Rex Reggiano stood a full head taller than the crowd, and he had to duck as he exited the tunnel in the airport. Two thousand years ago, Rex would have been a Roman centurion: a mountain of a man, a warrior, and a killer who led other men into battle on the front lines. Roman armor would have suited him better the tailored grey suit, and he would have seemed more natural holding a sword than a gun. When Tara and Brigitte had first met him in Rome, his dark hair had been very closely cropped, buzzed down to almost nothing. Now, it was longer, hanging down nearly to his shoulders, though he was still clean-shaven. 

Rex walked steadily through the crowd as people got out of his way. When he saw Brigitte and Tara Mastrosimone standing at the terminal waiting for him, he laughed and moved toward them, lifting Brigitte up into the air and kissing her, then placing her back on the ground. He seemingly moved to picked up Tara as well, ignoring the hand she'd extended to shake with; she stepped forward to hug him, deciding that while she would have preferred to greet the Left Hand Man of the Padrino- the Godfather of Roma-  more professionally, at least she was staying on the ground. She felt herself enveloped by Rex's embrace, as she did when her father or Gavin would hug her, but Rex was less gentle. 
Rex had called Tara to set up his visit, apparently, he needed to lie low again. Of course, the last time he'd come to the US to "lie low", he'd romanced Brigitte in New Orleans, stolen a boat, crashed a boat, and they'd made off with a suitcase full of cash.

"Brigitte! Tara! I have practiced English. No speak Italian, yes? Need to get away from Italy, spend some time here. Another adventure, yes?" 
He looked at Brigitte and grinned.

"I enjoyed our last one very muchly."

“I enjoyed it as well,”  Brigitte said warmly.  

Tara smiled at them both and then, after a moment of silence she motioned, “We have a car waiting for us.  Let’s get out of this airport and go somewhere comfortable to catch up.  I’m sure there must be a million things to share.  How’s Ren?”

“Fine,” growled Rex. “Running. Hiding. He insist I come to America again.”

Tara nodded, “It’s his job to be looking after all the finer details.  Yours to crack skulls, right? Can’t fault the man for wanting to do his job well.  Besides, I’m sure he’s holding out hope that Brigitte will eventually give over and run back to Italy with you - especially since the Padrino learned that my father left her a dowry.”  Tara smirked at Brigitte.

“He did what?”  Brigitte arched an eyebrow.  “You never mentioned that before.”

“I didn’t?”  Tara shrugged.  “Must have slipped my mind.”

“Briggy? No need money for sex. I pay her, even. Is compliment,” he said to Brigitte, patting her on the thigh.

Tara glanced at Brigitte from the corner of her eye and muttered, “Briggy?”

“Stow it, Taa.”

Tara kept her chuckle behind closed lips but her smile was evidence of her amusement.  

“Last time. Steal boat, crash boat, steal money. Very fun. What this time?” asked Rex. 

“My family has a proud tradition of crashing boats.”  Tara chuckled. “It’s nice to see some things never change.  Though I feel like maybe I should clarify something,’ 

“Who you need killed?” asked Rex with a grin. “I do one for you. No money.”

“Dowry means dote.”  Tara explained again using Italian to help him know she wasn’t talking about a fee for sex.

“No Italiano. English. I need practice.”

Brigitte put a hand on Rex’s back, “I’ve got two possible things for us to go do, assuming Tara here hasn’t dug up something else.  And only one of them involves killing someone… maybe. Largely depends on how we want to handle it.”

Tara sighed.  “Why do I highly suspect someone will end up dead regardless?”

“Don’t be a buzzkill, Taa.  Rex and are professionals, we’ll deal with problems however is most effective.  We don’t do anything needlessly.” Brigitte straightened her leather jacket on her shoulders.

“Tell me,” said Rex. 

Climbing into the car, Brigitte turned to face Rex and once the door was closed completely she gave him a real hello, a kiss. Rex grabbed her hips. Tara rolled her eyes and looked at the diamond ring on her finger as if it were suddenly very interesting.

Once the kiss was done Brigitte chuckled, “I’ve really missed you.  Every time I get on one of those boats out to Tara’s new business, I think about you and our little trip to the Big Easy.  I was really excited when Tara told me you were coming to see us again.” 

“I am excited also,” said Rex. “Need to come to America. Too much heat- but you are also reason.” He glanced to Tara. “And you.”

Tara arched an eyebrow, “So, give it to me straight, Rex, is Ren holding back on me?  Is the Padrino’s family in bigger trouble in Italy than he's letting on or is this just you needing to get away for a bit?”

“I killed someone connected to the government. Unavoidable. I come to America, stay a few weeks, then go back. Things are bad. Government hunt us very much.”

Tara nodded thoughtfully.  Brigitte put a hand on Rex’s leg but said nothing, just smiled at him.

“Well,”  Tara continued, “You’re always welcome here.”

“Yes.”  Brigitte agreed, the hint of a smirk on her lips.  “I’ll always have a place where you can lay your head when things get too hot.”

“Good,” said Rex, snaking a hand around Brigitte. 

“I figure Brigitte was going to tell you about a small rival of mine.”

Brigitte nodded.

“He’s become more of a problem of late than I thought he could be.  I tried to overlook him in the beginning, have worked around him largely, but I’m not untouchable just yet.  And despite Oriana’s increased position of respect among the families of Philadelphia - well, we still need to work to keep all our assets safe.”

“There’s this lowlife pimp-”

“He’s not really a pimp, that’s a rather unfair term for him.”  Tara tried to correct Brigitte.

“What is pimp?” asked Rex. 

Tara and Brigitte look at each other.  

“Someone who manages women who have sex for money,” said Brigitte. Rex nodded.

“This … gentleman doesn’t do business as I do.”  Tara said.

“He’s little better than a slavemaster really and if he wants to pick a fight with Tara, I keep telling her she needs to let me finish it.  Especially since it’s begun crossing a line.”  

“Good. We go kill him together. Second thing?”

Brigitte beamed.  Tara furrowed her brow.  “I’m still not sure that it’s the best course of action.”

“Hurt?” asked Rex. 

“What’s it going to take?”  Brigitte asked. “Threats are always the first step.  He’s bound to try something next and when he does you’re going to wish you hadn’t been so diplomatic about this.”

“YES!” shouted Rex. “THIS! This is what Ren do not know. You must solve problem now.” He squeezed Brigitte harder.

Tara shook her head, “I believe in making a statement when the statement needs making.  If we act rashly we set ourselves up to be the targets of other people’s aggressions. If we wait, ending fights rather than starting them, we have a stronger position of respect and authority.  I know it’s not what you want to hear, but I promise in the long run it’s a solid strategy, Brigitte.”

Brigitte shook her head, “I get it.  I don’t like it, but you’re the one making the calls here.  Just… think about it. You got Rex here and I know that no matter what you say you don’t want Oriana going off to handle it so… let me and Rex handle it.  Or think about it at least.”

“We make it look like accident. Man head explode. So random! Much coincidence.”

Brigitte leaned over and kissed Rex’s cheek and laughed.  “Isn’t he adorable?”

Tara couldn’t help but recall the man with his boot hovering over Brigitte’s head, even now.  She shook her head, “Quite.” She couldn’t fathom Brigitte’s fixation but he did seem to make her happy.  “I’ll think about it.” She allowed.

“Who else need to be kill for second thing?” 

“Probably more maiming than killing for the second bit - or do you…”  Brigitte looked at Tara and arched an eyebrow.

“Is this about the Irishman?”  Tara asked crossing one leg over another leaning against the door as South Philly blurred past.

“Bah! Irish!” 

Brigitte nodded, “There’s a guy who has been ripping Tara off with booze shipments.”

“He’s got good stuff but I know he’s fucking me and not in a fun way.”  Tara shook her head.  “I’d hate to lose the guy as a connection - but I need him to understand he has to do business with me the right way or we can’t do business at all.  And …”

“Break bottle on head,” nodded Rex. 

“I’ll leave the creative urgings to the both of you.  I know how much you love your work.  I just need you to make me one promise.  The both of you.”

“Sure?”  Brigitte sincerely looked with curiosity at her sister.

“Under no circumstances do you travel to New York City or Delaware City while Rex is visiting.  Agreed?”  Tara asked both of them.

