He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "I don't know anything about it either. All Don gave me was an address."
"God help us."
Soon, some of the men began to approach. One lieutenant offered a respectful bow of his head.
"Donna," he said. "Congratulations on the baby."
Veronica smiled. "Thank you."
Another man followed. Then another. Their faces softened when they spoke of the child. Veronica handled it beautifully.
She thanked them, asked after their wives, their children. She remembered names Luca had mentioned only once.
Luca watched her with pride. This was what they did not understand. Veronica did not need a throne to rule a room. She did not need to be cruel or hardened. She entered people gently, found their human parts.
That was power too.
One of the older lieutenants stepped forward. His name was Aldo.
"You will make an amazing Don, Luciano," Aldo said. "We have always been proud of you."
Luca inclined his head slightly. "Careful, Aldo. Sentiment ages a man."
