Gabriel crushed Rossi's phone on the floor and ignored his brother's whining. He put back his gun in his holster and readjusted his jacket.

Gianni: What is the next step?

Gabriel: I don't think that it's useful for us to wait here. Some of our men can stay in case that bit** shows her face here... except if you have nothing better to do and prefer to wait, of course.

Gianni: I pass...

Dante: (He spotted a photo of Rossi's wife on the wall.) Do we know where his wife is?

Gabriel: Probably travelling... I don't think that their marriage is made out of love... but if she is desperate about her husband's death and want to join him in hell, we can help her! I think we're done here; I'm heading home.

Gabriel didn't want to stay in that house for one more second. Now, he just had to wait for his pray to show herself and finish his job. Dante and Gianni followed after giving new orders to their men.

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

At the Smith mansion, the three youngest brothers were still asleep, just like Salvatore, something that was rare from him. It was not his wish, but the after-effects of the drug and medication. But there was someone that was not in her bedroom, Suki.

The little girl woke up after only few hours of sleep and as the house was quiet, she took her courage to go to the second floor to see if her Father was alright.

She knocked so delicately at the door that it was barely audible and entered. She expected to see Gabriel, but he was not there. Only Salvatore was still soundly asleep. Suki approached in silence, to not wake him up. She stared at his chest and saw it slowly going up and down. Salvatore had a relaxed expression, and she felt relieved.

Like a cat, she climbed at the foot of the bed and laid down, her legs against her chest. After few minutes, she was back in Dreamland.

Around 10.30am, the door of Salvatore's bedroom opened once again. This time, it was Gabriel. When he saw his little sister here, he smiled. Salvatore opened his eyes and saw his eldest son near the door.

Salvatore: Gabriel... (He was surprised to see Suki and straightened up.) What is she doing here?

Gabriel: I guess that little angel wanted to see how you were doing.

Salvatore: How, at my age, I am in the care of my daughter?!

Gabriel: It's a good lesson that she is reminding us, to take care of ourselves a bit better. Otherwise, how are you feeling?

Salvatore: I'm fine... even if I'm not proud of what happened. I don't see myself as a good father right now... even more when I see her like that.

Gabriel: Itshows how much she loves you. You are her Father.

Even if the two men were talking at a low tone, Suki woke up. She rubbed her eyes and looked at her sitting father in front of her. He smiled at her cute puffy face.

Suki: Otô-san, are you feeling good? Did you sleep well?

Salvatore: I'm perfectly fine, thank you. But why are you sleeping at the foot of my bed, and not in yours, in the middle of your plushies?

Suki: I... I woke up and just wanted to see how you were doing... and... (She looked at Gabriel with a frown.)... you were alone...

Salvatore: Yes, nothing unusual...

Gabriel: If I'm not wrong, that comment was directed to me.

Suki: Yes! (She answered naturally.) You promised me to take care of Father last night, and you left him alone...

Gabriel: You're right, I'm sorry, I deserve to be scolded. (He smiled.)

Salvatore: (He chuckled.) Suki, Sweetie, I told your brother that I didn't need him to watch over me. It was really not necessary, so don't be mad at him.

Suki kept a serious gaze few seconds, making difficult for her Father and brother to not laugh.

Suki: Okay, but today, you have to promise to rest!

Salvatore: Sure, I promise you to not do anything at all. But I need to take a shower and eat something, is it allowed, Miss Smith?

Suki: (She stood up.) Of course! I will prepare your breakfast!

Salvatore: Wait... (She stopped and looked at him.)... I am sure that Aldo made the necessary. You should go prepare yourself and we can have breakfast together.

Suki: Okay... be careful. (She left the room.)

Salvatore: Your little sister was about to sermon you... that was a funny sight... (He smiled.)

Gabriel: Yes, she gained character, and I prefer to see her angry at me than sad or scared... and I have to admit that it is somehow refreshing... to have a little human like her ordering me.

Salvatore: I shouldn't have saved your ass! Well, I need to shower, and I appreciate my privacy. (He stood up and pointed to the door.)

Gabriel: I didn't come to play the nurse with you, I thought that you would want to be updated on the situation...

Salvatore: (His tone became serious.) Is she dead?

Gabriel: Not yet, but Rossi is now resting in hell. I made contact with Valentina, and she should not stay hide for long.

