Davide entered in the meeting room and interrupted the discussion between his father and elder brothers with the package in his hands. They looked at him with interrogation.

Salvatore: Davide, we are in a meeting. You couldn't wait until we finish? What's the emergency?

Davide: (He put the package on the table.) Your daughter received this. She didn't order anything, and the sender is unknown... well, I don't read Japanese so I can say who sent this but... you know...

Gabriel: (He took the package to open it.) Suki didn't touch it? (Davide shook his head.) It must be from Tanaka.

Gabriel observed the details of the package few seconds. It was not heavy but there was definitively something inside. The name of the sender was indeed in Japanese, a clear sign that only Suki could read it, but there was no way he would ask her who sent it. He took a photo of the shipping voucher and texted one of his contact to investigate it. He took a cutter and opened it.

Inside, there was a lot of bubbles papers, as if what was inside was precious. He took out the first layers and his expression darkened.

Salvatore: What is it?

Gabriel: I'm glad that you intercepted that package Davide...

Davide: (He looked inside.) Fu**, it's gross!

Dante grabbed the package and with his father, they also looked inside. Their reactions were controlled but inside they were boiling. In the package, they found fingers freshly cut, with a note on the side. Dante took it, but he couldn't read it, it was also written in Japanese.

Dante: It has to be Tanaka. (He showed the note.) We need someone to translate that.

Davide: I guess that you don't want to ask the only one able to read it in this house? (Dante glared at him.) Google? It can help for now.

Salvatore: Do it. Even if it is not accurate, we can have the general idea of that message. Davide, call Gianni and ask him to join us.

Gabriel: Dante, check with our men where is Tanaka and what is he doing. Reinforce the security of the propriety too and found a female bodyguard for Suki just in case none of us can stay at home.

Dante: Okay, but it will take time to find someone suitable. We have very few women in our clan.

Gabriel: You can ask Gianni; he probably knows one or two women fighter that could fit the job.

Dante nodded and took his phone to have an approximate translation of the note accompanying the package.

Dante: It says... my son killed your mother... and your brothers killed my son... as an old man, I will grieve on my own in my land. I will not seek for revenge but tell your father, that I will come back for you... for your 15 birthday. PS: This is what is left from your father's man!

Davide: It's our infiltrate guy's fingers? Damn it!

Salvatore: Check if it's true and confirm that Tanaka is leaving the country. And if he dares to come back, I will kill him personally!

Dante went to one of the offices to call his men and verify if those fingers were really from the man who was in charge of the close monitoring of Tanaka. He also sent a photo of the message to someone able to confirm the translation.

Davide had called Gianni who was on his way back home. Then, his father thanked him again and told him to go to his classes. The young man went back in the house to grab his stuffs. Suki was now in the living room, ready to read a book. She stood up from the couch when Davide entered.

Suki: Hum... excuse me... about the package...

Davide: Forget about that, it doesn't concern you, wrong recipient!

Suki: Ah, yes... (She was still not comfortable to talk with him.)

Davide: Such a nuisance... (He left, mumbling.)

Suki: I know... (She looked at him leaving with a sad expression.)

Gabriel: Suki... (She quickly turned herself to face him, surprised.)... What's wrong? You don't seem fine.

Gabriel had entered the room just after his younger brother, but Suki hadn't noticed him. He heard Davide's remark and his little sister's reaction.

Suki: No,... it's nothing... I'm fine...

Gabriel: Davide is still tough with you, right? (She nodded.) I will talk with him.

Suki: No,... Onii-san, please, don't... it's really nothing... (She smiled awkwardly.)... and he is nicer lately...

Gabriel: Suki, please sit... (He sat next to her.) If Davide is less mean, it doesn't mean he is nicer. I know that his stupid behavior is hurting you and I am sorry about that. I thought that your brothers would adapt more quickly at our new family dynamic, but some are dumber than my expectation. So, if you feel the need to talk about them or anything else that bothers you, please come to me. Okay?

Suki: Hum...

Gabriel: You're still not very talkative...

Suki: It's just that I don't want to bother you... you all seem pretty busy since... since what happened with... him...

