I smiled. “Even though you’re being sneaky right now, I’m going to allow it.”
He was smart enough to give me a sheepish smile. “Thanks, Auntie.”
“You’re welcome, sweetness.”
His doctor walked in a few minutes later and Luca and I stepped into the hallway with him so we could speak privately. My parents stayed with Felix.
“Overall, Felix is very lucky. He has a few small bruises, but no signs of sexual trauma, or any other kind of physical trauma, and he had enough ketamine in his system to keep him out, but not kill him. Only time will tell what emotional scars he will have, and I’ll give you a list of some pediatric counselors I trust.”
I nodded, tears streaming down my face, while Luca stood stoically with his hands in his pockets. “You’re sure they didn’t... hurt him?”
“It doesn’t appear so,” the doctor said. “Again, the psychological side of things will manifest itself in several ways, so just keep him close and watch him.”
“Okay,” I rasped.
“There’s a note here about a paternity test. Do you give me permission to take a cheek swab?”
“Yes,” I said. “Absolutely.”
He smiled. “Felix appears to be a happy, well-adjusted young boy, Ms. Moretti, so you have done a wonderful job with him. Losing a parent is difficult enough, but it’s obvious he feels safe and loved, so, well done.”
“Thank you. It takes a village,” I said. “We’re all very close.”
“I’ll go ahead and take the swab, then you’re free to take Felix home.”
I laid my hand on my chest with a sigh. “Thank you so much.”
“My phone number will be on the paperwork, so you feel free to reach out if you have any questions.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
He nodded and we walked back into Felix’s room. Once the swab was taken, I let Felix finish his pudding, then we got him changed and I signed him out. We were finally going home.
* * *
Stoney
Iwalked into the clubto find Sundance on the phone, pacing and seething with rage.
“What’s goin’ on?” I asked Wrath, one of my fellow Road Captains.
“Not sure. He’s been on the phone for about ten minutes.”
I frowned. “That doesn’t look good.”
“Stoney!” Sundance bellowed. “My office, now.”
“Well, shit,” I hissed, following my president down the hall.
Sundance chucked his phone on the desk and I closed the door behind us.
“The money’s gone.”
“What do you mean the money’s gone?” I asked.
“Sasha sent a crew. When they got there, the money was gone, but a SWAT team was waiting.”
“Fuck,” I snapped, dragging my hands down my face.
