Through Time Again

Ch.32 Going Down

March 14, 2011

"You know how it is, Jay. When the head of the family calls for a family meeting, we drop everything." She spoke over the phone. "Grandpa didn't like the news of our wedding date change."

"What about your mom?"

"This isn't a Peters family meeting. It's a Marchetti family meeting."

"Should I be worried?"

"No. I don't think so. I'll let you know, but hey, at least Mom approves."

"Yeah—," zzzt "-for," zzzt.

"Hey, I'm losing signal, babe. I'll talk you later. Bye."

"Bye."

Anet gazed out the window. The city disappearing behind them.

"Thomas..."

"Yeah?"

"Do... you know what happened to Graziella?"

"Sure, but why are you asking about Graziella?"

What Jay said on the rooftops... it was all she dreamt about. All she could think about when she woke up.

"I'm just trying to understand something... were you there when it happened?"

"I was... it was about 1925. There was a lot of heat between the Maggios and the Marchettis that summer. Boundaries were being crossed. Gin routes intercepted. Just a lot of bull that built up to this stand-off. Graziella got wind of it and came running to Vic's rescue. Nobody else but Vic new she was a Marchetti 'til that day. She must've thought she would be able to stop it. But the rumble was already on... she got caught in the crossfire. Nobody knows which side it came from. Everyone tried to say it was Vic. That he shot her for finding out he'd married a Marchetti... but Vic already knew. He loved Graziella so fiercely, he would never."

It was the first she'd ever heard of the story. She could understand Vic not telling her. It was painful. Hearing it now... she felt for the hood.

"I didn't even know I was a Marchetti 'til I got here."

"Imagine my shock when Lucas gave me the news."

"Did he tell you which Marchetti was his mother?"

"No. All he told me was his mother was a Marchetti and his grandfather was Harvey. And he added he was Don of the Marchetti's these days so I didn't have to worry about the real Matthias showing up. It was a lot to swallow, but none of it matters to me." His right hand released the wheel. Held onto hers. "All I care about is you, Anet. And keeping you alive."

Anet's gaze drifted to the passing scenery.

His hand around hers dulled the ache that tore at her chest.

How could I feel this ache when he's here with me? But she knew.

~•~

Hours later at the Peters Ranch...

"I have to go back."

It was the phrase Thomas wanted most not to hear.

"You're not ready to go back." Lucas stated.

"I think I am. I've learned the game well enough these past 9 months!"

"Well enough is not going to cut it, Anet!"

"But, Grandpa, I know now that Jay is behind all this! I have to go back and fix everything before he suspects I know!"

"You're still not ready. Now that you know who he really is, that will help you better your game."

"Why does she even have to play the game?" Thomas cut in. "Why does she have to go back!"