Salvatore:Return that city upside down, if necessary, but find her!

After taking a good shower and wearing simple clothes, Suki went downstairs. Her father was already there with Gianni, Dante and Davide. The three were at the dining room, and they had already emptied half of the food prepared by the Chef.

The little girl shyly greeted her brothers and sat near Gianni. Davide was facing her and as usual, he just gave her a quick gaze before focusing back on his food.

Dante: Did you put the pomade on your cheek?

Suki: (She looked at him with her innocent smile.) Ah... No, I forgot...

Dante: How could you forget about that? Your cheek is still red and swollen. Don't you look at yourself in a mirror in the morning? Like every girls in that planet?!

Gianni: The little kitten is still a baby... don't blame her. (She frowned and he messed up her hair.) You frowning is always funny...

Davide: Pff... Gianni, you're weird... really Bro'!

Gianni: Me? Why?

Davide: I don't even want to elaborate... you're a lost cause!

Salvatore: Gianni, stop teasing your little sister. Suki, Dante, despite his savage way of talking, he is right. Don't forget to put ointment on your cheek, it will help to fasten the recovery.

Suki: Yes...

Davide: Such an obedient kid... (Salvatore glared at him but Davide smiled.)... You totally recovered, that's great! Your old body is not too bad... congratulations!

Salvatore: Yes, thanks for your concern! As you can see, I'm fine.

Gianni: Well, you have to be careful, for few days. With shits like that, we never know what can happen.

Salvatore: I promised Suki to rest the entire day.

Davide: Ahhh... If you promised that to your little princess, we don't have to worry. (He smiled in a mocking way.)

Salvatore: Exactly! As the only girl of the house, Suki has some privileges and a power that you don't have! Are you jealous?

Davide: Me? Jealous? (He scoffed.) Of what? I'm not a kid!

Gianni: You look like a jealous kid right now...

Davide: Fu... (He was about to swear but he held back.) I will not react like a kid and instead, show you, dear brother, how mature I am! Of course, as you are only a mass of muscles, I'm not sure that you can understand what I'm saying!

Gianni: (He stood up with a smirk.) You want to have a taste of those muscles... I don't need to think too much to kick your ass!

Davide: Dad, say something!

Salvatore: Go play somewhere else!

Gianni: Come on, little Bro'... Teach me how to be smart...

Suki: (She was staring at Gianni.) You are not going to fight...

Gianni: A bit of exercises is always good, right, little Bro'?

Davide: Exercise with her if you need a partner, she needs it more than me! Well, at least, she was of some help last night... she is not that useless... (He was staring at her, and she stared at him too.)

Salvatore: Gianni, teach him a good lesson for me, please.

Gianni: At your orders... (He dragged a whining Davide with him.)

Dante: Kid, finish your breakfast and relax, they will only train.

That situation was the typical one that Suki had difficulties to understand. Every time, she thought that they were serious about arguing, but it was their way to interact with each others. When they were done with that late breakfast, Salvatore was dragged upstairs by his daughter, to rest. He told her that he could stay in the living room, but Suki answered that with everyone in the house, it was too noisy.

The head of the family found amusing that his daughter was bossy with him. It was a proof that she was now totally comfortable with him. She was not questioning her legitimacy as his daughter anymore. As Salvatore was not the type to sleep in the middle of the day, he proposed to Suki to do some Italian practice.

Salvatore: You improved a lot your Italian.

Suki: I don't think so... when you or my brothers talk, I never understand anything.

Salvatore: It's because we talk quickly, and you are still not familiar with the language. With time, you will be used to it.

In the beginning of the afternoon, they came back downstairs to have a light lunch. Enzo, who just woke up, joined them. But he quickly disappeared when he was done eating.

The three eldest brothers and Davide were working in the house of the garden, still trying to put their hands on Valentina. Vito also left to meet Mary and his friends from school. Salvatore headed upstairs first, Suki taking time to prepare tea. She put everything on a tray and carefully walked toward the stairs. She was startled when Davide's voice resonated on her back.

Davide: You're playing the waitress now?

Suki: It's for Father and me. (He looked at her from head to toe.)

Davide: Dad is in his bedroom? (She nodded.) Is he feeling good?

Suki: Yes, but he needs to rest a little more... I think... (She was not comfortable to talk with him and the tray was a bit heavy.)

