My father’s funeral is the hardest day of my life. My mother and I watch as they lower his casket into the ground knowing that our lives will forever be changed. The heads of all the families are present, except for the head of the Westies. Not one soul representing those Irish fuckers showed their faces today. I had hoped that my father’s passing would have ended the war, but it didn’t.

Last night, two soldiers from our family went missing. I’m sure it is just a matter of time before their bodies are found somewhere. This is clearly a message to the Vicci Empire that nothing has changed. A warning that no one is safe, and to take necessary measures to protect ourselves.

Lincoln holds my hand as we walk to the limousine, my mother on my other side as I hold her closely. She hasn’t stopped crying since my father passed. I’ve never seen my mother so weak before. In all the adversity that our family has gone through, she has always been strong. Not once did a tear fall from her eyes when my grandparents passed. No, my mother would never show weakness. But this lady beside me, I don’t recognize her at all. She’s a shell of the woman she once was.

Lincoln’s driver closes the door behind us once we have all gathered inside. He’s quiet. In fact, over the last three days, I’ve barely seen him. Angelo and Lincoln escorted my mother and me from the hospital and to my family home. Once Lincoln was sure I was safe, he and Angelo left, but only Angelo returned later that evening. My already shattered heart ached for Lincoln while my mind tried to convince it that he would be back soon and not to worry. With each passing day, phone calls were all I received with a promise that I would see him soon. I had almost given up hope that Lincoln would ever return, until this morning when his limo appeared out of nowhere to take my mother and me to the funeral.

I watch as the city skyline grows smaller in the distance. “Where are we going?” I question Lincoln.

“I’m taking you and your mother to Virginia. There is no reason for you or her to remain in the city.”

I want to argue, but I know he’s right. There’s nothing left in New York for either of us. My only concern is that anyone can find my mother and me if they follow the trail. It isn’t either of us I’m concerned about; it’s Lincoln’s family that is at the forefront of my mind.

“Lincoln, I’m not so sure that it is a good idea. Having both my mother and me around will only endanger your family more.” I wait for him to argue with me, but he doesn’t.

“I don’t care, Lillian. This is for me to worry about and not you. Right now, your focus should be on your mother.” Lincoln glances over at my mother, who is staring out the window, lost in her own world. “I know I’ve kept you in the dark the last few days, but I’ve been preparing for today.”

“Preparing? I don’t understand. What is there to prepare for?” My lips quiver as I ask the question.

“You don’t need to concern yourself with the details, Lillian. Just focus on your mother like I’ve asked.”

I quickly pull my hand from his, my spine instantly going straight, and move away from Lincoln. “Details don’t concern me? Are you fucking kidding me?” My voice rises, causing my mother to direct her attention toward me. “Everything that happens from here on out concerns me, so don’t even think you can keep me in the dark. I’ve been in the dark most of my life, but that ends today. Now, tell me what you have done.”