“I’m not five anymore, Mom.”
“I’m well aware, but indulge me. Today’s been a trying day.”
We make grilled cheese sandwiches side by side, and Caleb shows up at the perfect moment just as we’ve plated a mountain of sandwiches and a jug of hot chocolate. We sit around my table, talking in low tones, as we eat and drink, and it reminds me of the past. When Mom would be waiting up after we got back from some bloody mission or a late-night party with sandwiches, apple cake, and hot chocolate.
“All we’re missing is your apple cake,” Caleb says, confirming our twin bond is still alive and kicking.
“I’ll give you a list for the grocery store tomorrow, and I’ll bake a cake for you.”
“You’re the best.” He leans over and hugs her. “It’s late. You should grab some sleep.”
“I’ll just clean up here and check with the night nurse.”
“Go. We’ll clean up,” I say, kissing her cheek.
“You can sleep beside her if you like. It would be good for you to be there when she wakes.”
“I was planning to.”
“The nurse will be in and out to check her vitals during the night, so I suggest you don’t sleep nude.”
“Gross,” Caleb mutters, like he’s some innocent altar boy.
Mom giggles. “Night, my loves.”
“Night, Mom.” We take turns hugging her, gathering up the plates and cups when she walks off to check on Gia before turning in.
“Update me,” I say as Caleb and I wash and dry dishes side by side. We could put them in the dishwasher, but I find it therapeutic washing dishes sometimes.
“There’s no sign of him. It’s like the prick vanished into thin air.”
“It’s possible he was collected by a chopper and he’s on a private jet halfway around the world by now.”
“I don’t care how long it takes, but we’re finding that motherfucker and making him pay.”
“He hurt her, Caleb. He really hurt her.” I pass him a wet plate.
“I saw the state she was in. He’s a monster.” He dries the plate and puts it away.
“I should never have left her side, or I should have sent someone to her place to pack up her stuff. I should never have taken her back to the city. I?—”
“Stop, brother. Stop.” He takes the last plate from my hand and dries it, putting it away as I drain the sink. “There is no point looking at all the what-ifs or should-haves. You can’t turn back the clock, and torturing yourself isn’t going to do anyone any good. Focus on caring for Gia and helping us to bury these assholes who dare to take potshots at us, our cousin, and your girl. Store all that frustration to use on our enemy.” He dries his hands and pulls me into a hug. “Let’s hit the gym tomorrow at some stage.”
“I’m not leaving her side. Ever again.”
“That might be awkward when she needs to shit.”
“Jesus. Do you always have to lower the tone?”
“Just keeping it real, broski.” He flashes me a grin that quickly fades. “Let me know what I can do to help, and it’s yours.”
“I might need you to attend the weekly board meetings at the company for the next while unless I can call in.”
“I don’t see how you can’t work remotely from here for as long as you need to. And if you want me to attend an in-person meeting, I’m there.”
“I spoke with Massimo on my way home. He’s ready to take the fight to the Barone and whomever is pulling their strings. He wants us to devise a plan to draw them out, and we’ll attack. He’s sent some men to Florida to spy on D’Onofrio, and he’s proposing we accelerate adding the new board members so we have more manpower to bolster our ranks.”
“Good. I’m done talking about this. We have enough information now to go on the offensive.” He yawns and rubs at his eyes. “There’s a meeting tomorrow to draw up plans. You can pass, and I’ll fill you in later or else call in. Massimo said it was your choice.”
