“Please, don’t! I’m a surgeon. I save lives!”
Alexander took his time finishing off his drink before standing. As he walked close to us, a smile crossed his face. “And I take them when necessary. Either you find out what I want to know and bring your brother to me, or you won’t need to worry about your patients any longer.”
The two men stared at each other for a full minute before Alexander gave me the go-ahead. I waited as my Don and older brother walked toward the door before following his orders.
Carmine’s whimper was a reminder that the world of the mafia wasn’t for everyone. He was best suited to continue being a doctor.
I lifted the hammer, taking a heavy swing.
Putting one huge dent in the bar’s surface.
It took a few seconds for Carmine to realize his fingers were all intact.
However, he’d likely need a change of clothes. At least his trousers.
I headed toward the door, stopping just before walking out. “One question, Carmine, and I need a truthful answer. Do you know a girl by the name of Anastasia, perhaps one of the daughters of the Five Families? The Scavullo family, maybe?”
He glanced at me, shaking his head with enough vehemence I knew his neck would hurt later. “No. I’m sorry. I just never cared about that life. You know that.”
At least I knew he was telling the truth.
I’d learned several extremely valuable aspects about life and leadership in the last few days.
One. Know thy enemies even abroad.
Two. Dwelling on the past only provided blinders.
Three. Caring about someone wasn’t a weakness, but not doing so was a death sentence.
Emmeline:Roses. Don’t forget the huge bouquet of roses. Don’t be a cheapskate either. Three dozen minimum.
Huffing, I fought to keep from choking. Zorro peered over my shoulder, staring at the screen. His whine brought a smile.
“It’s okay, buddy. Nothing for you to worry about.”
“What the hell is that?” Alexander asked.
“Emmeline reminding me to purchase roses for Anastasia’s performance tonight. You know our sister.”
“Yes, I do. She does keep you on your toes.”
Me:I have no intention of forgetting.
Now, where the hell was there a flower shop?
Emmeline:Right. The best florist is Valley Flowers on Stargazer Avenue.
I rolled my eyes and scratched under Zorro’s chin.
Me:I think I know how to purchase some flowers.
When her reply was a devil emoji, I almost tossed my phone.
“Emmeline is going to drive me crazy.”
“Yeah, well, she knows how you are and wants the best for you. But watch out. Her bite is worse than her bark.” He lifted his eyebrows.
“True for all women.”