Gabriel: No matter how busy we seem, you are not bothersome for us. If you need something, or just want to talk around a cup of tea, we will make time for you. Suki, about that man, if you feel the need to talk about it with someone, we will find one suitable for you. I know that you are a strong little girl, but I also know that you were shocked by what happened and it is totally normal. A person out from our family is maybe easier to talk to than one of us.

Suki: (She shook her head.)... I'm... fine...

Gabriel: Are you not having nightmares every night? I saw how you were afraid when Rossi came yesterday.

Suki: ...

Gabriel: Suki...

Suki: (Her eyes were teary, and she wasn't looking at him.) I'm fine.

Gabriel: Are you trying to persuade yourself? Look at me. (She lifted her head.) You are not alone, and nothing will happen to you.

Suki was staring at Gabriel's eyes. She wanted to believe him but, deep down, she was still afraid that this man or his father would come back for her. Dante told her that he was dead, but she was seeing him every nights in her nightmares, even if they were less frequent.

Suki: He is really... dead?

Gabriel: Yes. He will never be able to hurt you and his father is going back to Japan today, you won't see him ever again. Even if it's not easy, try to forget about them. (He looked at his watch.) You have an appointment at the hospital later today, right? (She nodded.) I will accompany you.

Suki: And your work?

Gabriel: (He smiled proudly.) It's the advantage to be the boss, you have people to work for you. (He stood up.) I'm going to finish one or two things before lunch, then we will leave for your appointment.

Suki: (She stood up too.) Onii-san... thank you... (She smiled.)

Gabriel smiled back and he came closer. He delicately put his hand behind Suki's head and kissed the top of her head. Then he left to the house in the garden. The little girl looked at him leaving, she was still not used to affectionate gestures from her new family, but she liked that feeling. Just like that, Gabriel made her fears disappear. She sat back comfortably and focused on her book. 15 minutes later, she saw Gianni crossing the garden to go to the little house.

Inside, Salvatore explained everything about the package received earlier and the head of the family had confirmation that it was his man's fingers. They found his dead body in his car in a deserted area. That incident didn't stop Salvatore, to have his men tailing the Japanese man, so he quickly deployed another team.

Dante: Tanaka is at the airport, in few hours, he will be gone!

Gianni: How is the kid today?

Gabriel: A bit better, but she is still sensitive, even if she denies it.



They continued to work two more hours before lunch time. Salvatore got out of the meeting room twice to see his daughter. He didn't like to let her alone for too long.

After their meal, Gianni left to his fighting club and took in charge the request to find a female bodyguard for the little girl.

When it was time to leave for the hospital, Suki was surprised that Dante also decided to go with them. There was already her father and Gabriel, she didn't expect that another one of her brother would come to a simple visit of control.

They all got in one of the fancy black van very comfortable and the nurse followed in another car with two bodyguards. The Smith had confirmation that Tanaka took his flight, and they felt a bit more relaxed in the afternoon.

At the hospital, the doctor had to do his auscultation with the three men in the room, with their powerful and menacing aura.

Doctor: The wound is healing well. The nurse told me that it was a bit swollen yesterday, but it seems better today.

Suki: Thank you, doctor.

Doctor: Can you lift your arm a little for me please.

Suki lifted her arm, as the doctor asked but it was difficult. She couldn't prevent her arm to tremble and her facial expression to show how painful it was.

Salvatore: Suki, stop, don't force yourself! Doctor, don't you see how painful it is for her!!

Doctor: Sorry for the discomfort, it was only to check her arm's mobility.

Dante: Find another way!

Doctor: I am sorry Miss. Your muscle needs more rest, and in few days, you should be able to start a physical therapy.

Salvatore: Doctor, can I talk to you outside?

Doctor: Sure. (He left with Salvatore and the nurse.)

Gabriel: Let me help you. (Suki was putting back her vest.) Your arm hurts a lot? (She nodded, knowing that it was useless to lie.)

Dante: That doctor is stupid! Just by looking at the wound, he should know that it's too soon to move her arm... Damn it...

Gabriel: Dante... let's stay calm. Ask the nurse for a painkiller while Father is talking with the doctor.

Dante: Hum... (He left the room.)

Suki: Why is he angry?

Gabriel: Because that doctor hurt you.

Suki: But he was only doing his job.

