*** Days of aches, coughs and cooped up in a hospital bed with worried children constantly calling is how Alfonzo had spent the week. He’d spoken to Giuseppe, his mom and Tony but only his wife, Anita, the kids and the Capo Bastone were aware of his illness. Spreading the news wasn’t wise, weak moments are when vultures pick at eyes and projecting strength is always better than a display of frailty. He was home now with weak limbs and a several pounds lighter. He spoke to Tony; he was flying in the day after to give his decision. Nico had to come out the field. Retirement isn’t what he was doing, just delegating more responsibility to others. Besides, Alfonzo had come to the conclusion he had to share more of the responsibility or he’d die early. He required Nico’s presence at meetings when he or Giuseppe couldn’t attend. Nico was a goddamn Giacanti and far more than an enforcer; he was a Consigliere as well. Not to mention when Selange questioned him about Bianca and Nico, he decided he had to pull the plug on their relationship.
