In the Family

By Jocelyn Aitkin

It's one thing to not fit in with your family.

It's another when not following their rules will get you killed.

All Frankie wanted was out, but just when she thought she was free, she found herself in more trouble than ever before. Now, she has to adapt or die. She has a whole new set of rules to learn, and she doesn't know who to trust. If she can't adjust, they'll take her children... and kill her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jocelyn Aitkin
• Release date: Feb 17, 2012
• ISBN: 9781465855497

Jocelyn Aitkin

The author is owned by her cat.

Book preview

Chapter One

Her husband was dead, and it was a relief. She was done with him and their life and the whole damn family. She had never wanted this, and if he hadn't lied to her in the beginning, they would never have been married in the first place. She thought she'd loved him.

He'd led her to believe he was an entirely different sort of man, after he'd gotten her pregnant, done the right thing and married her, but if he was any kind of decent man, he would have left her on her own, the bastard.

The death of Mickey is a loss for us all, the don began, addressing the whole room. Frankie looked at the door longingly. All she wanted was to get out of there. Now. She was finally free. Michael had died and now she didn't have to live in fear anymore. As soon as this wake was over, she was gone. Out of here. Free. Done. If she could only get out of this room, get her kids out of this house, and drive. She'd drive as far away as she could, and then she'd rest and she'd keep driving. She was not going to stay around here. She knew she had to get out.

The sooner the better.

We have to keep this in the family, the don went on, looking around the room. His eyes fell on Frankie, and she tried not to flinch. She hadn't wanted to be here in the first place, but that bad feeling she'd had was getting worse by the second. His eyes shifted again, moving around the room. There he is. Come over here, Rico.

She wanted to be relieved that his attention was on someone else, but she wasn't. She watched a younger man cut through the crowd, recognizing him as one of Mickey's cousins. The dark hair, the same dark eyes, only Rico had a sharper nose that he must have gotten from his mother and he was thin enough that he probably ate like a bird in addition to looking kind of like one.

"Sì, Zio?"

You remember Francesca?

"Sì, Zio."

Frankie couldn't remember meeting Rico, ever, but she'd heard plenty about him. Mickey and the others thought it was hilarious that their cousin's name was the same as the laws the Feds were trying to arrest them under.

She's pretty, huh?

"Not the time or place, Zio."

The don smacked Rico's cheek. You're gonna marry her. Keep it in the family. So, is she pretty?

Beautiful, Rico answered without looking at her. He sounded about as thrilled as she felt. Lucky him, though, he wasn't half as humiliated. She could hardly breathe. Her face was on fire, and she wanted to run and hide or kill herself or everyone in this room. She couldn't believe this was happening.

"Buono. She's moving in with you today."

What? Frankie demanded, shaking her head. Her mouth was braver than her mind—or maybe just stupider. I have a home. Bad enough that my husband's just barely been put in the ground and you want to marry me off to the first man you find, but you want to force my children out of the only home they've ever known?

She didn't mention that she'd been planning on running away from all of that anyway, but she couldn't let this happen. A marriage? A move? No. Something had to be done. Someone had to stop it. That someone apparently had to be her.

"Frankie has a bigger place, Zio. The kids have friends and school. They should stay there. I can move. It's just me, and I don't have much." Rico was being far too reasonable about this. She wished that he would stop. Be angry. Refuse. Do something.

Her place isn't in the city.

Better for the kids.

Thinking like a father already, the don said, smiling as he patted Rico's cheek. Frankie felt sick to her stomach, almost getting dry heaves.

"I think Frankie and the kids should go home now, Zio," Rico began, and she didn't know if she'd given away how ill she felt or if he was still pulling that agreeable crap. I'll take them.

Good. Good. Go.

She was standing alone with the man she was supposed to marry, and she had no idea what to say to him. Rico had guided her right out of the room and into the hallway, picking up his coat from the rack. Hers wasn't there—she'd put it over the kids when they fell asleep—or she thought he might have given it to her. She cleared her throat awkwardly. I... have to get the kids. They're asleep.

He nodded. Long day.

Too damn long, she agreed, frowning as Rico started back to the study. The kids were there, but how did he know that? She hadn't thought anyone saw her take them in there. They'd all told her to use the bed, but she had wanted to be able to get them out without using the stairs. Rico picked up the boy, and Frankie got her daughter. Lily muttered something, but mercifully, she stayed asleep.