Gabriel: He should know how to do his job without hurting his patients, even more when his patient is a young girl like you. (He looked at her face and touched her cheek.) Are you feeling hot? Your cheeks are red. You don't have fever...

Suki: No... it's just being here; I don't like it. Can we go home now?

Gabriel: Just few more minutes of patience... and for the next couple of days, I don't want to see you do anything.

Suki: I already don't do anything other than reading, watching TV, eating and sleeping.

Gabriel: Great, just continue like this. We will find a good therapist and you will find back the mobility of your arm quickly.

Dante: (He came back with a nurse.) Gab, the nurse is here. Give the kid something for the pain.

Nurse: Miss, when was the last time you took painkillers?

Suki: This morning during breakfast.

Nurse: Okay, wait a second... (She opened the cupboard and took a pill.) Take this for now and if the pain continues tonight, take one more while eating.

Suki: (She took the pill and the cup of water.) Thank you.

Gabriel: Father is still talking with the doctor?

Dante: He told us to join him after she had her medicine.

Gabriel: Okay, Suki, we can go home. (He helped her to get down from the auscultation table.) Be careful.

The siblings joined Salvatore in the corridor. The head of the family exchanged with the doctor about Suki's wound evolution. He was worried that she would keep sequels. The doctor reassured him.

The ride back to the house was calm. Suki felt asleep because of the medicine she took. Salvatore didn't like that the painkillers were having such a strong effect on her. He understood that it was necessary, but he was hoping that she would not need them soon. When they parked in the garage, Suki didn't wake up. Salvatore carried her to her room.

Dante: What shit did the nurse gave her to knock her out like that?!

Gabriel: She was really in pain. The nurse probably gave her something a bit strong. A few extra hours of sleep is not bad for her recovery.

Dante: It's that doctor's fault...

Gabriel: Humph... you really changed a lot regarding Suki.

Dante: What do you mean?

Gabriel: You were the first one to reject her existence but look at you now, ready to kill anyone who hurts her...

Dante: What do you want me to do? Let a weak kid like her being hurt? I'm not a jerk... and Dad or you will lose your mind if it happens.

Gabriel: Sure, it's the only reason...

Dante: (He stared at him.) Don't push me to say something that I don't want to say...

Gabriel: You're childish, brother.

Dante: I guess I am... (He took his phone and saw a message and smirked.)... I should do adult things to not be childish... don't wait for me tonight... bye!

Gabriel: Pfff... all the same...

The rest of the afternoon passed quickly. Vito was the first one to come back from school. He stopped by the kitchen to grab something to drink before going upstairs with an annoyed face.

He didn't go to the corridor heading to his bedroom but to the one of his older brothers and Suki, and it was exactly where he was going.

The young man didn't bother to knock and entered his sister's room, speaking loudly. Suki was asleep but with Vito's entry, she woke up in a hurry, startled. She immediately frowned and held her arm.

Vito: Hey... that's your lessons! Don't use me to... (He noticed her state and was surprised.)... Hey... what's wrong? Answer me!

Suki: You startled me... It hurts...

Vito: Damn it, can't you be cautious! (She didn't look at him.) Hey!

Suki: I was sleeping... but you entered and yelled...

Vito: Such a... (He put the papers on her desk.) I'm calling the nurse!

Vito quickly went downstairs but he was stopped by his father in the corridor near the guest rooms.

Vito: Dad... well, your daughter, she needs that nurse, her arm hurts.

Salvatore: What? Why? Where is she? She was sleeping.

Vito: In her bedroom, I came in and she moved without being careful.

Salvatore: You scared her while she was sleeping? Vito?

Vito: I didn't know she was asleep at that hour of the day!

Salvatore: Bring the nurse to your sister's room, we will talk later.

Salvatore went to his daughter's room and knocked before entering.

Salvatore found his daughter in her bathroom. He informed her of his presence, and she came out few seconds later. She needed to refresh herself and cold water on her face was also a good way to forget the pain of her arm.

Suki didn't want to worry her father, so she repeated that she was fine now, that the pain was strong due to the unexpected movement but that it was already fading away.

The nurse arrived with Vito, who was staying in the back. The woman checked on Suki's wound and it was, once again swollen. Salvatore glared at his youngest son who stayed silent, staring at the cut on the arm of the little girl. Suki felt a bit embarrassed to cause worries for her father once again. She didn't like to be seen as a fragile little thing.

