The Villa

brought trouble, and changes and grief. But it's also brought joy. In a few weeks Eli and I will have a new son, and more grandchildren. And, it seems," she added, turning toward Maddy, "a new enterprise. In the meantime, we've been threatened. I've given considerable thought to what can and should be done. James? Your legal opinion of our options."
    He set down his fork, gathered his thoughts. "While evidence indicates DeMorney was involved, even perhaps instrumental, in the embezzlement scheme, the tampering, there's no concrete proof. Donato's claims notwithstanding, there isn't enough to convince the district attorney to file charges on those matters, or Tony Avano's death. It's been confirmed that he was in New York when Sophia's car was tampered with."
    "He would have hired someone," David began.
    "Be that as it may, and I don't disagree, until the police have evidence against them, there's nothing they can do. And nothing," James added, "you can do. My best advice is to stay above it, let the system work."
    "No offense intended to you or your system, Uncle James, but it hasn't been working very well to date. Donato was murdered while he was in the system," Sophia pointed out. "And David was shot on a public street."
    "Those are matters for the Italian authorities, Sophie, and only tie our hands all the more."
    "He's harassing Sophie with those ads." Tyler shoved at his plate. "Why can't they be traced back to him?"
    "I wish I had the answers. This isn't a stupid man or, thus far, a careless one. If he's at the core of all of this, he's covered himself with layers of protection, alibis."
    "He walked into my apartment, sat down and shot my father in cold blood. I'd consider that, at the very least, a careless act. He needs to be punished. He should be hounded and pursued and harassed, just as he's hounded, pursued and harassed the family."
    "Sophia." Helen reached across the table. "I'm sorry. Sometimes justice isn't what we want it to be, or what we expect."
    "He set out to ruin us." Tereza spoke calmly. "He hasn't done so. Damaged, yes, caused us loss. But he'll pay a price for it. Today he was asked to resign his position at La Coeur. I'm pleased to believe that discussions Eli and I had with certain members of their board, and discussions David had with key executives bore this particular fruit."
    She sipped her wine, enjoyed the bouquet. "I'm told he didn't take it well. I'll use whatever influence I have at my disposal to see to it he finds no position at any reputable winemaker. Professionally, he's finished."
    "It's not enough," Sophia began.
    "It may be too much," Helen corrected. "If he's as dangerous as you believe, this sort of interference will push him into a corner, make it only more imperative that he strike back. As a lawyer, as your friend, I'm asking you… all of you, to leave it alone."
    "Mom." Linc shook his head. "Could you?"
    "Yes." The single syllable was a fierce declaration. "To protect what mattered most, I could. I would. Tereza, your daughter is about to be married. She's found happiness. She's weathered a storm, and so have all of you. This is a time for you to celebrate, to move on, not to focus on revenge and retribution."
    "We each protect what matters most, Helen. In our own way. The sun's going," she said. "Tyler, light the candles. It's a pleasant evening. We should enjoy it. Tell me, do you still pit your Pinot Noir against my Chenin Blanc?"
    "I do." He worked his way down the table, setting the candles to flame. "Of course, it's a win-win situation, as we're merged." When he reached the head of the table, he met her eyes. "Speaking of mergers, I'm going to marry Sophia."
    "Damn it, Ty! I told you—"
    "Quiet," he said so casually, Sophia sputtered into silence. "She's the one who asked me, but I thought it was a pretty good idea."
    "Oh, Sophie." Pilar leaped up from the table and rushed to throw her arms around her daughter.
    "I only wanted to wait until after your wedding to tell you, but big mouth here couldn't keep it shut."
    "That part was her idea, too," Tyler agreed as he circled the table. "Sophie's not wrong that often, so it's hard to get it through her head when she is. The way I figure it, you just can't have enough good news. Here."
    He grabbed her hand, holding it when she tugged. He took a ring out of his pocket and slipped the simple and spectacular square-cut diamond on her finger. "That makes it a deal."
    "Why can't you just… It's beautiful."
    "It was my