Rex shrugged, nodding.

Brigitte narrowed her eyes, “Wasn’t planning on it…”

“Good,”  Tara said quickly.  “That’s that then.”  The car pulled up the long drive headed towards Hollowpoint.  Ahead of them on the path Tara could see several cars.  She sat forward in the seat a little concerned.

“I didn’t expect company,”  Brigitte said.  “Is that Jo’s car?”

“Yeah,”  Tara said with a bit of tension in her voice.  She hadn’t been expecting any visitors either.  Jo was going to meet up with the group of them later. She should have been on board Liber.  The fact that she wasn’t suggested something wasn’t right.  As soon as the car came to a stop she exited and began taking long strides towards the house.  

Jo was opening the door as Tara reached it.  Tara read her face almost instantly.  “Who’s hurt?”  She asked.

Jo shook her head, “Not hurt.  Gone.  Missing.”  She glanced around Tara and gave a quick nod to Rex.  “Elena didn’t come back after she went to shore last night.  I didn’t know she was missing until about noon.  The last person to see her was the Captain of the ferry.  He let her off at shore and she took a cab into town.  She was only supposed to be gone shopping and out for dinner but it was her day of so… I don’t think anyone worried until she didn’t show up for the lunch feast today. I came here looking for you or Ori, but apparently she took some job for a bunch of bikers and left you a note.”

“You did the right thing,” said Tara.  “Sorry I wasn’t back sooner. We’ll find her.  A beautiful Italian courtesan doesn’t go missing without someone noticing.”  Tara looked to Rex, “Elena is one of Bacchus’ courtesans, she’s been training my newer girls.  She’s invaluable to my operation at this stage.”

Rex grunted. 

“You know it’s him.”  Brigitte scowled.

“Likely.  One step at a time though?”  Tara nodded. “If it is him he’s not likely to kill her.”  I hope.

“Yeah, but how well could he be treating her, this guy is a creep.  Ori said so.” Brigitte insisted. “Let me and Rex run over there right now we’ll…”

Rex nodded.

Tara looked at her sister with hard eyes a moment, “What?  Kick in the door, kill everyone in his very expensive home?  Tell me, what will you do when the women start attacking you trying to protect their livelihoods?”

“Stop them. Or hire them,” said Brigitte.

“Most of them wouldn’t know what to do with themselves in a place like Liber, the ones who are disease free that is… I can’t just take in every stray off the streets.  Why do you think I wasn’t choosing to wipe this guy off the map to start with? Ending my rivals has consequences, and I wasn’t willing to face those if I didn’t have to… if he’s taken Elena though… perhaps we’ve reached that point.  I can’t let something like that go unanswered. I need her back, alive and unharmed… and I need to make sure no other pimp in the city thinks to try something like that again. The question is, do you think you can handle that without drawing a murder wrap down onto your or my head?  The local cops, they want to nail me for Liber so bad right now, but they can’t touch us… they’d love to catch wind that I put a hit on the guy.”

“I have idea,” said Rex. “Very smart plan.”

Tara went into the house and straight for the den where she poured herself a drink offering one to her companions.  Jo accepted it immediately as Tara spoke, “Let’s hear your plan.”

“You three. Beautiful ladies. Get in tight dresses. Heels high. Very sexy. Go out in club, public place. Have drinks. While you are there, Rex will crush this man like a grape. The cops, they think ‘AH, IS TARA.’ But no. Tara is out in public place with Briggy and Josephine. Then, after that, Rex come to get Briggy, we go hurt Irish man, then celebrate. Then Rex can leave town, go to beach with Briggy. But first need talk business with Tara.”

Tara settled down in her chair by the fireplace.  

“It’s not the worst plan I’ve heard.  Granted there might be a few more steps involved that just walking in and crushing him like a grape but I like where your head is at.”  Tara sipped her whiskey.

“I don’t.  The plan doesn’t involve me.  And that place is crawling with guys.  Not that you can’t handle it Rex, but it couldn’t hurt to have someone watching your backside.”  She winked at him.  

“Yeah but he’s right, if you’re not with me and highly visible Brigitte, you’re likely to have it pinned on you regardless.  All it’s going to take is one of your lovely blonde curls to show up at the place and … well, we’ve seen those monkeys in suits make cases out of more than that.”  Tara shook her head. “Rex being here is a blessing. No one knows him or his connection to us. It might be a nice clean way to handle this.”

“Rex could go to the place, looking to spend the evening with a woman who speaks his language.  Once he’s convinced them with a lot of money to put him in a room with Elena - he gets her out safe and sound.  Then we handle it. Send a message that not only do we do our own work but that you don’t cross us.” Brigitte nodded to both Jo and Tara.  “That’s my thoughts.”

Tara rubbed her chin, “I promised Bacchus I would take care of his people.  Believe me, your suggestion has some merits in my head … Jo, that note Ori left, could you grab it for me?”

Jo nodded and exited the room; she’d been looking at Rex with at least a little concern in her eyes.

“If I let you go with him… if… what role would you play in this?”  Tara asked Brigitte.  “And how would you make sure you weren’t accused of the crime?”

“Maybe I go to meet with him on your behalf?”

Tara furrowed her brow.

“Fake Briggy. Put other girl in curly gold hair. Go to club with them, stay in dark. My Briggy, hide hair. Go in. Get lady. Hurt man.”

“Actually I like that better.  Why wouldn’t that work?”  Brigitte asked Tara.

Tara was silent a moment, taking the note from Jo when she returned.

Tara,

Job for the biker guys in New York. I know I got shot last time. I’ll be careful.

It’ll be fine. We don’t need the money, but we need the connections. 

Be back soon, will call when I can.

O

Tara sighed and then looked up to Brigitte and nodded once, “Do it.”
 

***

Brigitte was driving; Rex had crammed himself into the passenger seat of the car, tilting the seat back so he could fit inside.

“Irishman not a problem anymore,” said Rex, resting a hand on Brigitte’s knee. The knuckles were slightly bruised and bloodied. “You made good punch. Better than in Rome. That was good fight!”

Brigitte looked down at the knuckles a moment, her blue eyes softening a moment, a slight smile tugging at the corner of her lips as she joked, “I bet you say that to all the girls.”  Brigitte pulled the car out onto the main drag and began to cruise. Like her mother and grandmother, she enjoyed driving. Tara might have had a knack for it in the way that her mother seemed to, but for Brigitte cars were always about the look, the feel, the sound.  It was an experience, a way to feel powerful and sexy. Free. The wind in her hair was how she preferred it but this time of year was too cold for that. Instead, she enjoyed the sound of the wheels against the pavement and the feel of the large hand resting on her leg.  The satisfaction of a job completed and the certainty that she had nothing to worry about tonight.  

Even with the task ahead of them looming, Brigitte felt as though she’d faced so many harder challenges, this was an easy thing Tara had put in front of them.  Entertainment really. What could this fool have that would challenge the strength of Rex or her for that matter? The worst possible outcome was that something happened to Elena in the process of retrieving her.  Failure to make this man suffer for his stupidity wasn’t even a possibility in her mind - so much so she was already contemplating what she and Rex would do after.

“Tell me again how much you missed me and our adventures.”  She said with the smile on her face growing. “Or, if you rather, we can start supposing ways to handle this fool for Tara.  I mean, we could have some real fun with this guy.”

“We will. And things are bored without you. You should come Italy, find more adventures. Rex has plan, will need help from Mastrosimones- but you most.”

Brigitte chuckled, “Well, that sounds interesting.  Of course, without me around here, what would Tara do?  She doesn’t want to admit it but I see her tense up everytime Ori is out of hand’s reach of her.  She won’t be asking her to go off and do work like this if she can help it. She needs me here to enforce the family’s will.  Women like me don’t just grow on trees you know.” She winked at Rex.

Rex waved a dismissive hand. “Tara fine. Commands many people. Much friends. On Tara tree, Briggy one apple- very nice apple- but one of lots apples. But Briggy is Rex’s all of tree. Come Italy. You will be queen.”

