"Mom, if you had the chance to save my father, would you do it?" I ask, pressing her where it hurts. "Or if the danger had been his choice, would you let him face the consequences, even if it took him away from us?"
"It's different! You know the way he died was different! It was betrayal."
"Yes, betrayal. But the choice of how we live was his to make. To Capo, who founded our family on honor and courage, not the fear of cowards. He decided that the Vitales would remain in the underworld; I decided to stay, and I'll see it through to the end, alongside everyone who bears this surname. She's been one of us ever since she was chosen, and my father taught me that. Turning my back on her now would dishonor him just as much as it would dishonor me."
She stares at me, tears in her eyes, and no