Rico, he wants to see you again. Alone, one of Mickey's other cousins began, looking at Frankie and then at Rico. She got the unpleasant feeling that she'd just been checked out, despite the child in her arms, and she shuddered. She preferred Rico's almost complete non-interest in her to his sleazy cousin Sal.

Sal was set to take over when the don died. Frankie had to get out of here before that happened, much as she wanted the don—that bastard—dead for everything he'd done to Mickey and her family and now this damn marriage.

One minute, Sal, Rico agreed with a nod. Let me put this guy in the car first.

Don't keep him waiting, Rico. You know he hates that.

Rico nodded again. He continued toward the door, and Frankie followed him. She hated the fact that she felt the need to stick by him. She was starting to get the feeling that it was the two of them against everyone else, and she didn't like it. She didn't even know this man. Everything he'd done so far was polite, but that didn't mean anything. Mickey had been charming once. Not anymore.

Keys? Rico asked, and Frankie looked down at the bag hanging under her daughter with a wince. So much for the remote. Rico reached in with his free hand, pushed the button, and then opened the back seat, putting her son in the booster seat. I'll let you buckle them in. This shouldn't take long.

Don't you have a car? Shouldn't you just meet me there?

Rico's look asked her if she was stupid before he turned away and went back inside. She sighed and put Lily in the car. She buckled her in tightly and then crossed to the other side, buckling in her son. She wondered if Rico was going to insist on driving when he got back. She supposed that she may as well plan on it. He had the keys. He was a man. The answer was most likely yes.

She sat down in the passenger seat and waited impatiently for him to come back. She supposed that she could have tried sitting in the driver's seat, demanding her keys back, and leaving him behind. She wanted to, but admittedly, she was scared. The don had given orders. Maybe in private she could convince Rico to leave her alone.

The driver's door opened, and he sat down behind the wheel. He let out a sigh and adjusted the seat so that he could drive comfortably. He turned the key, starting up the car and navigating carefully between all of the others that had boxed her in, finally reaching the driveway.

Why did you agree to this? Frankie demanded now that the house was disappearing behind them. All you could say was 'Yes, Uncle.'

The same reason you did. He would have killed us if we'd said no.

She sighed. She wanted him to be wrong, but she knew it was true. It was why she hadn't said more herself. He might have been able to get away with it. He was family, the nephew. She was just there because she'd been stupid enough to marry one of them. Damn Mickey. If he'd told me the truth—never mind.

This is a power play, nothing more. The Feds think widows will talk. If you're not a widow, you can't talk.

Oh, the irony of that coming from a lawyer named after the racketeering act, she muttered. Mickey was a bastard, but your uncle...

You have no idea.

Frankie looked over at him, finding herself wanting to smile. Well, maybe this wouldn't all be bad. She might be able to get along with him, at least.

Rico went around to the back of the car and picked Mickey Junior up, carrying him up to the door as Frankie went back for her daughter. Mickey would have left her to deal with both of the kids, gone straight for his beer and tv. Most of his cousins were the same way. She supposed that should make her lucky. The don had given her one of the more decent men for this so-called marriage. How was she supposed to explain this to her children? They barely understood that their father had died. Now she was going to have to tell them that she was getting married again. To a man none of them knew.

Or she'd end up dead.

Unless there was enough humanity in Rico to let her go. To let her take the children and run. She didn't know that she dared ask. He might be under orders to kill her if she tried. Maybe that was why the don had called him back.

Mouse's room is at the top of the stairs, on the left, she told Rico as she opened the door. He frowned at her. It's for Mickey Mouse. Better than Junior, I always thought. Just put him in his bed.

You don't want him in his pajamas? Rico asked over his shoulder, starting up the stairs. She pushed the door shut behind her and shook her head as she watched him. If you tell me what drawer they're in, I can find them and change him. I might even be able to do it without waking him.

She frowned, shifting Lily and following him up the stairs. She wasn't sure what to think of any of this. How is it that you aren't already married?

Rico laughed as he pushed open Mouse's door. I'm a lawyer. Lawyers are scum.

And a polite lawyer is planning to kill you, Frankie finished the family motto, but she couldn't laugh. This—everything—she couldn't do this. She couldn't take Rico being nice to her—whatever his reasons might be. She took Lily into her room and set her on the bed. Staring at her daughter, knowing that she should put her in pajamas as well, Frankie nearly lost it. She lowered her head and sighed, trying to hold it together for a little bit longer.

