Sapphire

The room was silent. I wasn’t stupid. I knew Mom had a feeling that Gary had joined forces with the mafia, but I don’t think she was sure how deep he was in it. She never said anything to me, but I figured it out one night when I heard them talking. I had gotten up when I couldn’t sleep. I had left the kitchen and was heading back to my room when I heard voices. Gary was talking with one of the guys that came over frequently.

“When I was 13, I couldn’t sleep one night, so I went to the kitchen. As I was walking back, I heard voices, and at first, I thought Gary was watching a movie, but then I heard another voice, which I recognized. They were talking about usual everyday shit, but I did hear them mention the mafia, and then I heard them talking about it. I know Mom was always suspicious about his link to the mafia, but I don’t think she realized how deep his involvement was.” I tell them.

“Yes, Sapphire, we are in the mafia. Richard and I are cousins. Carmine is the c