Davide: You're trembling just because you're holding that... (He grabbed the tray and climbed the stairs.)... so weak...

It took few seconds to Suki to follow her brother in the stairs. When they reached the second floor, Davide directly pushed the door of his father's bedroom and entered.

Salvatore: Davide... what is this? (Suki showed up from behind Davide.)

Davide: I avoided a catastrophe with your daughter... she has the strength of a newborn and thought being able to bring this to your room!

Suki: Thank you, Davide. (She took the tray and put it on the small table.) Do you want a cup too?

Davide: Do you think that I have time to play dinette with you?!

Salvatore: Thank you, Davide, for your help...

Davide: Hum... I only prevent that troubles maker to create new ones! Bye! (He left with a smirk.)

Salvatore: That idiot... he is changing but refuses to admit it.

Suki: Davide is... difficult to understand... (She smiled to him.)

Salvatore: He is not mature yet, but I see improvement. (Suki put the tea in a cup and handed it to him.) Thank you, but Suki, next time, ask for help. That tray is pretty heavy, and I don't want you to get hurt.

Suki: It was not that heavy... I can do a lot of thing by myself.

Salvatore: I know that you can do everything by yourself, but I still would prefer in the future, that you ask for help when necessary.

Suki: Okay... (She saw boxes that were not there earlier.) Otô-san, did you take out those boxes?

Salvatore: Ah, yes... I was looking for old photos... to show you.

Suki: Really? (She had a bright smile and sparkling eyes.)

Salvatore: Yes. As I am assigned to that room, I thought about taking a look at this. Do you want to explore it? (She nodded.) Go ahead!

Suki put on the table her cup of tea and sat on the floor near the boxes. She began to look inside, carefully. Salvatore was observing her with a smile while drinking the tea she had prepared for him. At that moment, he was just a father, not a businessman or the head of the Mafia of New-York. Suki took two photos' books and started to look at it. She was surprised by the photos of her brothers when they were babies.

Suki: They were so cute... And so small too... (She looked at her father and smile.) They changed a lot, but at the same time, not that much.

Salvatore: I know exactly what you mean. It's difficult to imagine that they looked so innocent back then... now they are just a bunch of muscles... not cute at all, even if they inherited my good look!

Suki: (She chuckled.) They are maybe not as cute now than as they were babies, but they are really beautiful... everyone always looks at them when they go somewhere. (She continued to look at the photos.) Oh, Otô-san, is it you and your wife? (She showed him the photobook.)

Salvatore: Yes. She was pregnant with Dante; we were enjoying few days at the beach while she was still able to travel.

Suki: You seemed very happy...

Salvatore: I was the happiest man in the world at that time... (His tone was melancholic.)... and that happiness is back now that you entered my life.

Suki blushed a lot at her father's words, but it was not of embarrassment but of joy. She was also happy to be part of his life.

Suki continued her exploration of Salvatore's souvenirs with the second box. Her father had kept a lot of different things, mostly from the boys' childhood. There was Gabriel's first rattle, Gianni's hat with a big G on it or the twins' matching pajamas.

Suki had fun to discover everything. She opened the third box, and it was a mix of toys, drawing and school's creations. And there was few wood sculptures that attracted the little girl's attention. They represented animals.

Suki: Otô-san... What is this?

Salvatore: (He smiled.) You will maybe not believe me but, Dante made them... he sculpted them when he was around your age.

Suki: Really? How... Dante really made that? It's amazing.

Salvatore: He was skilled, yes, but he probably forgot about this.

Suki: He doesn't sculpt things anymore?

Salvatore: He stopped after his mother's death and like all his brothers, he changed. It was his way to deal with the lost of my wife.

Suki: It's too bad to let them in a box...

Salvatore: You can take them if you want.

Suki: (She looked at him.) I don't think that Dante would appreciate if I take his things.

Salvatore: Why don't you ask him, even if I'm pretty sure that it would not be a problem for your brother.

Suki: I'm not sure...

Salvatore was texting with Gabriel while Suki was looking at the boxes. He wanted to be updated about Valentina's case evolution. And the answer came with Dante and Gianni entering the room.

Gianni: Yo! Not too bored, stuck in your room? (He sat on his father's bed, near Suki.) What are you doing? (He grabbed a photobook.) You were looking at this?

Suki: Yes, Father gave me the authorization.