She wasn't sure she could. Desperate thoughts were running through her head, things she would have never thought of before Mickey died, but now that he'd done this to her, she didn't know what else to do. Damn it, I don't even get to be a widow for a day.

Technically, we're not married yet, Rico said, and she jumped, turning back to see him standing in the doorway. He shrugged. They'll want you to have the full thing. Church, reception, the biggest they can make it.

That made her sick to her stomach. Because you're the don's nephew?

He shook his head slowly. Because they'll trap you with the religion, too.

She made a face, trying to keep herself from throwing up whatever she'd eaten earlier. She couldn't even remember now. Are you sure it's not because of you? Shouldn't you have found some nice Italian girl and added her to the family by now?

Last time that happened, a rival family killed my cousin and his wife, eliminating my uncle's heirs and starting a war that lasted five years until the Feds actually arrested the other family, what was left of them, at any rate.

Frankie had to grab the foot of Lily's bed to keep herself from falling. "So, now this marriage is also a death sentence?"

I'm not the heir. My cousin is, and no one is stupid enough to kill Sal. If I was the heir, I wouldn't be the lawyer, he said, shrugging like it was somehow okay. She shook her head and tried to move past him. He caught her in the middle of the doorway and made her look at him. Nothing is going to happen to you or your children, Frankie. That's half the point of this... thing.

"But I don't want it. I don't want any of it. You've been nice and all, but I don't want to marry you. I don't even know you. I don't want to. I just want out. I want to be able to go back to the life I had before I knew what Mickey really was. I don't want anything to do with your family. I want to take my children and get them as far from this life as I can." She was aware that she was shouting now, getting hysterical. She deserved to be hysterical after everything that happened today. Angry tears stung her eyes, and she couldn't look at him. What had she done? She'd just signed her own death warrant. And now that I told you all of this, you're going to kill me, aren't you? That's what the don's orders were, weren't they?

She dropped to the floor, giving into the tears and the fear. She was terrified for her children. If she could have kept her mouth shut for a while longer—Rico had to sleep sometime, right? She could have found a way to sneak out. She was sure of that.

Rico didn't answer. Instead, he sat down next to her. She stiffened, but he pulled her close to him and held onto her while she cried herself out. She didn't know how long they sat there. She didn't have any strength left, couldn't make her body respond and get up, wasn't able to say or do anything as he picked her up. She was asleep before her head settled against his shoulder.

What do you want, Lucio?

How is it you always know it's me, Rico?

Rico shook his head. That didn't deserve an answer. His cousin always had way too much cologne and if the smell didn't give him away, the jewelry did. The man had been fond of bling before it got popular with the gangsters on the west coast, and he liked to tell everyone about it, too. Like he'd invented the concept. How often are you reporting back to him?

Come on, now, give me a little credit. Can't I stop by and see how you're settling in?

No.

Lucio laughed. Fine, you win. How's the lady?

Asleep. Go away, Lucio.

Don't get bent out of shape now. She's pretty. And even if you're getting stuck with two kids, what's the big deal? No one's going to stop you from seeing all your lady friends. Man's gotta have entertainment, right? Gets boring without variety, Lucio went on, and Rico glared at him, watching him walk around the house like he owned the place. The family liked to joke that lawyers were scum, but his cousins were worse. He didn't know if he hated Sal or Lucio more, but then it was hard to pick, wasn't it? She's got a nice place here. Mickey was a fool. Gonna miss him, though.

Cut the crap. You killed Mickey. Housekeeping. Everyone knows it. I'm not an idiot. He sent you here for a reason, and it wasn't just to make sure I did what I said I was going to and took Frankie and the kids straight home, Rico said, folding his arms over his chest. The message he gave me before he left wasn't enough? He had to send you. The cleaner.

Easy, Rico. You're getting paranoid.

If you knew the kinds of things I know, Lucio, you would be, too. You all laugh at me being the lawyer. Like it's some kind of picnic in the park or some bullshit like that, Rico snapped. He walked a very thin line, knowing all the things that the family needed to keep hidden from the authorities—and from each other. The only person who knew more than Rico did was his uncle, and one of these days, his uncle would decide that he knew too much and eliminate him. That was if he survived this latest loyalty test. Don't screw with me. I know where you buried the bodies, remember? What does he want?

