A Life Sublime by Billy London

Author:Billy London [London, Billy]
Language: eng
Format: epub

Chapter Nine

If anyone had even the slightest suspicion that Massimo had something to do with Abele Vitale’s present condition of death, it vanished the moment Massimo’s Armani clad person walked into the small chapel. He heard the barest intake of breath from the gathered mourners as he made the sign of the cross then stood in front of Vitale’s open casket. Vitale looked like a shrivelled, dried prune. A far cry from the man who stormed around London like Zeus on cocaine. Massimo laid a hand on Vitale’s chest and closed his eyes in prayer.

Lord, I thank you for taking this abomination to my family’s honour from this earth. My assistance was to your greater glory. May this day remind him, even as he burns in the pits of hell, not to ever cross me. Amen.

He sat in the pew behind the Vitale family who all turned and nodded their heads in respect. Good. At least Vitale hadn’t damaged that. Enzo offered his hand which Massimo reluctantly shook. Manners ensured the reluctance did not show.

“Thank you, Signor Da Canaveze,” Enzo breathed. “I appreciate you have other matters to deal with.”

Getting Belinda Afriyie to change her mind about me being at the top of the list. “It is a duty I take with a heavy heart. Your father will be missed.” Massimo hoped his earlier prayer of searing honesty would balance out the minor lie.

“Thank you. Is Gina not coming? And Nick of course.”

Massimo looked at Enzo for a long time. It did occur to him that other men would find his daughter-in-law attractive. He didn’t for once consider any would be as stupid as to voice it in his presence. “Your father’s coffin is right in front of you, Enzo.”

“I just know they’re both in Italy and I thought that—”

“They are on their honeymoon. I believe Georgina met your father once. At my late wife’s funeral.”

Enzo nodded enthusiastically. “Well. Perhaps another time.”

“What God has joined together, let no man tear asunder,” Massimo quoted. “Be very aware of that Signor Vitale. I understand your marriage did not end the way God intended, but believe me, I will endeavour to do God’s work if I find anyone attempting to interfere in my son’s marriage. Am I understood?”

The younger man looked distinctly ill. “Yes, sir. Clarity is everything.”

“I am sure you have more pressing things to concern you. Your father’s estate, perhaps?”

Looking relieved that he had escaped relatively unscathed, Enzo gave a shrug, “No, sir. Everything has already been arranged. Father was very ill. He had cancer of the bowel. It was a matter of when not if. All the formalities have been dealt with—” A wail disturbed the chapel’s muted atmosphere. “Arlo, pull yourself together!” Enzo barely turned his head to snap, before focusing on Massimo.

“Your brother is upset,” Massimo murmured.

Enzo sighed with exasperation. “My father was not the best parent. As much as he may be missed by yourself and business associates, the same cannot be said for us. We have made peace with his end.

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