Salvatore: We found way to be entertain. Where is Gabriel?

Dante: (In Italian.) He left to check a possible hideout of Valentina.

Salvatore: Alone?

Dante: (In Italian.) Yes, he left without telling us anything, I don't know what is going on with him.

Salvatore: (In Italian.) He is not the type to act recklessly.

Dante: (In Italian.) He wants to kill that bit** personally, I get it, but I don't understand why he is acting alone.

Salvatore: (In Italian.) We can't do anything except to wait.

While Dante and his Father were talking, Gianni was looking at what was inside the boxes. He had to divert his little sister's attention from his father and brother's discussion, even if they were talking in Italian.

Gianni: Whaou... that's crazy that Dad kept all of this after so many years... (He laughed.) I should use some of those photos to piss off the kids when they bother me! (Gianni's gaze changed when he saw a photo of him with his mother.)

Suki: Gianni... (She hesitated to ask him if he was alright.)

Gianni: Hum... what else did you find in those boxes?

Suki: This... Father said that it was Dante who made them.

Dante: What did I do? (He bent down, grabbed one of the wood figurines, and looked at his father.) You kept that?

Salvatore: Of course, you created them.

Dante: You should have thrown them away.

Suki: But you made them... and they are great. Why do you want to throw them away?

Dante: It's just pieces of wood, it has no value.

Suki: It is valuable for Father... (She murmured.) I like them too...

Suki was staring at Dante with her beautiful eyes. He could see in them that she was truly thinking what she was saying. He was more and more weak in front of those eyes staring at him.

Dante: Keep them or throw them away, I don't care... (He stood up.)

Salvatore: If you want to take them, Suki, do it. It's better than letting them in that box.

Suki: (She looked back at Dante.) I can really keep them?

Dante: Do whatever you want!

Suki: (She showed a big smile.) Thank you!

Gianni: Look how happy you made the little kitten... Such a good brother you are, Dante...

Dante: Shut up! Dad, I'm going back to work, if you need something, call me. (He left without waiting for Gianni.)

Gianni: I have to leave for my club too, you don't need anything?

Salvatore: No, we are fine, thank you, Gianni.

Gianni: Byekitten, have fun playing the nurse with the old man!

Suki shook her head at her brother's childish behavior. When she finished to look at the photos, she put everything in place in the boxes, except one of her father when he was younger. She had asked to Salvatore if she could keep it, and he agreed with proudness.

Suki also kept the wood animals made by Dante. She wanted to put them in her bedroom, on the shelf of her desk.

The rest of the afternoon passed quietly, just like the dinner. But Gianni was not the only absent for that dinner, Gabriel was also missing.

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

Earlier in the afternoon, one of the Smith's men contacted directly Gabriel to update him about the hunt of Valentina Rossi. After his phone call with her in the morning, they deployed more men at her research, and they were eventually able to locate her. She was in the villa of a friend of her at the exit of the city.

The young woman was worried for her father because of the Smith brothers' visit at her house and as she was not able to contact him, she had to try to have news by acquaintances. And one of them was under watch by Gabriel's men. A small team immediately went to confirm the location and stayed near the villa until their boss' arrival.

When Gabriel had the information, he decided to deal with that woman by himself. He never appreciated her, and he also warned her several times by the past to never mess up with his little sister.

The events of the previous day had exceeded his limits, and he wanted her dead, but not a quick one. That's why, he decided to leave the house alone, to personally catch her and lock her in one of their places.

When Gabriel's car parked in front of the villa after one hour of a silent ride, the young man came out, gun in his hand and walked inside with his escort. His guards pointed their guns at the few employees present and cleared the way for their boss. When Gabriel stood, in the middle of the living room, with the two women in the target of his gun, he was satisfied.

Gabriel: Valentina... I waited for you the entire day and I had to come here, myself, to find you... It's really annoying...

Valentina Rossi: (She was trembling but tried to keep her composure.) I... I don't care about what you think! Leave me alone!

Gabriel: Leave you alone? After what you have done?

Valentina's friend: Valentina... what's going on? (Gabriel nodded and one of his men dragged the woman away.) Wait... please...

Valentina Rossi: My father, what did you do to him?

Gabriel: He is dead. (She stepped back, shocked by the news.) Don't worry, you will join him soon! (He knocked her with the butt of his gun.)