You and the new family for dinner tomorrow night. Not a request. Make sure she knows it, Lucio answered. He shook his head. And try to relax. I'm not here for you.

She's under my protection now.

Lucio shrugged. He walked toward the door and left without another word. They'd be watching for a while. At least they'd waited long enough to where Frankie had gotten at least part of it out of her system without them hearing anything. The unannounced visits would probably last a few months, the command performances at the family table at least a year. Mickey had sold his wife out before he died, told everyone how unhappy Frankie was with what he was doing, and she was lucky that the don had given her a chance by 'keeping it in the family,' even if she didn't realize it.

Rico took out his phone, checking the text messages on it. He pinched his nose for a second, trying to fight the headache. He was supposed to be in court in the morning—not that anyone cared—and he didn't have anything here for that, none of the documents he needed, no change of clothes, and if he left now, he'd get Frankie killed. His assistant could bring the file over, at least, but he was not sending anyone to his place for the clothes. Mickey was half a foot shorter than him and at least thirty pounds heavier, so none of his clothes would work.

Rico didn't have a lot of choice, then. He walked up the stairs and stopped in Frankie's doorway, leaning against the frame. She was still asleep, and he didn't want to wake her. As long as he got what he needed before it was time for him to be in court, it would be good enough.

He left the doorway and crossed over to the bed. She'd kicked off the covers, just like both of the kids. They got that from her, apparently. He picked up the blanket and pulled it back over her. She stirred a little, and he stepped back, standing still until she'd dozed off again.

Against the white pillow, her hair looked darker than it had been, and now that it was down and tangled from sleep, he could see that it was longer than he'd thought. She was curled on her side and looked smaller than she had when she stood up to his uncle. She was a brave woman who deserved a lot better than this.

The only way out of the family was death, though.

Chapter Two

Frankie opened her eyes, feeling like she'd had too much to drink. She blinked, trying to get some moisture into her eyes and wincing at the pain in her head. She knew that she hadn't been drinking. She'd given that up after Mickey—after getting pregnant with Mouse. Catching sight of someone at the foot of the bed, she sat up and almost hit the headboard. How long have you been sitting there?

Not that long.

Are you sure about that? Because, you know, that's just... creepy, you sitting there watching me sleep. Don't ever do that again.

Rico shrugged. Fine. I need you to do something for me.

I... What? No.

Frankie, Lucio is outside. He has been all night.

Lucio. Frankie winced and put her head on her knees, trying not to let the panic overwhelm her. Everyone knew what Lucio did. He was the cleaner. If someone had to be taken out, Lucio did it. If the don had sent Lucio here...

Rico touched her foot on top of the blanket. She looked at him. It's a standard intimidation technique. That's all. He'll watch for about a week, drop in unexpectedly for a few months, and then things will calm down.

Once the don decides he can trust us, you mean?

You're funny, Frankie. He doesn't trust anyone, Rico said, getting up. I have to be in court in two hours. I need you to come with me to get my things from my apartment.

She stared at him. Slowly, she shook her head. She didn't care what the don said or who was outside. This wasn't happening. He wasn't moving in just like that. What, next she was supposed to lie back and pretend she liked it? If he thought he was staying, then he was mistaken. Last night was one thing. She'd been weak after the funeral, but she was not doing this. No.

Rico glanced at her. I am not inclined to die because you want to be stubborn. I blow my case, and I'm a liability. I don't like being a liability. I know far more than I should, and one mistake could cost me everything, do you understand that? I would also point out that I am the only thing standing between you and Lucio, so the least you could do is come with me so that I can change my clothes.

That's all you want?

Technically, I should move everything I have here, but I do not need to do that today, if that's what's bothering you so much, Rico said, and Frankie sighed. I made coffee, and I can fix breakfast and wake the kids while you shower, if that helps any.

Stop being nice. It's weird.

If you like. Get up, get in the shower because whether you like it or not, you have to come into the city with me. Fortunately for you, I don't have to be there before the children go to school, but you can bet that if I did, I wouldn't care if they were late, he muttered, turning to leave.

Frankie watched him go and rubbed her forehead. She really didn't need to make him angry. Shouldn't. He was the closest thing she had to a friend or even an ally at the moment, and she needed him, at least until she found a way to disappear. She went to the dresser and grabbed some clothes, not really caring what she wore as long as it was clean.

