Affliction by S. W. Frank Read Free Book Online

symbol to press on the screen. 911 is family; they are his lifeline. Sal would understand his plight and so would Allie. He needed more soldati to assist in battling against despair. Light-hearted laughter was a mighty weapon during moments like these.
    Hormones are in control at Sal’s age; a stage an Uncle knew firsthand because he was still a boy himself in many ways. Listening to the sleepy youth recant ing escapades at school and the shenanigans of his siblings brought a howl and then more liquor burning a path along Giuseppe’s throat. But then the boy had to go and passed the phone to his old man.
    “Where I live the time is five a.m. You have my kids jumping on my bed telling me your ass is on the phone. Ah, hombre what am I going to do about you, eh bro?”
    “Tell your wife I am very sad…Shanda is dead.”
    “Yeah, I will,” Alfonzo said in a condescending tone.
    “I am glad you are coming to Sicily. The villa is ready…come now…this is where you belong.” Giuseppe sighed and then said, “Today is not a good day fratellino. It is very bad. The Russian stuff has made me irritable, I believe I am poisoned. The Russians have finally killed me.”
    “Is Carlo with you dead man?”
    “No, my mama has kidnapped him. I have been replaced fratellino, I am upset with her for taking my flesh. I am to blame he has no mama…the car was too fast.”
    “Geo you’re talking out of your head.”
    “What does that mean…is that true …can that be done?”
    An exasperated sigh from a sober brother reached his ear. “Are you at work?” Alfonzo inquired.
    “Sí, of course stupido.”
    Alfonzo groaned before he chuckled. “Tread carefully on my feelings. My ego misled me to believe I am somewhat intelligent, don’t shatter the delusion.”
    “Work and famiglia is all I have fratellino to distract my grief….eh…did I call my fratellino stupido?” Giuseppe burped and then pounded the gas out of his chest. “ Mi scusi.”
    The drunken lisp and the slurred speech told of Giuseppe’s condition.
    He was completely smashed!
    Alfonzo’s advice sounded reasonable to a big brother’s ears.
    “Let Carlo stay put for a day or so until you’re better. Get some coffee, never-mind you’ll probably burn yourself. I’ll call your secretary to do it and make sure you get home to sleep the shit off,” Alfonzo said affectionately.
    Sick, ah, the pain from inside did not relent. Giuseppe had not felt such utter desolation from a death. He’d seen many and some he had caused. The death of his papa, cousin and uncle had not left him this infirmed. Maybe, it is because, he had been better prepared. Shanda’s demise was sudden, worsened by the knowledge that she was in the beginning stage of pregnancy. So, the loss was two-fold.
    He had handled the pain admirably –at first. Ah, cracking knuckles on men helped; seeing Carlo soothed the anger but there are times of weakness, like today due to Matteo. Another’s happiness sparked his misery.
    After the conversation with Alfonzo, and a cup of coffee, Giuseppe was promptly escorted home and wobbled to his bedroom, stripped naked and sank in bed. Twisting from side to side, he sought comfort but found none. Alcohol had not dulled the pain, and produced hallucinations.
    Again he rolled over, Gee whined and blurry eyes traveled to the door at another apparition. The rapid beats of his chest drummed loudly. Coming toward him was a beautiful dream carrying a gift to share with a wicked soul. He slid up against the headboard and tried to smile but the effort failed. “Bella, mi dispiace, I have missed you. Have you come for me, I am ready?”
    “Geo, are you all right?”
    When the figure reached the bedside he grabbed the beauty’s arms and pulled her on his lap. “Shanda…ti amo…let me prove how much I love you.”
    The kisses to his dream love’s neck were firm and gentle. Kisses of tenderness were bestowed because Shanda considered him a hardened man unworthy of