‘I will make you a queen…’

Brigitte’s smile faltered a moment as in the street light she thought she saw a ghost staring back at her, but wasn’t her mother.  Her mother was gone. The car cruised past the woman on the side of the road, the blonde’s eyes lingering on her for a moment longer than she needed.  A small bitterness, a petty jealousy raised it’s sleepy head within her. It took Brigitte a full minute to realize that Rex had touched upon something she’d worked very hard to bury.  She drew a breath and then forced herself to glance at the man beside her, relishing the way he looked at her.

“You really do mean that, don’t you?”  There was a fondness in her tone, a brief moment where all her joking and flirting wasn’t there, just… her.  The real Brigitte not the face she put on for everyone - the happy girl, the one who was loved by everyone who met her.  Rex made her feel like she didn’t have to put on a mask or act. She could be herself around him. He’d seen her real face in that ring.  Her eyes in the most real way. Few people had ever really seen that girl. She had learned young to work to please everyone around her, it was an effortless thing to play into people’s desires and dreams.  So when she took a moment to put it all down and just be herself, it felt as if she’d taken a thousand pounds off herself and could breath for the first time in ages.

“I need... right hand. Partner. I am stronger than any man, but cannot walk into room and talk to win. Need talk. Need charm. Need Briggy. And will be fun. Like New Orleans. Like tonight. Destroy enemies, rule.”

“You respect me, Rex.  I’m sure the Padrino could be made to love me… as your wife… but never your hand.”  Brigitte shook her head. This was the way of things in Italy. Really, in more than just Italy if she was honest.  Even here in the states a female gangster worked twice as hard as any man to prove her worth.

“Then marry. We do tonight. You are only person to bring me to knees. 

Brigitte laughed.  “Tara would give birth to kittens if I eloped with you.  The Padrino and his allies as well. Don’t you think they would prefer you marry a nice Italy woman more than some American… a French born American woman at that?  How will you explain it? Will I be your trophy wife? A pretty prize you picked up on travel abroad? How will they ever respect you taking on such … not in your bed, that they’d accept, but into your operation?”  She chuckled. “Never.”

“I do not ask for accept. We will make accept.” He paused. “Vieni a governare con me. Il padrino mi darà presto un equipaggio. La mia forza, unita al tuo fascino e alle tue connessioni, ci renderà imbattibili. E ci divertiremo così tanto che non vorrai affatto.”

Brigitte pulled the car over.  She put the car in park and turned to look at Rex, her brow furrowing slightly her eyes narrowing a touch - clearly thoughtful.  “You’re serious. Did… did you come to ask Tara this, is that the business you had to talk to her about later?”

Rex thought for a moment, then shook his head. “Briggy do not need Tara permission to decide. I was going ask for help, resources, money.”

“Of course not,”  Brigitte said immediately.  “I don’t need Tara’s permission for anything, but I know that sort of thing is respectful considering your position.  You’re not asking to just marry her sister - you’re asking to take away a very important resource.  I might be one of many apples, but like to think that I… I matter.  Maybe more than the others.  Maybe not more than Oriana, of course, but… Tara needs me.”  The way she said it, she wished she could pull it back into her mouth.  The words sounded like she was trying to convince someone, not declare a truth.  Tara hadn’t needed to take her to South America.  Tara hadn’t needed her for much since the launch of Liber, this was the first thing she’d really been asked to do since … well… ever.  New York was her own actions, not Tara’s.  Tara had merely come in at the end and helped finish it.

“You…”  Brigitte wet her lips.  “There’s something you haven’t said in this whole proposal of yours.”

“I love you. Fierce. Passion. Strong. What other woman could ever fight me? Best partner. Work good together.”

“We do.”  She agreed nodding.  “We should, finish the job… and then continue this conversation after.  I think it could be a bit distracting no matter what I say.  I say yes and Elena might spend another night with that asshole.  I say no… and we’re both off our games.  We have a have a job first.  Then, I’ll let you try to persuade me further, perhaps somewhere with room service.”

“You should know. Rex in no rush to finish any things with you. Take time. Enjoy self.”

Brigitte put her hand on his.  She laced her fingers between his.  “For what it’s worth, you’re the first man to ask me who I almost just said ‘yes’ to without thinking about it.”  She smiled.  “But I know this is more than just … well, the usual.  And, that’s a good thing but it requires thought.  I have a lot here in the States and we both know how things are Italy right now.  We have all the opportunities there… but great danger as well.  High rewards always means high risk.  You can’t just...”  But she could.  It was her style.  So why was she even delaying a reply?

“Italy is biggest opportunity. Some people hide. Others… rise.”

“It is a beautiful country, I think would enjoy a life there … the countryside agrees with me as well as the shopping.”  She admitted with a smile reaching down to put the car back into gear and pulling out onto the street again.

“It is your choice,” said Rex. “First, we destroy enemy here for Tara. What was it she wanted? Rescue woman? Eliminate man? Was half-listen, mostly watch you.”

Brigitte laughed, “Bacchus’ courtesan.  The man stole her away from Tara so her young whores couldn’t be trained in her arts… Tara wants her back safe and sound and she wants an example made of the man.  The finer details are ours to sort out. Dead, alive but maimed, I’m not sure she cares she just wants us to make sure people think twice about touching her people in the future.”

“Dead men never get revenge.”

“My thoughts exactly.  I don’t like leaving loose ends.  This guy has a large house just outside the city where his girls live… or rather are kept.  He treats them little better than animals. Prisoners really. I’m suspecting he’s got some guards on the place too.  So we’re likely to face some resistance. Don’t think it’ll be as straightforward as dealing with the Irishman. He’s a low level boss on his best day.  Not protected by any local Don though, his mistake. At least Ori and Tara have Don Viktor’s protection.”

“You have idea on what do? Or want Rex brilliant plan number two?”

“Does your plan involve us breaking down the door and just killing anyone who gets between us and Elena?”  She smirked.

“Was first think. But Tara mad. Want Tara happy to help us. Rex be new word: pimp. Briggy pretend be courtesan. Present you as… business opportunity. Talk to man, find out Elena. Then crush man for thinking Briggy could be courtesan.”

Brigitte’s eyes twinkled in the street light.  “That could be fun. I mean… I could be a courtesan.  I’m good enough, but of course, he’d never be able to afford me.”  She laughed.  

“No one could- that why I say. Oh- we pretend be Italian. Throw money around. Man want interpreter.”

“Perfect.  That should force him to bring Elena in.  It’s a good plan. Alright so the next and most important question… what the hell am I going to wear?”  She wiggled her eyebrows at him.

“Want rip dress?” He reached for it.   

“Would you really take an important business investment to a man with a torn dress?”  She arched an eyebrow.

Rex sighed. “No. Just wanted rip.”

“Tell you what, this plan of yours goes off as you outlined… I’ll you rip off whatever we buy me, as part of the celebration.”  Brigitte turned down a brightly lit street with high end stores which were all closed at this hour. She looked up and down both sides of the street until she found what she was searching for.  Turning down an alleyway, she pulled the car alongside an employees entrance to shop she liked.

“This should only take a moment… unless you want to help me pick out my outfit?”  She pulled a set of lock picks out of the interior pocket of her mother’s old jacket which she worn almost constantly since Aurora’s death. As Brigitte bent over to pick the lock, she felt Rex behind her. His hands slid under her dress.

Brigitte holding one of the picks in her teeth looked up over her shoulder at Rex and spoke around the metal object, “Be careful about trying to start something we don’t have time to finish, Mister.  We are on the job after all.” The lock made a click sound almost in the same instant she finished speaking, but she didn’t immediately withdraw her tools. She lingered a second, appreciating the moment before moving to open the door.

Brigitte knew the store well enough she knew where she was going, even in the darkened building.  She didn’t know what she’d grab, but she knew where here size and the type of clothing she wanted was located.  The store was wall to wall women’s sunduries. Negligees, panties, stockings, bras in all colors and fabrics imaginable.  There were conservative items which almost passed for clothing if one were the sort to wear such skimpy things, and some which barely passed as napkin-sized and were twice as thin.

Brigitte looked at the more conservative items.  She would have gone for the tiny things in the bedroom but she had to walk into the place wearing something… something suggestive and striking and might allow her to conceal a weapon, at least one.  She picked up some silk items, holding them near her face before a mirror, checking to see how the color looked beside her skin, hair, and eye color. Every now and again sparing a moment to glance at Rex watching her and his eyes wandering about the room.