She showered quickly, only washing her hair once, and went down to the kitchen still toweling off her hair. She stopped in the doorway, frowning. Okay, she'd heard him say he'd take care of breakfast and the kids, but she had walked into the freaking Twilight Zone here.

Mommy, Rico made us waffles just like you do. And he made the syrup all warm on the stove. In a pan. With water. Cool, huh?

Sure, Mouse, Frankie agreed, frowning over at Rico. He shrugged again. Lily looked up from the table, her face covered in syrup and her cheeks stuffed with waffles. Normally, that face made her smile. Not today. I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be...

There are two ways to handle this. We fight each other and the end to that is rather... predictable, he began, choosing his words carefully around the children. Or we agree to make the best of what it is. I'm not the enemy here, Frankie. If I were...

He let that threat hang in the air, and she nodded. She didn't need an explanation for that. Didn't want one. Rico might have more manners than his cousins, but he was trained, same as the rest of them. They all knew how to kill. As the lawyer, Rico knew how to make sure he never got caught.

Rico says he's helping us since Daddy's gone.

Yes, honey, Frankie agreed, since she couldn't really explain the rest of it. At least they were too young to comprehend what was really going on. She wasn't sure they really understood that Mickey wasn't coming back. Did you get enough to eat?

I'll go get my backpack, Mouse said, hopping down from the chair and running back up to his room. Lily continued to shove forkfuls into her mouth.

Stop and chew for a bit, Squirrel, Rico told her, and Lily grinned at him. Frankie gave him a look, and he shrugged again.

Squirrel?

Mouse and Squirrel. It fits. Better clean her up, though. We need to leave.

Ready to make a deal, Torsiello?

Rico looked over at the city attorney. The other man had done everything he could to make himself out as the simple servant of the public that he always claimed to be, the off-the-rack suit and the tacky tie, big glasses and scuffed shoes. It was getting close to election time again, wasn't it? Rico hated dealing with him around election time. You're never going to learn, are you, Mulroney? I don't deal. Ever. But I am going to win. Again. As usual.

One of these days, they'll string your whole family up, and I'll be standing back watching, laughing my head off.

They use lethal injection these days, remember?

Too good for the likes of you. The city attorney's voice dropped to a whisper. You know who is breathing down my neck. He didn't like that you didn't show last night.

Rico glanced at the back of the courtroom, where Frankie sat, trying to keep herself as calm as possible, struggling not to show how much she detested and feared the man sitting beside her. Lucio waved, and Rico glared back at him. This was unnecessary. Everyone knew what was at stake here. He crossed to the back and leaned on the back of the bench. Frankie, you worked as a temp in a legal firm once, didn't you?

Uh, yeah, she answered, frowning. How did you know about that? And why?

Assistant's got the flu. You want to look something up for me? It's a case, about three years old, I think, deals with property seizure. When she continued to stare at him, he shrugged. Beats sitting in here and listening to Mulroney's speeches, trust me.

Okay, she agreed slowly, getting up and moving around Lucio carefully. Is this file going to be a public record or something from your office? Because I might not be able to get it if it's something that's not public, and you have the car keys.

I can drive, Lucio offered, and they both looked at him. Frankie shook her head. Rico knew he couldn't give her the keys. She'd bolt, and Lucio would kill her.

Never mind. It's not that important. I just wanted to mess with Mulroney, Rico said, shaking his head. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. Thank you for being willing to go, Frankie.

She nodded, burying her disappointment at being forced to stay and refusing to look over at Lucio. Whatever I can do to help. Family, right?

Family, he agreed, giving Lucio a dark look. You know... Mulroney's been after you for several years. You really want to sit in his courtroom? I could always tell him about that thing in the park... You could never go back there again because you know he'll be watching.

The more you threaten people with what you know, the more of a danger you are, Rico. Don't forget that.

Rico shrugged. I don't see why I should have to defend you against public indecency charges, but that's me.

Frankie giggled, and Rico pointed her to the seat behind his table before he walked back to the front. He wouldn't be able to hold off Lucio forever, though. This was going to cost him. Mulroney met him at the gate. New girl, Torsiello? Never seen you bring one to court before. This one must be special.

We both know she is.

Mulroney looked over at Frankie again, giving a low whistle. So that's how it is. Hearts must be breaking all over the city. Torsiello's no longer a single man. The women will be so disappointed, won't they?

