Associates by S. W. Frank

to witness if Timpico’s posturing ended. Peace among those who sought his leadership was paramount, yet actions of rogue members of La Famiglia in this volatile atmosphere of public unrest only further heightened the anti-mafia sentiment.
    The vehicle was let through the gate and Giuseppe waited for his bodyguards to open the doors. “We are home bella,” he said to Shanda.
    She nodded, grateful to arrive to the house. Giuseppe retrieved the infant, gesturing to the woman to go inside and he followed with Carlo in one hand and the bag of food in the other. He put the food in the kitchen and carried his son upstairs, laying him carefully in the crib before removing the little outer clothes and placing the pride of his life gingerly on his side. Out of the corner of his eye, he witnessed Carlo’s mother undress and climb in bed.
    His brows furrowed in concern. He did not like to see the feisty woman in this condition. In a display of civility he fetched her medication and water and returned to the room, sat at the edge of her bed and shook her awake.
    “Hmm, what is it?”
    “Your vitamins and water. Sit up and drink.”
    Surprisingly, Shanda did not argue. He shook two pills in her hand and when she ingested them whole he put the glass to her lips. Over the rim she squinted at him while sipping. “Um, thank you,” she said after she had drunk enough.
    He put his hand on her forehead. “Are you ill?”
    “No Giuseppe just tired. I didn’t get much sleep, remember?”
    “It is not my fault you did not sleep.”
    “I didn’t say it was your fault,” she whispered. “Please keep your voice down before you wake the baby.”
    Giuseppe frowned. He had not slept at all because of her roaming, come to think of it, his irritability throughout the day may have stemmed from weariness.
    He placed the half empty glass of water on the nouveau bureau with the vitamins and removed his shoes. Shanda had turned on her side to sleep and when he lay beside her fully clothed, she said nothing. When his arm went about her in protection, no profanity spilled from her lips. When he spooned her, closing his eyes after the tiresome day, still nothing but nature’s breaths. The silence was a sleep inducer. The mouth accustomed to kisses and giving orders went slack. In the stillness a mob lord’s guilty conscience spoke. “Rest, Giuseppe. Refrain from warring with the woman you vowed to protect.”
    They were new parents, unskilled, unprepared and utterly oblivious their mood swings affected the child. Unnecessary conflict had zapped their reserves. They could not continue in this state of volatility for the sake of their son. Giuseppe understood his transgressions. He thought of his father’s serenity in the home with his mother. It is what he grew up knowing, strength and love. In an exhalation, he set aside his pride for domestic peace for the benefit of Carlo. He would treat Shanda kindly, take care of her as promised, it is what his father would have done. Once he adapted this approach, his eyes closed without hesitancy. This was the earliest Giuseppe retired since adulthood. But, it was nice to hold his donna affectionately and just sleep.
    Apparently, an infant took pity on his childish parents and stifled its wants. His lips puckered, yet no sound came out. This intermission was required for a weary couple to rest which had not occurred since the day he was born.
    Carlo’s innocent face twitched. The tiny mouth yawned. It was the sign of life’s renewal through youth. Beyond the trials of men and women were the littlest blessings, angelic faces of children bringing wisdom to its elders, saying peace…for my sake…hold love’s chalice sacred…be one another’s comfort and shield for the life you created in the upcoming storms.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER ELEVEN
     
     
    Nico enjoyed the overnight visit with Ari’s folks. Yeah, she was lucky to have a normal childhood, he certainly