Viper

67

Capo di Posillipo, La Baia di Napoli Fredo Finelli was in his garden when his daughter found him. The rain had stopped, the air was fresh and he was meandering around the borders, trees and shrubs, lost in his own world.

'Needs more colour,' said Gina.

He was surprised to see her. Then happy. He kissed her and hugged her. 'I think you're right. I've had tulip bulbs planted for the spring; they should look wonderful.'

'Mamma's favourite.' Gina felt a pang of sadness.

Her father felt it too. 'The gardeners have planted them like she used to.'

'You mean all the colours laid out separately, rather than mixed together?'

He smiled. 'Yes, you know how she loved symmetry. Everything had to have its place. Have a balance. Your mother was so fond of ensuring order.'

Gina put her arm around her father's waist, hugged him and then rested her head on his left shoulder. 'I still miss her too, you know.'

'I know you do, sweetheart.' He kissed the top of her head. 'All these years, and the loss still hurts like it was yesterday.' He moved half a pace away from Gina and took her hand. 'Anyway, let's not be sad. We have happy memories and happy things to look forward to.' He lightly patted her tummy. 'Any more grandchildren for me?'

Gina was horrified and her father couldn't help but notice it. 'Papa, I don't want to have another child. I know you expect Bruno and me -'

He cut her off by raising his hand. 'Then don't.'

She tried to calm herself. 'You're not mad?'

'No, my sweet, not at all.' He smiled at her. 'Come and walk with me. It's going to rain soon, let's make the most of the dry weather.'

The garden was nearly an acre. In summer the orchard was lush with apples, cherries and pears, but now the dark leafless trees looked as sad and sombre as Fredo's daughter. 'I know things are not good between you and Bruno, haven't been good since he came out of prison.' He stopped and turned to face her. 'But tell me honestly, Gina, just how bad are they?'

She felt ashamed. Personal failure was something she hated. 'He doesn't love me, Papa.'

'You're sure?'

'I'm sure. He's told me as much.'

Don Fredo flinched at his daughter's pain.

'He says I am fat and ugly and he will take his pleasures elsewhere. The marriage is a sham, Papa.'

Finelli pulled her close to him. 'Oh, baby. My poor baby.' He held her and felt anger boiling inside him. 'This man is not good enough for you. We have our customs, but this cannot be tolerated. You and Enzo must come and live here with me, while we sort this out.'

Gina felt tears welling in her eyes. Tears of relief. Tears of shame. 'The other day, in the house, he beat me. And then – then, he raped me.'

Fredo Finelli clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white. He spoke softly but there was a hardness in his words. 'I will kill him, Gina. For this alone, I will kill him.'

Gina was silent for a second. She hung on to her father, just as she'd done as a child when she was hurt and worried. 'I hope so, Papa. I really hope so.'

And then she shut her eyes and prayed to God that she'd done the right thing.