Your wife especially, Mulroney, Rico said, and the other attorney lunged for him. He stepped to the side and let the man hit the table. He helped him stand up again just as the bailiff opened the door for the judge. Tell you know who that's off. All of it.

You can't do that. You and your family might think you can walk over everyone and everything, but you're wrong, Mulroney insisted as he cleaned himself up, dusting off his suit. He shook his head and went to the other table, still fuming.

Rico reached for his files. It was just another day in court. Or so everyone needed to think.

It's almost noon. We need to get Lily from preschool now.

Rico nodded absently, and Frankie frowned at him. He had been putting his files in his briefcase for the past five minutes. He didn't seem to realize what he was doing, either. Did you hear what I just said, or is the fact that you won your case too much to handle here?

He shook his head. Winning was supposed to happen. Nothing new. The only thing that should worry you is if I had lost.

Frankie nodded, walking along with him as he left the courtroom. Lucio had left once it seemed clear that Rico had the better argument and was going to get the ruling the family wanted, so at least he wasn't sitting there leering at her. Rico's non-interest in her remained comforting, other than that whole watching her sleep thing. She hoped that really was a one-time thing. She didn't want him doing that again.

How did you know about me working for a legal firm? she asked as they reached the outer doors. Rico gave her a look as he held the door open for her. He didn't think she wanted to know, but she needed to know. Come on. That was like, four months of my life, kind of obscure, don't you think?

Not when you take in the proximity to your relationship with Mickey. He's why you left the law firm despite them offering to put you through paralegal classes.

Okay, again, how do you know that?

Family lawyer. I know all the secrets.

Frankie stopped. "You know who killed Mickey, don't you? Were you ever going to tell me? I mean, I don't expect him to go to court and pay for what he did, but my children don't have a father now because of that person—oh, god, it had better not be you."

It wasn't me, Frankie, and don't ask me again to tell you. I won't, Rico said, taking hold of her arm and pulling her forward. She tried to dig in her heels, shaking her head. How was she supposed to trust him if he wouldn't tell her who had done it? Maybe it was him. Why else would he keep it from her? That had to be it. "Don't do this. Not here. Not in front of a damn courthouse. If someone hears us talking about this, everyone will come after you, put pressure on you to talk. No marriage will save you from the measures the Feds are willing to use to get to someone—anyone—in the family. They want to put every last one of us behind bars for carrying the name we do."

You're the Torsiello, not me.

It doesn't matter if your name isn't the same as my uncle's. Mickey was my cousin. You know what he did. You know what they want to know. Someone will be coming by and asking you to talk about your husband's career, Rico told her. Lucio will be watching when they do. They might let him think you talked even if you didn't.

Frankie shook her head. I don't believe this. Can we just—we have to get to the school. We'll be late getting Lily, and they'll lock the doors and we'll have to go around and—

Calm down, Rico told her, at the same time pulling her forward again. Working yourself up isn't going to help. If they lock the doors, we go around. It's not the end of the world, though it's annoying.

I'm surprised you didn't offer to pick the lock.

I don't usually do that in broad daylight.

She winced. Please tell me that you're kidding. I was kidding.

He didn't answer, taking out the keys and unlocking the car. She really didn't know what to think of Rico half the time. Sometimes he was decent. Sometimes he scared her. Sometimes he was just another member of the Torsiello crime family. One thing he was, no matter what, was confusing. She got in the car and started to buckle her seat belt.

"When do I get my driving privileges back? This is my car, after all."

For your own safety, I shouldn't let you drive at least until after the wedding.

Frankie coughed. She felt sick all over again. She did not want to marry him. He was probably the best out of his family, but that didn't say much. Don't mention the word 'wedding' to me. Please.

It'll be the topic of dinner tonight.

Oh, when your uncle gives the official decree, setting the date for us, and then picking some other wife to handle all my wedding plans? Frankie asked, trying not to cry again. She was not going to give in or break down again. She was stronger than this, and she was not going to back down, not to Rico. Is your mother alive? Will she be the one doing it?

My parents are dead.

That war you told me about? After your cousin died?

Rico shook his head. No. She was cancer. He was a bullet. Doesn't matter. It's kind of typical of this life. None of us lives long.

That is why I want my kids out of it.

He looked out the window and let out a curse in Italian that she never wanted translated.

Mrs. Messore.

