Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 111537 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 558(@200wpm)___ 446(@250wpm)___ 372(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111537 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 558(@200wpm)___ 446(@250wpm)___ 372(@300wpm)
“I’ll fix it,” he says simply, and then walks away.
I come unmoored from my post for a moment, deprived of his support. But then I straighten my shoulders, determined to see this through on my own. My brother needs me, and I’m not going to rest until I know he’s well.
CHAPTER 44
FRANCISCO
My head is swimming. I’d like nothing more than to step into the shower and afterward, indulge in some scotch like my son is doing. But I want to get Marlena squared away first. Having the doctor see to her brother is a good first step, but I’d feel better if she took care of herself as well.
Seeing her suffer isn’t something I’m prepared to do. I have contacts, and I have options. I just need to find one that fits the situation. After declaring my intention to fix things for her, I go downstairs to my office.
The house is still on high alert. No one’s drinking in the kitchen or playing video games in the den. They’re all standing at attention, posted throughout the house ready for action. Frankie is sitting on a couch in the living room staring at the wall. The television is dark, and the glass of scotch is nowhere to be found.
“You okay?” I ask.
“Hmm?” he responds, tilting his head slowly toward me as if it weighs a thousand pounds.
“Go to sleep,” I say.
He sniffs, forcing his eyes open and then shut. He follows my instructions, getting up slowly and heading for the stairs. At least, one of my family members is taking care of themselves.
I watch him until he gets all the way to the top and disappears down the hallway. Then I turn right, glancing into the kitchen as I pass. Giovanni is sitting at the island, drinking. He looks similar to Frankie, except that he’s been through this before.
Our eyes meet, and Giovanni gives me a nod. I pass him by without comment. We’re on the same page, and nothing needs to be said. I know he’ll be okay, and that I don’t have to worry about chasing him to bed.
Inside my office, I’m comforted by the familiarity of the place. I remember how much I hate being stuck here day after day, working on monotonous things. Suddenly, it doesn’t seem so bad.
I put in a call to Carmine in Italy. He picks up on the third ring, and I can hear the noise of Bella’s restaurant in the background.
“Cousin!” Carmine salutes me.
“Hello,” I respond, dropping heavily into my seat.
“How was your flight?” he asks.
“Fine,” I say. “There’s been some developments.”
“Tell me,” he wonders.
“We were attacked by Andretti’s crew,” I say, not getting into the specifics. “Your men were a big help.”
“I’m glad,” Carmine replies.
“We managed to find Marlena’s brother, and he’s here now, but he’s got some medical complications,” I report, trying to keep any emotion out of my voice.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Carmine says. “Is there anything I can do?”
“Yes,” I respond, pleased that he’s opened the door for my request. “I don’t think it’s safe here for them at the moment. I’d like to put them on a plane and send them back to Italy.”
“Of course,” Carmine replies. “Marlena is always welcome here. And I’d like to meet her brother, my other missing cousin.”
I nod to myself, feeling a whole lot better now that I know Marlena has a safe place to go. “I’m going to send them back with a gift for you.”
“No need,” Carmine says.
“Come on,” I insist. “I want to thank you. What do you want from America?”
“How about a cheeseburger?” Carmine jokes.
“I’ll send a chef,” I say, upping the ante.
“Better not,” Carmine declares. “My sister would pitch a fit if there were any competition.”
I smile. “Alright then, I’ll think of something.”
We hang up, and I sit staring at my desk, not seeing any of the work waiting for me. My mind is a blur, and I know I won’t be doing any real business today. I check my calendar just to make sure there’s nothing pressing. A few texts later, and my schedule is clear.
I go to the kitchen to join Giovanni for a drink. He takes one look at me and pours a second glass. We don’t talk. We just sit there drinking in silence.
“Go to bed,” Giovanni suggests.
“I’m good,” I mutter.
“I’m not,” Giovanni says. He stands up and puts his glass in the sink. He doesn’t need to; we have a cleaning staff that will take care of things for him. But he’s contentious like that. “It won’t hurt to admit that you’re human.”
I laugh. He’s got me pegged. Here I am, trying to fix everything for everyone else and not paying any attention to myself, but I’ve got one more thing I have to do before I call it quits for the day. I have to make sure Marlena’s alright.