Nurse: Please be careful, Miss. You almost reopened your stitches.

Suki: I'm sorry...

Salvatore: Suki, you don't have to feel sorry. Nurse, be careful with your words!

The nurse understood at the cold tone of Salvatore that her remark was too much. After redoing Suki's bandage, she excused herself and quickly returned to the room assigned to her.

Salvatore: Vito, why did you come here?

Vito: You called the school to have her lessons, right? Her teacher gave me this. (He nodded toward the desk.) Ask one of your minions next time! I don't like to do errand for others!

Salvatore: You're not going to die because you do a favor to one of your family members!

Vito had no arguments to answer back his father, so he just left.

Salvatore: That stupid boy... he's never going to grow up!

Suki: (She stood up to take the papers.) Thank you for asking the lessons to the school.

Salvatore: (He took the papers from her hand.) You're welcome, but no homework today.

Suki looked at her father, but he only smiled to her. It was too early to have dinner, so they went downstairs to talk around a cup of tea.

Later, Enzo and his twin brother came back from the university. They had a generous dinner and later, Enzo watched a tv show with his little sister. During the day, he had asked to Gabriel news about Suki, and he was sure that she was probably bored the entire day. His twin brother had told him about the package delivered and he thanked Davide for his reactivity. If his little sister had opened the package, she would have been shocked.

At 09.30pm, Suki went to sleep. The nurse visited her just before she fell asleep, and she checked on her at the due time all night long.

***************************************************

The next few days passed quickly for everyone except Suki. She started to find the days long. On Sunday, the little girl was surprised when Gabriel asked her to come to the garden. In fact, her elder brother invited her only friend, Haru in the afternoon, to spend some time with his little sister.

Gabriel asked Chef Aldo to prepare snacks and drinks for the two children. He had contacted the young boy few days ago and even met his parents the day before. He sent one of his men to pick him up.

Suki was pleasantly surprised, and they were enjoying the nice weather in the garden. Haru showed Suki his sketches book with the drawing he did during the week. They talked about school and a lot of other things.

Gabriel was observing with a proud smile from the living room. Salvatore had to go outside for a reception in a hotel, but strangely, all the Smith brothers were at home.

Vito: Why did you invite that guy here?!

Gabriel: Your little sister has the right to receive her friends at home, just like all of you.

Vito: Friends? That guy is her only friend...

Enzo: She is stuck at home for so long... after everything that happened, it's good to see her smile...

Gabriel: I agree. So, don't bother them.

The boys were having their own drinks. They opted for beers, but they were drinking with moderation.

Davide: If you agree to have that guy here, we can invite again our friends, right?

Gabriel: It depends which type of friends you want to invite...

Davide: Big boobs... cute ass... (Gabriel shook his head of exasperation.) I take your silence for a Yes!

Gabriel: You have money, take that kind of friends to the hotel!

Davide: If you pay, why not... what's your favorite place? (He smiled.)

Gabriel: Shut up!

Dante: (He was also looking at Suki.) Gianni, the girl that you found to be the kid's bodyguard, she is starting tomorrow, right?

Gianni: Yes, she is a really good fighter. She also served in the military for one year.

Davide: She's hot? (Gabriel badly glared at him.)

Gianni: Weren't you talking about a friend with big boobs?

Davide: I am not exclusive...

Enzo: And the therapist? When will she begin her reeducation?

Gabriel: In the coming days. Father doesn't want to rush it. She has an appointment tomorrow with her doctor.

Dante: You recruited a woman?

Gabriel: Yes. I'm sure that she will be more comfortable with a woman than with a man.

Davide: A woman bodyguard, a woman therapist... but you let her hanging with that guy... weird...

Gabriel: They are just friends, but more importantly, kids. Innocent kids.

The afternoon passed in a good ambiance. Suki thanked Haru for his visit. The young boy told her to recover quickly and that they will see each other soon at school. He was just as happy as her to have spent the afternoon with her, even if he confessed that he was afraid at first to come here. The presence of all her brothers just few meters away was also very intimidating for him. They separated around 6.00pm and Suki sincerely thanked her brother for the nice surprise he organized for her.