You're My Peace of Mind

Part 26

The look of shock must have been evident on my face, because a small smile creeped on Alex's face but disappeared as quickly as it came. Dect. Evans cleared his throat "My apologies Mrs. DeLaruso, do you know the where about of Lawrence Duffy?" he said blowing into his hands to keep them warm. "Huh?" I asked still obviously confused about all that has happened in the last 5 mins. "Our apologies, we'll come back..." Alex start but was cut off. "What the fuck do you pigs want? Where is ya Christmas spirit. Did Santa fill ya stockings with coal?" Duffy said in a mocking tone. "Mr. Duffy just the person we came to see." Dect. Evan said with a wicked smile. "Do you mind coming with us to the station to answer some questions?" "Yes, I do, come find me when you get a fucking warrant. Merry Fucking Christmas." Duffy said closing the door. I made direct eye contact with Alex before the door closed. His soft warm hazel eyes gave me a sense of clarity, in this last 10mins of chaos.

"Fucking pigs." Duffy said under his breathe breaking me out of my train of thought. It was just me and Duffy standing in the corridor. Duffy put his hands on my shoulder "Ya alright kid?" he asked with a look of concern on his face. "Why did they come here, looking for you?" I asked concerned hoping they, well actually Alex don't uncover my involvement. "They been tailing me. I spotted them a couple weeks ago." Duffy confessed. My eyes grew wide. "Relax kid, this isn't my first time around the rodeo." Duffy said laughing "I have a decoy." I grew a little relax but my stomach was still in knots. "What are we going to do about Fucci?" I asked knowing this was not what I had in mind. "Well he's dead, so our problem is solved." Duffy said walking away. "It's like someone gave you exactly what you wanted for wanted for Christmas." Duffy said disappearing into the kitchen.

Maybe Duffy is right. As much as I tried to lie to myself, deep down inside I wanted Fucci dead. I know with him being dead, I don't have to worry about him retaliating against me. He was powerful, scary and had so much influence within his crew and his associates. Now with him gone, I can nominate his replacement to the elders. Which reminds me I need to call Frank to thank him for the "Christmas gift", I thought to myself as I walked into the living room to grab my phone.

"So, we think it's best to not tell the fellas about Fucci today. We should wait a few days after Christmas to break the new to them." Emilio announced to me as I walked into the living room. "Ya sure, sounds good." I said distracted looking for my phone. Emilio's large hand with a tiny box appeared in my line of vision. "I have a present for you." Emilio said with a goofy handsome smile on his face. "It better not be from the heist." I said rolling my eyes. "Just open it Ana Banana." Emilio said now annoyed. Opening the box, I revealed a thick gold ring with black engravings. It was nice and it looked expensive but it definitely wasn't feminine. "Thank you." I said not too sure what to say. Emilio began to laugh "You probably have no idea what it is?" he asked. I shook my head. "It was Val's. I gave when we were younger, it was a gift I gave him to honor his achievement as Don. Before we left after he died, I found it in his house. Now I gift it to you." He said smiling softly. "What have I achieved?" I asked, knowing damn well these men do not see me as equal let alone as their Don. "You haven't gotten killed...yet." Emilio said with a straight face. Seeing my face of shock, he let out a huge belly laugh. "I'm just kidding." He said pulling me into a hug "Honestly, I think Val would be proud and would want you to have it. I must admit I did doubt you, but you haven't destroyed the Familia. You are running it like a boss." He finished. I was so glad that we still were hugging that he couldn't see me chocking up from the kindest words he has said. Pull away I gave him a small kiss on the cheek, grab my phone and walked into the kitchen.

A ton more people had arrived, Claudia was dressed beautiful, smiling and laughing with the guest while setting up the spread of food. If you looked closely you see a sense of worry behind her eyes. I greeted my guest, finally getting to meet the men in my crew families. Claudia helped me get a gift for everyone's family since she knew them better which we would hand out during the night. The night was going great, we ate delicious food thanks to Claudia. It was the first time we had no drama, no fighting, we all drank and laughed honoring the night in Val's memory. I excused myself from my guest and walked to my room. I remember the phone call I needed to make earlier.

Entering my room I notice a bouquet of flowers, the fresh smell of flowers filled my nose. Grabbing the little card attached it read "I wish I could deliver these to you in person. But we both know that might not be best. I hope you get everything your beautiful heart desires. Merry Christmas Viviana. -Alex" I smiled putting the card back into the envelope.

I picked up the phone, the person on the other end answered, "Merry Christmas Figlia." He said. "Merry Christmas Frank." "What are you up to? It's still not too late to come over, my wife would love to have you." Frank said kindly. "I'm just calling to thank you for my gift." I said appreciating the barbaric gift. Frank chuckled lightly "You're welcome figlia but I don't want to take credit for someone else's thoughtfulness. I must admit I didn't send anything to you." The familiar sensation began to form in my stomach again. "What about Sammy?" I asked praying "My dear, don't you hold your breath on that old brute." He finished saying the opposite on what I wanted to hear. I felt as if I lost all air in my lungs.

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"Guess who's back, back again. I'm back, tell ya friends!"

Yall I'm a clown. I so sorry but I'm excited to be back. Life got really crazy, some for the better and others for worst. I'm a nurse at one of the Top 5 hospitals in the country, for those who don't know. So, as you can imagine I've been working my butt off and I've seen so much tragedy that for my mental health I'm focusing on things that makes me happy. Writing this book brings me so much joy and reading the comments are a plus. I can't thank yall enough. Love yah long time. 

-Peace out.