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Marco turned onto Seventh Street and headed toward Payne Avenue.
“Wow. That Eddie—he’s some character, right?”
“He sure is.”
They were quiet for a while and then Kate said, “He seems so tough, ya’ know? Doesn’t he? So unafraid. And his dad? I wonder what that was all about.”
She reached over and took his hand. “I’m glad our son has a happy family life.”
He gently squeezed her hand. “Me too. Obviously, Eddie turned out alright. He can handle himself. He’s tough as shit. Hell, he’s probably killed some people.”
Kate whipped her head to look at him. “He has not killed anybody. Why would you even say that?”
“Kate. Come on. It’s so obvious.”
“What? What’s obvious?”
“The guy’s a mobster. Don’t you see that?”
She let out a short laugh. “No. No, he’s not.” She paused before turning to stare at Marco through the darkness, the lights from the streets moving across his face. He turned to her and shrugged before bringing his eyes back to the road.
Kate sat back, silent, as they headed down Payne Avenue.
As Marco rounded a corner, she said, “Do you really think he’s in the mafia? I mean really? I know it’s his persona. It’s how he wants us to perceive him.”
Marco shook his head, his eyes still on the road ahead. “Do me a favor, Kate. Don’t be naïve, alright? This guy could be dangerous.”
“Oh, God. Too dangerous for you to work for? I mean I don’t want you—”
Marco raised a hand. “Kate. I said ‘could be’ dangerous. I’m only warnin’ you. Besides, I can handle myself. I’ve been around wise-guys like him my whole life. I’ll be fine drivin’ him around and stayin’ outta’ his business. And you need to be street-smart, okay? I want you to know what you’re dealin’ with. Eddie’s a smooth-talker. Charming. Just don’t be fooled, alright?”
She nodded. “Okay. You’re right.”
She said nothing more the rest of the ride home. The road to their house seemed darker than usual. Shadows from the trees danced on either side of the car, as though trying to reveal some ominous secret.
Summer