After a bit of searching Brigitte settled upon a black satin and lace nighty that would show off her cleavage and legs but conceal most everything else.  It had thin straps. It would be cold as hell, but the skirt was long enough to hide her knife on her thigh and it covered all the vital areas to be seen out in public.  

“I’m tempted to grab one of these robes because it’s going to be cold as hell but it would look silly as fuck.”  She shook her head. “I wish I had that jacket that Tara wears all the time. It’s this lovely long coat, oh it would be perfect over top of this.  Imagine the look on this guy’s face when I take off a long coat like that and reveal this…” She came out of the dressing room and let Rex get a look at her in the nighty.  She did a small spin for him.

“I mean, it’s not gladiator garb… but you have to admit, it is kinda nice.”  She gave him a playful wink.

Rex started unbuckling his belt.

Brigitte roared with laughter and quickly grabbed his hands as he grinned at her.  “Murder first.  Sex later.  Let’s keep our mind on our mission… a young woman is counting on us.  Tara is counting on us.  Now, the real question is can you control yourself with these assholes looking at me in this?”

“No. But for little while, yes.”

Brigitte bit her lip, “Confession.  I sorta don’t want you to…”  She smirked.  “Let’s go take care of this asshole so you can tear this thing off me in a five star hotel suite and not come out of the room for a full day.  If you play your cards right, I might even be convinced to show you my Valkyrie outfit.”
 

*

Half an hour later, Rex and Brigitte were seated in two chairs in an office. They were made to wait. Rex rolled his eyes, then patted his thigh. Brigitte shook her head and Rex sighed. After a couple minutes, a man walked in and looked at Rex.

“Jack Saunders, what can I do for you, Mister…?”

“Rex.”

“Mister Rex, then. Jack Saunders.”

“Mr. Saunders, I have girl to offer you. Very much… good. You speak Italian?”

“‘Fraid not.”

Brigitte leaned over and whispered seductively to Rex, “Dovrei lavorare per quest'uomo? Non sembra molto paragonato a te, mio ​​potente guerriero.”

Rex looked over Saunders, who seemed a man of average build, and nodded.

“Ognuno di noi potrebbe distruggere quest'uomo con una mano.”

Brigitte let her eyes take in Saunders slowly from top to bottom and up again.  She shifted in her chair, crossing her legs and seeming to consider him.

Saunders seemed lost, but he found his gaze repeatedly drawn back to Brigitte. “Would it be easier for us to do business in Italian? I have an associate who’s fluent.”

Rex nodded. Saunders left the room and he returned a few minutes later with a beautiful Italian woman. As soon as she saw her, Elena’s eyes went wide and she cursed in Italian, pointing at Brigitte.

“Idiot! Tara Mastrosimone’s sister!”

Rex didn’t wait for more; he launched himself over the desk and threw his shoulder into Saunders, sending them both to the floor. Elena went scrambling to the desk drawer.

Brigitte pulled her knife off her thigh and sprang for Elena, attempting to keep the traitorous witch from reaching whatever weapon was likely in that drawer, most likely a gun.  If she fired a gun in here it would alert everyone to trouble and more than that, it was definitely the sort of equalizer in this fight she didn’t want to face.

The woman barely had a chance to take hold of the drawer and pull before Brigitte was on her and the two went crashing to the ground. Elena reaches up to try to grab Brigitte and push her off her, but she was even less of a fighter than Saunders, whose windpipe was currently getting crushed by Rex.

As Brigitte’s knife finally began to slide into the woman’s flesh, Brigitte growled at the woman through gritted teeth, “Bacco si vergognerebbe di te.”

The woman froze. Brigitte glanced over her shoulder to find Rex holding Saunders in the air with one hand.

“Crush? Window? Or knife?” Rex asked Brigitte.

Face flushed, Brigitte smiled, “Tara wants us to send a message and crushing is so much more dramatic, my heart.”  With that she finished plunging the knife into the woman below her and listened to the sounds her body made in its final moments while watching Rex with a delight that would have bothered her younger self.

Rex covered Saunders’ mouth so the man couldn’t scream too loud; then he proceeded to break a couple dozen bones. Finally, he put his shoulder into Saunders and rammed him against the wall. When the limp man fell to the floor, Rex kicked him hard enough to send cracks through the wall behind him. To ensure death and that the message was sent, Rex concluded by lining up Saunders’ body and crushing the man’s head.

“Dead men, no revenge. Send message.”

 Brigitte stared at Rex for a moment, there was an intensity in her gaze that suggested either horror or arousal or both.  But as the sounds from downstairs became louder, Brigitte seemed to snap out of whatever thoughts she was having.  “We should go.”  She found herself saying as she moved towards a window.

“It’s not terribly far down.”  She said, glancing at her heels wishing they were her running shoes.

Rex picked up a chair and threw it through the window, then jumping out of it, landing and rolling his massive frame.

“You jump. I catch.”

Brigitte laughed.  This man had a way of shocking her in all the right ways.  Quickly she climbed onto the sill and making sure her flimsy garment hadn’t caught on any of the glass, she jumped towards her waiting lover, confident that anyone who could do that to a guy’s head could easily catch her.

He caught her, and he didn’t put her down as he jogged toward the car.

As Brigitte hung onto his neck, she stared at him, her mind wandering to all the men who had ever carried her - no one more so than one very important man.  When they reached the car she found herself saying, “My father… I wish you could have met him.”  Billy was supposed to walk her down the aisle.  Rake her future husband over the coals.  Make him feel like he wasn’t good enough and prove himself or some other such nonsense and now… no one would do those things.  Rex would never know the greatest man to ever live.  If they went on to have children, their children never would.  

The feeling of Billy’s absence in Brigitte’s life had never been more keen than when she uttered the words, “Yes. Rex, I’m going to marry you.”

Rex stopped halfway to the car, then leaned down and kissed her. 

“Partner. Now we celebrate.”
 

***

Tara and Jo heard the car pulling into the drive and the engine cutting out.  It was almost 1am and the snow was falling fast - huge flakes blanketing the world in a silent layer of white.  Jo finished her tea and sat up from where she’d been resting against Tara’s side. Tara put the book she’d been reading down onto the table beside her.

The front door came open with the sound of Brigitte’s laughter slowly being cut out with a shushing sound and what could only be called happy murmurs.  Clearly their mission had been successful and the two had already been celebrating. Tara expected the two who came into the room to have a third person with them, but when Elena didn’t appear.  Tara’s brow creased.  

“Where’s Elena?” Jo gave voice to Tara’s internal question.

 “Where all traitors go,”  Brigitte said. “Hell.”

“Traitor?”  Tara said with concern.  “She left us? She wasn’t taken?”

Rex shook his large head and Brigitte spoke, “She outed me the second she put eyes on me, shrieking like a banshee that the guy was an idiot for letting your sister in the door.”

“Oh God…”  Jo said shaking her head.

Tara sighed.  “I’m sorry I put you both at risk over her.”

“Yeah, well, a message was sent.  I would be shocked if any two-bit hustler tries to steal a girl from you ever again.”  Brigitte smiled at Rex. “You two manage to pull off the illusion that we were out on the town?”

Jo nodded.  “You had a great time tonight.  We partied it up in three different jazz joints.  Oriana is going to be sad she missed out on this one.  Drunk Tara has been a riot tonight.”

“Drunk Tara is sobering up fast with thoughts of Elena leaving us like that… I never would have thought one of Bacchus’ people would have sold out to some nobody like that guy.  I mean… I know I kept them idle for a while but the operation is up and running. It’s as impressive a thing as anyone could have pulled off. Isn’t it?”

Jo put a hand on Tara’s leg.  “It is. Liber is amazing, Tara.  You are too. I’m sure she was just a bad apple.  It doesn’t mean anything. Most of Bacchus’ people are steadfast and loyal to you.  They adore you, the way he did.

Brigitte walked around the couch and sat in a chair across from Tara and Jo.  “I need to talk to you about something else. Something important.”

Tara sat forward on the edge of her seat, her attention on Brigitte utterly.

“I’m moving to Italy.”  Brigitte said simply.

Tara stared.  

“I’m going to marry Rex.”

“Oh my God!”  Jo squealed, jumping up from her seat and rushing to hug Brigitte and then Rex.  “I’m so happy for you both!”

