The tailor is still around, though. He’s a tough bastardo. Says he’s not going anywhere without a fight.”
Liam smirked. “Guess I don’t need to ask who he’s got to help him fight.”
“He’s not the only one dealing with this kind of horseshit, Li. The group in that store isn’t the only group like that in town.”
Liam’s gaze grew hooded. “Why’d you bring me here, Em?”
Emilio sighed. “Like I said, we found the fucker who came to your house. If it is still your wish to take him to the police, then by all means...but his friends won’t make it that far.”
“Grazi, Em for telling me at least. I guess you’ll do what needs to be done.”
“Truly?” Emilio looked taken aback when he blurted the word. “I thought it would take more to convince you.”
Liam shrugged. “Trying to learn to accept what I can’t change, I suppose.”
Emilio’s laughter twined in equal measure with his next words. “I refuse to believe this is the visionary talking!”
“It is. I assure you.”
Emilio eyed his brother strangely. “What’s going on, Li?”
“Nothing I can speak on. I believe it will work itself out.”
“Understood. You know that I’m here if you have a change of heart. I’m the oldest of us, you can count on whatever you tell me going no farther.” Emilio’s classically handsome features softened with playfulness then. “I’m the next best thing to a priest, you know?”
When laughter exploded in the truck, Emilio clapped a hand to Liam’s shoulder. “I made you laugh. My job is done!” He was about to start the truck, when Liam caught his arm.
“I won’t go to the cops, Em. Handle it the way you see fit only...just be sure.”
Emilio nodded, his expression stoic. “The innocent are hurt too often in this business. I don’t want that any more than you do. You have my word.”
“Can I have your word on something else?” Liam asked. “When the time comes for this,” he looked toward the storefront across the street. “I want to know.”
Emilio smiled. “Absolutely.”
***
Athena slowed her steps, attempting to ease her breath as she neared her husband’s office. She was supposed to be ready to leave for the factory with Liam and the boys that morning, but ran horribly late forcing them to set off without her.
The long overdue meeting with her seamstress pool could not be missed. The pool had tripled in growth since the factory had become fully functional. Still, Liam had apparently not seen the need to disturb her when she overslept and Athena couldn’t say she regretted his decision.
A team of new seamstresses weren’t the only business matters demanding her time. From securing orders for new sewing supplies to selecting appropriate cleaning materials for the entire factory, her time was stretched to its final tether. Throw in her responsibilities as a mother and even that final tether was nonexistent.
Then there were the daydreams she refused to dwell on and were best left buried. She hadn’t seen Giaimo in two weeks. Silently, she applauded the self-denial. She could do this. She could learn from the mistake she’d made and live the rest of her life ensuring that it would be her last.
Her heart lurched when the sound of Aaron’s squealing laughter touched her ears. Humphrey’s loped in next and stirred the same sense of adoration inside her chest. The laughter of two women brought her up short, but then they began to speak to the boys. Athena recognized the two older women as hers and Liam’s secretaries, Dorinda Scalia and Fatima Marone.
Athena waited outside Liam’s office suite when she heard her husband calling to their sons.
“Alright you two! Mama’s on the way to get you. Start clearing that mess you made around my desk with those toys. Capir?” Understand? “Move in two seconds or I’ll have you over my shoulders,” he threatened.
The ‘threat’ was clearly one the boys wanted fulfilled. Athena peeked around the doorframe, smiling as Liam lumbered toward the small brothers. The boys giggled and stood in place, until their father swooped down and drew each across a broad shoulder. Wild laughter followed as the two were whisked from the outer room to Liam’s office.
Dorinda and Fatima laughed as well.
“I can’t say that I’ve ever seen more beautiful boys,” Fatima raved.
“Is it any wonder?” Dorinda chimed in. “Their father being the dreamboat he is.”
“Shh!” Fatima chastised her colleague and swatted at the woman with her hand.
“Why? I’ve said the same to Athena.” Dorinda shared. “I often compliment Liam. Not many men would allow their wives such a place of honor inside his business.”
“True words,” Fatima nodded her agreement as well. “The only place most would have one work is at the stove or on her back in bed.”
Brief yet enthusiastic laughter followed.
“Si, Athena is quite blessed in her marriage to that great man,” Fatima sighed.
“Quite!” Dorinda said heartily. “A dreamboat husband and adorable sons...blessed indeed.”
“I can only hope my Mary will be half as lucky with the young man she has chosen.”
As talk between the women turned to Mary Marone’s upcoming nuptials, Athena pressed a hand to the wall. She suddenly needed the support to steady herself. The women were right, she was blessed and what had she done but to soil it in the bed of her husband’s brother.
She blinked rapidly to dismiss the spots flashing before her eyes. They remained however, and her head began to swim, besides. The sound of more laughter jolted her into movement and she raced to the restroom at the end of the wide corridor just off the vast main floor.
She made it in time to kneel before a toilet and empty the contents of her breakfast. The spots cleared, as did her thoughts. A possibility she hadn’t entertained began to beam like a lightning bolt.
