was your trip?”
“Uneventful, I’m just glad to be home.”
Salvatore played in the sand. He inherited his father’s ocean blue eyes and his mother’s intelligence.
The boy looked up, “Dad my present.”
Alfonzo let go of his wife and kneeled, “Si hijo, look in my pocket.”
The boy dug and dug until he found something. He pulled it out. In his hand an antique silver stopwatch. The boy looked disappointed, “What’s this?”
“A family heirloom, it belonged to my father and his father, now it’s yours.”
Selange pretended to pout and asked in fluent Spanish, “What did you bring me from Italy?”
He stood and gave her a hungry kiss. Alfonzo released her smiling. Their paths were meant to cross. He was happy…extremely happy.
***
Past a grassy hill a lone figure watched the most powerful man in Italy and America spending a tender moment with his family. Three years passed since Luzo’s death. As predicted, Alfonzo took his rightful place at the helm of Palazzo Enterprises. It remained the most profitable and influential international companies in the world.
Nico turned and walked over to the rocky incline where his twin brother sat beneath the shade of a tree.
“Satisfied?” His brother asked.
“Everything seems fine, besides Nicky and Lou will keep’em safe.”
“Yeah, but maybe we should tell him.”
“Tell him what, Freddie’s missing?” Nico answered, “Let’s bring him a souvenir instead.”
The brothers walked side by side over the hill determined to locate the snake Freddie.
Half a mile away the FBI sat in their rented beach house on the island of Puerto Rico. Their sophisticated surveillance equipment trained on the home of Alfonzo Diaz, Don of one the wealthiest and elusive mafia families in history.
*** ***
From the author:
This was the first book for Alfonzo. Initially, I had not considered doing a series until receiving multiple requests from readers to continue with the saga. As an independent author it is quite gratifying to find the story has entertained some of you. After many years in the medical field, I attended law school. I decided a year later to forego my pursuit of a legal career to follow my secret passion for storytelling. I am finally whole. There is an immense joy to my heart. A creative mind cannot conform; it can only create. I have traveled the conventional route in life and have written silently for too long. Thank you for supporting the arts and discovering my voice.
-S.W. Frank
The ALFONZO series in order:
ALFONZO: Volume I
ASCENSION: Alfonzo Volume II
ANARCHY: Alfonzo Volume III
ATONEMENT: Alfonzo Volume IV
AWAKENING: Alfonzo Volume V
ANNIHILATION: Alfonzo Volume VI
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