Tara continued to stare at her sister.

Brigitte, now free of Jo’s embrace, returned the stare with matched intensity.  As Jo’s excitement slowly quieted she seemed to realize that there was something more here than just celebration happening.  For a long moment the four seemed locked in an uncomfortable silence.  Jo finally breaking it with, “We should celebrate tomorrow night.  Have dinner or something.  It’s um… getting late so I should get going.”

Tara stood up and hugged Jo.  Her eyes lingering on her sister over the other woman’s shoulder.  Jo gave another congratulations to Brigitte and then Rex on her way out.

“Rex should stay here in the United States.”  Tara sat down and began speaking as soon as Jo went out the door.

“Out of the question and you know it.”  Brigitte replied still standing.

Tara shook her head, “Italy is a death trap right now and this family’s track record there isn’t exactly rainbows and sunshine - to say nothing of you marrying the Left Hand of a Godfather.  Brigitte, do you realize what they’re doing t-”

“Of course I do!”  Brigitte protested.  “I may be pretty, but I’m not stupid Tara!”

“I never sai-”

“You don’t have to.”  Brigitte snapped back.  “We both know why mom and dad left you in charge.”

Tara closed her mouth.  

“Why you’re living in Hollowood and I’m at the lofts.”  The sound of the fire crackling was all that could be heard as Tara let Brigitte vent.  “This was supposed to be my life, Tara.  You realize that, don’t you?  What our mother said would be mine one day and none of it is… none of it!  The training, the schooling, the adventures, the house and leadership of the family.  Mom promised me and… I’ve supported you Tara.  Even tonight.”

Brigitte came over to Tara and knelt down in front of her taking her hands into her own.  “I have tried so hard not to be jealous of you, to not be angry that as the oldest they didn’t think I should… or I could…”

“They knew you could…”  Tara said softly, touching her sister’s hair gently.

“Then why?  Why didn’t they ask me to take care of things?  Why you?!?”

Tara shook her head.  “You really don’t understand, do you.”

“Understand what, Tara?”  Brigitte asked, exasperated.  

“Even now, they’re trying to protect you, Brigitte.  Dad always saw you as his little Angel.  This perfect thing … he didn’t want to give you a burden, Brigitte.  He wanted to give you the world.  Mom too.”

Brigitte shook her head, “She told me, as a little girl, she’d make me a Queen… a Godmother…”

Tara pulled Brigitte into her arms and held her tightly, with a strength that Brigitte was surprised her sister possessed.  “Oh Brigitte, don’t you realize how much Mom had gotten out?  How much she was only there because … she couldn’t disengage.  She’d built a life she loved, with all of us.  It was why I didn’t want to come back.  I knew they were as out as anyone could be.  She didn’t want this for any of us.  Not really.  They did what they could to give us options, but honestly what parent would want this for their kid?  Think about … about their last minutes with you.  Do you think they wanted that sort of ending for you one day?  For me?  For any of us?  The sort of ending Nona Bella got just feet from where we are now?  Christ, Brigitte.  They didn’t will me a legacy they were proud of… they felt bad they left me, and all of us, with burdens they wished to God they didn’t have to give anyone.”

Brigitte snaked her arms around Tara and hugged her in return.  

“You know I’m right.”  Tara said softly.  “They gave it to me because I asked them to give it to me.  I asked to be burdened and I know they hated it… but they didn’t have a lot of choices after we lost so many people.  There was no one else they could trust this to.”

Brigitte pulled back from her sister and dabbed her eyes.

“Stay.  I’ll give you and Rex Hollowpoint.  You can fill it with dozens of kids.  Ori and I will move into the loft.”

Brigitte shook her head still composing herself.

“Honestly this house deserves a family and Ori and I were talking about how big it is just the other day.  She’d understand. Fuck, I’ll be on the boat more often than not, it’s not like I’m even here to enjoy it. It obviously means the world to you, I can see that now.”

“Taa…”  Brigitte said softly.  “I’m going to be a wife.  I’m going to my husband’s home… just like Ori came to yours.”

“I took Ori’s name.”

“You’re both women.  What the fuck does any of it mean really?  You love each other. This is your home. The Padrino needs Rex and… he’ll have a crew soon.”

“None of this is making me feel better about sending you to Italy.”  Tara said softly.

“I’m not asking you, Tara.”  Brigitte said quiet but firm.  “I’m telling you. I want you to be happy for us.  Can you be? Can you support this?”

Tara sighed.  “Of course I’m happy for you.”  She hugged Brigitte again. “I just… I can’t bear the thought of losing you.”

“You can.”  Brigitte said into her sister’s shoulder.  “And you won’t lose me, not forever.”

Tara hugged her sister tighter.  “What will I do when the November storms come?”

“You have Orin for that now.”  Brigitte chuckled. “She can sing to you.”

Tara dabbed her eyes.  “Damn it… what will I do for an enforcer with you gone?”  

Brigitte chuckled, “Maybe use Oriana?  I don’t know, can’t let her get rusty right?”

Rex appeared in the room, hanging back and letting the sisters speak. He had a glass of wine in his hand, and he leaned against the wall, trying to occupy himself. 

Tara shooed her sister back and stood up.  “Well, it seems decisions have been made.” Tara crossed the room to a picture of Bella and Gavin in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, a picture from their wedding trip.  Moving it aside, Tara entered the combination on a wall safe. Inside a variety of objects important to the family lay, some cash, some jewelry as well. One item she pulled out and offered to Rex after closing the door on the safe and returning the picture to its place once more.

“This ring was the ring my father used to ask our mother to marry him.  According to Brigitte it was our mother’s last wish that she uses it when she decided she’d found someone worthy of her.  So… you big oaf… if you’re going to be my brother now, I don’t feel the least bit bad about telling you two things: one is, you had better keep her safe - and two, don’t fuck this part up.”  

Rex accepted the ring, then moved to Brigitte and got down on one knee- the knee that had been injured in the gladiatorial battle he’d fought with Brigitte. “Mi vuoi sposare, Brigitte Mastrosimone? Combatteremo le nostre battaglie e costruiremo le nostre vite insieme.”

Brigitte teared up, smiled at Rex and nodded, holding out her hand accepting her mother’s ring as her own and Rex as her fiance and partner from this day forward.  Tara watched the two silently, already making plans.  

After they’d kissed and held onto each other for a bit, Tara cleared her throat and said, “Well I might as well stay up a few more hours.  It’ll be morning in Italy soon and I have a few phone calls that need to be made. Things like this may be straight forward in America, but I need to clear a few hurdles out of your way yet.”  Tara waved a hand before there was any excuses, protests, or promises. “Ren will be fine with it. Formalities I’m sure. The Padrino will likely enjoy anything that gets him outside support… I just want to make sure all the t’s are crossed and i’s dotted.  And then… then I’ll call Gavin. Unless you’d rather tell him that they’ll be hosting a wedding?”

“Wait… wha…”

“We’re not taking the kids to Philly, and certainly not Italy.  It only makes sense you’d get married at Mom and Dad’s house in Port Huron.  Dad built that place hoping it would be a home to his children, probably figured he’d walk you down the aisle in that backyard one day… well… I don’t see any reason that shouldn’t happen.  It’s practical and lovely. The place is plenty big enough to host guests from Italy and all over the States. We’ll make it a family affair but I’ll spare no expense. You’ll get the wedding you’ve always dreamed of, Brigitte, you have my word.”

“It’s not that I just…”  Brigitte began.

“What?”  Tara arched an eyebrow.

“You know what, it’s perfect.  Actually it’s better than perfect.”  She squeezed Rex’s hand. “We’ll um, we’re going into town.  Getting a hotel room. Room service and all that. Figured we’d disappear for a day or two.”

Tara nodded.  “Maybe not a bad idea just in case anyone did connect you to what you guys did tonight.”

“Good,” said Rex. “After, we go to Port. Then travel America. Then Italy, yes? And Tara, had wanted to talk of business, but can wait until later. Briggy is much more important.”

“I’ll let Ren know that once you’re done celebrating your engagement that you’ll give him a call.  I’m sure he’s going to be very excited for the both of you.”

Rex nodded.