I know. I'm sorry I'm late, Frankie began apologetically, looking at Lily's teacher and trying for a smile. She didn't really like being late, and she didn't want Lily thinking—not for a moment—that she'd forgotten her. She was a stay-at-home mom, and that meant that she should always be there on time. Of course, it was going to have to change now that Mickey was dead, but if the don had his way, which he always did, she wouldn't have to worry about working to provide for her family. The don would expect Rico to do that.

Frankie could stay at home and do the cleaning and cooking and all the stuff that Mickey used to expect her to do. Great. She hadn't planned on doing nothing but keeping house for the rest of her life, but meeting Mickey had changed everything. Now she had two kids. They were her life, all she had, and she loved them. She just wished they hadn't been there to trap her in this life, this family.

Late happens, Mrs. Messore, the teacher said politely but sternly. This woman was a battle-scarred teacher, should have retired but was still working, probably would until she fell over dead. Frankie had been her student once, and she still felt like that little child sometimes when she met with her. I need to talk to you about something else, though.

Frankie frowned. She looked around for her daughter. What is going on?

I know that you are having a hard time, after your husband was killed, and it must be hard for you and the children but... the teacher took a deep breath. I'm afraid Lily has started acting out. Today she was extremely disruptive. She seems not only to have developed an imaginary friend, but she insists on using his name for her.

"Rico is real! You're mean. I am a squirrel! Lily shouted as she ran up, putting her arms around her mother. Mommy, she says I can't be a squirrel. I am a squirrel."

Frankie rubbed her forehead, feeling a headache starting. Maybe even a migraine. She should have known this was Rico's fault. As you said, it's been a bit of a rough time for all of us, and I think that after my daughter and I have a discussion, there will be no more problems.

Have you considered... therapy?

Rico! Tell the mean one I can be a squirrel! Just like you said, Lily said, letting go of Frankie's legs and running toward him, throwing herself at him. Frankie watched and wondered just how one damn breakfast could disrupt her life this much. It had to be that the kids were clinging to anything and everything they could after losing Mickey—Lily more so than Mouse, but still—Rico had been kind to them, and that was all they needed. They didn't know about the marriage, didn't know about the secrets he kept, didn't know that he was probably just as much of a killer as the rest of the Torsiello family.

"You're a flying one now, Coccolona," Rico said, lifting Lily up into his arms. With his family connection to Mickey, Rico could almost pass for Lily's father, and Frankie had to wonder what thoughts were going through the teacher's head right now. Maybe we should call you 'Rocky' instead.

No, I like Squirrel. I'm a squirrel. I want to ride on your back. Can I?

Rico let her down and knelt so that she could crawl up on his back. Frankie shook her head and looked back at Lily's teacher. Rico was here, so very obviously he was real and not an imaginary friend. In fact, from the look on the older woman's face, she recognized Rico for who he was. I need to add Rico to the list of people approved to pick up Lily.

Squirrel. Mommy, I'm Squirrel now.

Frankie shot Rico a dark look. He smiled at her. She sighed. Why don't you take her to the car?

If you want, Rico agreed, shrugging. She doesn't need an id to add me to that list?

Everyone knows who you are, Mr. Torsiello.

He forced a tight smile and nodded, turning to carry Lily down the hall. Frankie turned back to her daughter's teacher. Mrs. Howard shook her head. Do you have any idea what you're doing, Francesca? You know who that is, don't you?

If you recognize the name Torsiello, why did you miss Messore? Rico is my dead husband's cousin, Frankie said. She folded her arms over her chest. Will this be a problem, Mrs. Howard? I'd hate to think that my daughter would not get the education she deserves because of her father's family.

Howard looked at her coldly. Then perhaps you should consider another school.

Chapter Three

"I hate this family, Frankie said, slamming her door shut behind her. Rico looked over at her. She glared at him. Now my daughter's teacher thinks that I need to put her in another school because of your last name. And don't you dare send anyone here to intimidate her. That's not what I want. I don't want this family hurting anyone else—and definitely not 'for' me or Lily. That's not how it works. I don't care what you think. I had better not hear that you or anyone spoke to her."

Rico glanced back at the girl in the car seat. My concern would be for Squirrel. It's not right that she has to change schools because that woman is prejudiced. Being a Torsiello does not instantly make a person a killer or even a bad person. Our children are as innocent as anyone else's.

It's a damn crime family, Rico! Frankie snapped, shaking