Mom drawls, “What big, brave men you are. All to handle a few women.” She doesn’t even look at them, eyes down as her needles click.
Beth’s breathing too fast. Her pupils are pricking and her face is sheened. The one de Palo calls Vito is a huge man, toweringly high and broad-shouldered with it, clearly chosen for the capacity to intimidate. Even in my normal physical condition, I’d struggle in a fight against him. Beth would have no chance.
And my father made a fool of him?
What have I not been told?
“My mother’s right,” I snap, injecting contempt into my tones. “You think you impress us…?”
De Palo’s attention snaps away from Mom and, eyes white-rimmed, he revolves toward me.
“… You don’t even get over the starting line,” I continue. “You think k********g threats scare us? I’ve been