“Thank you, Tara.”  Brigitte said coming to hug Tara again.  Tara returned the hug.
 

“Nothing to thank me for, it’s what’s Sisters do.  I’m still going to worry like crazy about you. I expect you’ll write me every month.  Let me know you’re alive and doing well.”

“I’ll write all the time.”  Brigitte promised. “You’ll be sick of getting letters from me.”

“Doubtful, but a girl can hope.”  Tara smiled. “Go now. Celebrate.  That’s an order from the Chief Maenad.”  She smirked at Brigitte, but her tone was far from what Bacchus would have used in this situation.

“We’ll talk in a day or so.”  Brigitte promised and with that she took hold of Rex’s arm and walked out, staring at her new engagement ring.

*

Tara watched the car lights disappear into the woods and then walked up the stairs to the office that had once been her grandmother’s and sat behind the desk where the Godmother had once sat making all her toughest decisions, orders, and phone calls.  She could only imagine the things had happened in this office over the years.  Her father had stood on the other side of this desk asking her grandmother for the right to see her mother… and had been denied that right.  And now she was settling in to call the other side of an ocean and speak about Aurora’s oldest daughter and her desires to become a married woman.  In moments like these, Tara always felt like the walls themselves were watching her.

Just as Tara was about to pick up the phone, it rang. 

For a moment, Tara was startled and afraid.  Her thoughts deep in a place that almost had her thinking the ghosts of her family were making the phone ring.  Her fear turned to laughter at her own silliness as she reached for the receiver and picked it up.

“Hello?”  Tara’s voice held only the barest hint of weariness and the alcohol that still made her body warm.

“Hey Tiger. Just calling to check in. Letting you know I didn’t get shot…”

“Well… at least that’s some good news today.”  Tara sighed.  “When are you coming home?”

“... yet. The guy who hired me got shot though. His big plan was to use diplomacy. Didn’t work. I’ll probably be a couple more days.”

“Elena went missing yesterday.”  Tara said quietly.  

“Who?” 

Tara sighed.  “One of Bacchus’ girls.”

“Oh. Sure, yeah. Her.”

“I figured she got grabbed up.  Sent Brigitte and Rex to get her back and send a message that I wouldn’t tolerate people fucking with my maenads … at least not like that.”  She chuckled at her own joke, and so did Ori.  “Well, turns out she walked out on her own.  She won’t be a problem going forward.”

“Good.”

“There’s something else.  Brigitte is marrying Rex and moving to Italy.”  Tara dropped the news with her usual grace. The line was silent for a long time.

“Fucking what?”

“My sister is leaving.  She’s getting married and she’s going to Italy where Rex is going to get his own crew apparently and… there’s no talking her out of it.  I did everything I could think of, but when Brigitte gets something in her head, that’s it.  She’s stubborn as hell.  This is a thing now.”

“I mean, I get it… for a fling. Even a romance. But long term?” 

“I don’t know what the fuck she’s thinking, Ori.  I’m scared to death for her.  She’s gonna go to Italy and get herself killed.  That place is a hellhole right now and …”  Tara cut herself off.  She shook her head.  “I have to call Ren next.  I’m not excited about this and somehow I have to be.  She wants me to be.  Needs me to be.”

“Okay.”

“Ori, I can’t protect her there.  My parents asked me to keep them safe, to look out for them, how the hell can I do that if she goes to Italy?” 

“Brigitte’s a grown woman. She’s going to live her own life. Ask Jo about what she thought of me, the first couple times she met me.”

“That’s different.  Rex is… Christ!  He could have killed her, he nearly did!  The first time he met me he was going to… god!  Ori.”

Ori was silent for a moment. “Well, let’s hope your family can go 2 for 2 in women falling for brutal killers who almost killed them during their first meeting. I just don’t know Rex that well. Never met him for more than a passing hello.”

“You will talk to him though, before the wedding?  I know Dad never had a chance to officially have that sort of talk with you but Ori.. he believed we’d be together.  You and me.  He told me that.  He said he’d… talked to you.  You know he’d have sat Rex down and given him some sort of… I don’t know?  Once over.  His intentions and all that.  Someone should.”

“... if you’re asking me to see if he’s a threat, I can do that. But I can’t be Billy and ask about his intentions. Brigitte would be pissed. But I’ll feel him out more subtly. If anyone’s going to sit him down like that it’d be you or Gavin.”

“I just want to know that he’s invested the way she is.  She wouldn’t be going through with this if she wasn’t willing to catch bullets for him.  I need to know he’d do the same for her.  If I can’t keep her safe I need to know he will.”

“I don’t think that’s something you can know, unless you want me to hire someone to shoot Brigitte and see what Rex does.”

There was an uncomfortably long silence on the phone as if Tara was considering this option.  “No… probably shouldn’t.  I mean, There is something of a tradition in the family of husbands catching bullets for their wives before marrying but… I don’t think that can be something anyone plans or it loses its charm.”  Tara only sounded like she was half-joking.

“Okay. Gotta go. My shift is coming up. Taking turns on guard duty with this woman I met. She had these great leather pants. You’d be jealous.“ Tara could hear Ori’s smirk.

“Gonna be cold in bed without you tonight.  You better come back to me soon, or I might have to bring home someone to warm up the sheets.”  Ori could hear Tara’s smirk as she jabbed back.  “I miss you.”

“I miss you, too. I’ll call around noon tomorrow.”

“I’ll be waiting.”  Tara agreed and then ended the call.  

Reaching for her address book Tara found Ren’s number and began putting in the very long string of numbers to reach him.  This time the woman answering the phone recognized her and it was only a very brief wait before she was greeted by Ren’s jovial tone.

“Good morning to you too.  Though, it’s still last night for me.”  She smiled into the receiver. “I hope you’re doing well?”  

“Busy, Tara. Very busy. But very productive.”

“Good to hear.  Rex being out of the way helps some I hope?”  Tara gently probed.

Ren was quiet for a moment. “It does.”

“He was a big help to me tonight.  A local boss sniped one of Bacchus’ courtesans from my new club.”

“And Rex punished him accordingly.” There was no question in Ren’s voice. 

“He’s a handy fellow to have around, I’ll miss him when he and his new wife return to Italy.”

Again, Tara could feel the silence. “Who?” 

“My sister Brigitte accepted his proposal of marriage just this evening.”  Tara said, her tone cool and decidedly not overwhelmed with joy.

“Figlio di puttana,” muttered Ren under his breath. Tara had rarely known Ren to be at a loss for words, but he was again silent. 

“So, here I am calling you to cross Ts and dot Is.  He told me to tell you that in a few days when they’ve gotten done celebrating her saying yes, that he’ll call you.  I wouldn’t expect it for at least twenty-four hours though. When they left here Brigitte still had a blood stained nighty on and he still had what was probably the last of that boss on his hands… the two of them were absolutely infatuated with each other.  Smitten. I don’t think anything could get them to stop looking at each other like that… if blood and death didn’t phase them, what could? No. Probably won’t see them for at least a day or two. But I have some questions for you.”

“Okay.”

“They’re delicate considering the nature of the situation we’re in.  I’m not sure I’m not going to piss you off asking them. So, if you could avoid the anger and just tell me you can’t answer a question if you can’t… we’ll call that good.  I know some things aren’t my business but I’m calling you as a sister, not just a… connection, you know?”

“Sure, Tara. You know there’s some things that I can’t talk about, even if I wanted to.”

“I get that.”  She said. “I just… Can he… can he provide a life for her there?  I know he’s tied up with people who are powerful. He’s powerful but he’s also had to be on the run too.  I don’t know what Brigitte has agreed to put herself into the middle of. She’s not the usual docile housewife who will even know what the fuck to do with herself around mob bosses, the sort who are Cosa Nostra - I mean she gets it but she’s…. American.  She’s tough and she’s begun to make a name for herself here. I don’t even know how she’d fit in there without overstepping or drawing heat from all corners. Christ. She’s good at pretending, but, how long can a girl pretend she one thing but something else and not be noticed?  And can she even expect anything other than a life constantly running around looking over her shoulder? What can Rex really offer her? Please tell me that I’m not sending my sister over there to die, Ren. Either by insulting the Padrino as a woman who doesn’t know her place or at the hands of the government hunting Rex?”

