Ririko opened her parasol, its white lace canopy spreading a small patch of shade above her head.
With her arm linked through Alberto's, they crossed the estate's stone path and entered the little garden.
The wisteria arbor spread a canopy of pale purple shade overhead.
Ririko sat on a wrought-iron chair. Alberto sat beside her, leaning slightly toward her.
At last, Alberto brought up the subject he would rather have avoided but had to address:
"About last time... Father didn't do anything to you, did he?"
Ririko folded her parasol and tilted her head at him.
"Daddy knows how to take care of people." Her voice turned syrupy on that word, as though she really saw Carmine as nothing more than an elder.
Alberto held her hand, tightening his fingers a little. "You should stay away from him."
She lowered her head and pressed her lips together slightly.
"But we're still within Falcone territory." A trace of a tremor entered her voice. "We're bound to keep running into him..."
She raised her eyes to Alberto, filling them with just the right amount of fear and dependence to convey her helplessness.
Alberto raised his arm and gently drew her against his shoulder.
"I'll tell him I'm giving up my position as his heir, as long as you're willing to leave with me."
His tone was resolute, as though he were finally announcing a decision he had made long ago.
Ririko gazed at him and thought, He's finally taken the bait.
"What if he refuses?" Her voice grew softer. "He might use his power to force you to stay."
Alberto's fingers tightened a little more around her shoulder.
"I'm already prepared. I'll have power of my own, too. I'll never submit to him."
Ririko rested her head lightly on his shoulder.
Her