“Did you try to talk her out of it?”

“I know better than that… I tried to talk them into staying in the States.  That … didn’t go well.” Tara shook her head. “Apparently Rex thinks that a crew might be in his future and Brigitte is already looking towards that future.  I don’t know if she’s comprehending how much she’ll have to stay out of her husband’s affairs. It’s just not done over there.” Tara’s voice sounded truly worried.  “She’s so bullheaded sometimes and a feminist of the worst sort really… in her heart I mean. She can pretend but living a life like that… I don’t know if she can do that.”

“I wouldn’t bet against Brigitte with anything. And Rex doesn’t care much for traditions,” said Ren.

“Rex isn’t what worries me.  Being at the left hand of a Godfather … the Padrino is a man with such authority.  I don’t want Brigitte making some foolish misstep with him. She’s always been able to make men bend around her fingers and do what she wanted them to do but… this isn’t an ordinary man.”  Tara sighed. “Am I worrying too much? I want to be happy for them but … I’m afraid for her. I can’t protect her there.”

“I’m not worried about her making a social misstep or anything like that,” said Ren. He paused for a long time. “But if you can stop this, I would.”

“Why?”  Tara said quietly, suddenly worried about what she didn’t yet know.

“I… can’t tell you that. I want to, Tara. You’re a friend. One of my only friends. But you know there’s some things we can’t discuss.”

Tara was silent for a long moment.  She finally sighed.  “I can’t do that, Ren.  If she’s happy.  Even if it’s only for a day, I have to be happy for her or everything my parents taught us means nothing.”  The words coming out of her mouth suggested she was going to do this, but her tone screamed that she wanted to do otherwise.  Her fears weren’t laid to rest with this call, they were made worse.

“I called because there is a matter of Brigitte’s dowry.  I have an accountant who has access to a small trust that was ear-marked for this purpose.  The money was meant for the family of the man she married or the Godfather of the man she married.  So… I’d like to wire the money to the Padrino.  Also, there are small holdings as well that will come into Rex’s care.  My father’s cigar business - it doesn’t make a lot but it was very dear to him.  My mother had some family information that will pass into Brigitte’s care as well.  Some contacts, allies in Europe, people that may or may not even still be alive.  Mostly these are my Aunt Tara’s old contacts but… I wanted you to know Rex and Brigitte will have them when they return.”

“Of course,” said Ren. He seemed as subdued as Tara had ever heard him. 

“When we finalize the details for the wedding, I’ll be sure you get an invitation.  I know this doesn’t seem like something very important compared to what you’re dealing with there, but you’re family to me.  I wouldn’t exclude you.”

“How long do we have before the wedding?”

“Was thinking around Christmas time, considering how they’re talking right now.  Maybe plans will change when their passions have cooled but I’m doubting it.  Rex seems excited to get back, I got the vibe that he’s itching to return and really only the wedding might slow them down.  That and a tour of the US and Italy as a honeymoon.  Apparently that’s what he’d like to do at least.”

“Is there any way we could talk face to face in the next day or two?” asked Ren. “I can’t leave Rome. I understand you might not be able to-”

“I’ll there in two days.”  Tara didn’t hesitate.  “We’ll sit down together face to face and talk.  I’ll bring my bank information with me… and all the finer details.”

“Don’t tell Rex or Brigitte.”

“No.  I won’t tell anyone.  Ori’s out of town on business, Rex and Brigitte won’t leave their hotel for the next day or three, Jo is back to Liber by now… no one will know.  I might bring a guy with me.  Only because Ori would worry.  But he’s trustworthy.  Been with my family since my Grandmother was Godmother.”

“Okay. I’ve got to go now, Tara. But let me know when your plane is in, and I’ll be waiting.”

“I’ll see you in two days.”  Tara agreed.
 

*

Not Tara’s smiling face, but a lone sealed envelope on the entryway table, bearing the name ‘Oriana’ in Tara’s handwriting greeted the vixen upon her return to Hollowpoint.
 

My Dearest,

I’ve only gotten off the phone with you less than an hour ago and I fear I can not wait for tomorrow at noon for your call.  I’m leaving a staff member here to explain to you that I had to go and that this note awaits your return if I am not back before you - which, to be honest, I hope I am because you said it would be days.  I fear if you’re reading this first you got worried and came rushing home mid-mission.  If you did that, I do apologize for giving you a scare.  There was nothing to be done for it that I can see.

I’ve taken the plane and flown to Nice in the South of France.  There I and Eric are taking a car and will make the drive to Rome where I am to meet with Renato per his invitation.  Under NO circumstances should you reveal this detail to Brigitte and Rex.  Ren has asked that much of me and I have agreed to it.

The truth is I fear Rex is in more trouble in Italy than he’s let on or he and Ren are plotting something.  Ren would not discuss anything over the phone with me, but since his concerns are urgent enough that he’s warned me to try and stop the wedding out of his dedication to me as a friend … I must go.  I must find out what Brigitte is getting into.  Whether she’s marrying a man marked for death or someone involved in a secret coup, I must know.  I can’t let her go walking up to the gallows decked out as an alter.

I know you won’t like that I’ve gone.  I also know you will understand why I had to.  I will do all I can to be in and out of Italy before anyone even knows I’m there.  No matter what is happening regarding Rex, Ren is our friend and he has saved both our lives in the past.  I can not conceive of a situation in which he would knowingly put me into harm’s way.  I will be home very soon.  Try not to worry (though I suspect it’s useless to tell you that.)

All my love, always,

Tara  
 

*

Eric didn’t take any convincing at all to tag along with her on the trip.  Tara worried only a little that he might. But as soon as the words were coming out of her mouth that she had to take a dangerous trip, he didn’t even ask where before he was reaching under the bar to pull up the sort of bolt bag her grandparents had taught her mother and her mother had taught her, to keep.

The flight to Nice left before the dawn on the east coast, flying through the day and landing in the evening.  Tara had slept for much of the flight, not having slept the night before. This worked to her advantage when Eric and she finally got settled into the car and began the long drive down Italy’s coast.  

For a country in such turmoil, it seemed none the less beautiful to Tara.  Along the way, Tara regaled Eric with stories about her previous trips to Italy and South America.  In turn he told her stories about Isabella and Gavin’s life together - many of the stories she knew from Bella’s perspective already but Eric’s details proved that even an author who wanted to share her stories for the betterment of future generations was bound to hold back some details.  Many times, less than flattering ones. Tara was in stitches multiple times as Eric talked about her grandmother’s embarrassing blunders with such devotion and love. Isabella, for all her cunning and social acumen, had her moments of foolishness too. As Eric spoke about she and Gavin, they seemed less like monoliths and more like two people she might have been friends with - it was nice to think of them that way.

By the time they reached Rome, Tara was exhausted.  She let Eric check into the hotel for them, knowing her own name was likely one that would raise flags both to the government and to the local Cosa Nostra.  She wanted to get a few hours sleep at least before Ren and she sat face to face for this chat.

Upon awakening, she took a quick shower, ate a room service and then finally she picked up the phone to call Renato.  It was finally time.

*

Ren was waiting in the countryside outside the city, far enough away from prying eyes where they could walk away from any curious ears. He was thinner than Tara remembered, and he’d always been slight. He was gaunt- almost haunted by a lack of sleep and a bevy of worries. As soon as he saw her, he walked out towards the olive trees, leaving his car and Tara’s alone with their guards.

Tara was silent as she fell in beside him.  In her mind, she’d figured that this was how he might look in preparation for turning on his boss.  That had to be what this was about, what Rex had wanted to speak with her about and she’d kept putting off.  Had she known on some level?  Had she wanted it to not be true?

“The Padrino is dying. Any day now. He’s sick,” said Ren without preamble. “As soon as he dies, the organization is going to rip itself apart. A civil war, with me on one side of the chessboard and Rex on the other. He wants to challenge the government- which I think is suicide. I want to survive it- which he thinks is cowardice.”

The wind was sucked out of Tara’s lungs.  Of all the horrible situations she could have dreamed up, Rex and Ren being on opposite sides of a war with her Sister caught in the middle?  Well, that was never one of them.  Perhaps she was naive, it made all the sense in the world that it could happen and it never occurred to her that it might.

Ren gave her a minute to process before saying, “Brigitte is my friend. I want to find a way around this, Tara. I would never want to hurt her. But I just spent the last three years working eighteen-hour days to help this organization survive. Rex threatens everyone I work with and everything I’ve built. When he returned to Italy, I was going to take him down. Now I don’t know what the hell to do, and I could use your help.”

You’d kill her?  Tara didn’t say it, though it was on the tip of her tongue.  She didn’t need to say it.  She already knew the answer.  As horrible as it was, that was how these things worked.  If Brigitte came she wouldn’t come as the wife of a mobster, she’d come as a hitman.  She’d be a force in the war.  An asset to be stopped and destroyed.

Tara’s brow furrowed, her mouth opened ever so slightly, then it closed again.  She wet her lips and looked out at the trees around her.  It was so peaceful here.  Perhaps it was the blood that watered the soil so regularly here that made everything so long lived and beautiful … everything but the people.

Tara paused and rubbed the bridge of her nose.  “A civil war means not everyone sees things as you do, not even a majority… are you sure that there isn’t any merit in Rex’s ideas?  Are you sure there is no way you don’t move forward with him at your hand as opposed to being your enemy?  Surely he would see that you’re better suited to diplomacy, hell, that’s what he’s excited to see Brigitte come back here for… to help with diplomacy.  He knows the value of what he doesn’t do well.”

“Rex is plotting to remove me as well, Tara. With the Padrino in hiding, then ill, we’ve both been acting with his authority. He has people following him, yes, but they’re delusional. Old-guard who want to go back to the way things were before Mussolini, and ambitious young men who don’t know any better.”

Tara shook her head.  She didn’t want to believe it but it fit.  Rex had business with her.  He’d said as much.  He’d come to America looking for a way to win her over and he’d found it… proposing to Brigitte.  He’d found the one way to win a war against a woman who would never have gotten into the ring on his side.

“For what it’s worth,” sighed Ren. “I do think he really cares for Brigitte. He’s not just playing her.”

“Fuck you.”  She muttered.  “Do you have any idea…”  She shook her head tears in her eyes.  She sighed angrily, frustration lining her face.

“I thought that would be better,” said Ren. “As opposed to the alternative.” He didn’t seem angry- just tired.

“You obviously think it’s true and I can’t blame you… I’m thinking it too.  I could kill him myself if … if I didn’t already have a reputation for killing people my sister loves.  People she calls family.  Damn it.  I gave him my mother’s wedding band, he knelt in the home of my Grandparents, proposed to her in the eyes of everyone I’ve ever loved… if only in pictures.  Christ...”  

“He meant it,” said Ren. “But this isn’t helping. I need you to help me find a way out of this. I don’t- I can’t hurt Brigitte. She’s a friend. If there was a way to remove Rex without her knowing, I’d be all for it, but I’d need your help with that. Separating them, lying to her. My only other options are to proceed as I’d planned and remove Rex, or give up Rome to him and lose everything I’ve built here. It’s not out of the question.”

Tara put her hands behind her back and sucked up her emotions and began walking again.  She didn’t mean to walk quickly but in her state of mind her pace was a bit faster than casual.  She shook her head slowly. “I have to talk this through. Bear with me. Brigitte just dumped on me all that I’d taken from her Ren… this isn’t just about her loving Rex.  I don’t even know that she does. I think … they’re kindred spirits of a sort. Maybe she sees a life with him, a life I took away from her - one across an ocean and far away from my shadow.  She loves me and I love her, but … my parents they couldn’t realize what they’d do by leaving me in charge like they did.”

“Rex isn’t offering Brigitte a pretty house and dozens of babies… he’s offering her the chance to be a Queen of one of the oldest and most powerful cities in the world.  Even if he hasn’t spelled that out to her… she smells blood in the water. You KNOW how my sister is. She’s not a wilting flower… she is smart. She’s savvy in all the ways Rex isn’t and if she didn’t care so much about you, I’m sure it wouldn’t be wife of the left hand she’d be settling for.  Once Rex tells her the score, that you’re plotting against him and he’s plotting against you… you have to know how that’s going to go for her. She’s not going to stray away from him, she’s not going to break off the engagement - she’d double down. She’d intend to become the wife of the next Godfather come hell or high water.”

Tara shook her head.  “Even if I could talk Rex out of returning, or supporting you instead, there’s no promise Brigitte doesn’t upend all that as another one of my … getting in the way of her happiness situations.  I don’t know what he’s told her yet.  I don’t think he’s brought any of this up and when he does it goes one of two ways.  The first is as I described, she buys in and she goes all in. The second is her heart is shattered as she figures like I did the minute you started telling me this… that he played with her heart to get to our money, guns, and men.  He wants, no, needs legitimacy and he’s a goon.  He’s not done the work you have.  He needs us. She be ruined by that… I can’t imagine it ending well.  You won’t have to worry about Rex coming back… she’ll end him for you, but at what cost?”

“He’s not just a goon,” said Ren. “He’s… a general. One who leads from the front lines. He’s won over many of our best guns. Two thousand years ago, he’d be wearing the armor and leading a charge against Carthage. I’d be plotting in the Senate. Don’t make the mistake I did of underestimating him.”

“You speak about him in a way that should make you brothers in arms, not enemies.  You defend him to me and he’s to be MY brother.” Tara shook her head. “Are you sure it isn’t more that you have people whispering in your ears telling things… people who might stand to gain a lot from a civil war in the ranks?  Ren, at times like these my Grandmother Bella would say that there are only two people in the world you can trust to give you advice - you own conscience and God. No other person will ever be impartial or completely honest. At the end of this its you who has to live with the calls you make… all those other people, they’re not going to matter.  I won’t matter. I won't be there when you’re old like the Padrino is now - and you have to think about the goods and evils you’ve done in your life. If you love Rex like a brother, if you respect him, then there MUST be a way to stop this. Maybe…” Tara’s dark eyes brightened and her pace slowed as something seemed to dawn on her.

Tara turned to face Ren fully, “I need you to tell me now… honestly, don’t humor me or try to be kind… does that man love my sister and if so, how much?  Is it just lust? Or love? Would he die for her? You’re probably the only one who’d know for sure - hazards of being in the trenches together as you have been.  Please, tell me you have some notion of how serious he is?”

“He loves her. He’d die for her. Unfortunately, he’s going to pick a fight with the government that will make her dying for him a near-certainty. Although I suppose it’s possible that when “his” organization is destroyed by the government she’d escape.”

“Make her your right hand.”  Tara said assertively. “Go to the wedding.  Offer her power. My sister. This is how peace is made in love not blood.”

“A few months ago, that would have worked. But one of us needs to die, Tara. Not in my view- but in Rex’s. We’ve each been running the family for years…” He frowned. “It’s the best idea I’ve heard. But if I do that, I give myself three weeks at most before I have an ‘accident’.”

“If Rex kills you - she will never be Godmother that can’t happen here.  No other man would even let her get to the position you could offer her.  Rex would have to be willing to take from Brigitte the one thing in the world that I know she wants most.  My mother promised her a Kingdom… not to be the bride of a King. She can keep him on a leash. If he loves her, he’d never take it from her.  She’d have command of his army by proxy and that means you will too. She won’t bow to you… but you know she’d listen to reason. She’d be easier to work with than him and if you’re right… he’ll get himself killed inside a year doing something stupid to prove himself to her and when my sister is a widow… you can marry her.”  Tara said this without shame. Ren’s eyes snapped up to her. It was a terrible thing to say but there it was. It was how things were done in the Old World.

“Admit it… you’d do it in a heartbeat.  And if he supported you as Padrino and she won over Rex’s men… won their hearts as you know she can, then you don’t lose half the Padrino’s forces in civil war.  You consolidate your power when you marry the widow they all worship. Tell your allies to leave Rex be… let Brigitte do her magic and when Rex gets himself killed as he’s bound to do, be there for her.  Love her. Win her.  Win your city and ALL its power.  Do not settle for half by needing to war today when you could have it all in a few months or years at most.  At worst you raise Rex’s children because she ends up pregnant sooner than you’d like… but I know her. She won’t be looking to have babies while she has power to tend to.  Keep her busy until Rex is gone.”

“And you’ll help persuade her of all of this?” asked Ren.