He nods. He knows something is up, and it’s killing him he isn’t capable to help. Tears run from the corners of his eyes and down the sides of his face.
I wipe his tears away and whisper, “Everyone is safe, Pop. You don’t need to worry.”
He nods again as he makes a feeble attempt at a smile.
Paramedics come rushing in, and before I leave his side for them to attend him, I say, “The ambulance is here, Pop. We’re gonna get you to the hospital as soon as possible.”
I step away, and the paramedics tend to my father while Dr. Siegel is barking orders. “You’ll have to do what you can for him here for a while.” I say to Dr. Siegel. “It’s not safe right now for them to pull away.”
He nods. “Where can we take him?”
“There is a small room off to the left of the ballroom. That should be the safest and will give you and the paramedics some privacy.” Dr. Siegel turns back toward the paramedics and I grab his arm, “I’m sure this goes without saying, but no cops!”
He nods and then tells the paramedics what they need to do. They get him on the stretcher and take him to one of the ballroom annexes, which is another windowless room. “Mamma, go with him. I’ll be there shortly.” I turn toward Marco. “Go with them.” Then I turn toward my brother and sister. “You both go too.”
“But, Mikey?” Marco questions.
“Fucking go, Marco. We have enough men here, and I need you with Pop. We’re good. Now go with them and keep them both safe.”
Just as Marco rushes down the hall behind my parents, I hear the helicopters overhead, and gunfire erupts around us. It sounds like a fucking war zone. The entire house rumbles and shakes as streams of bullets hit the back side of the house, and the screams of our guests fill the air. Thank God everyone made it inside in time.
I rush into the ballroom where everyone has gathered. I need to put them at ease. “Ladies and gentlemen. Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please?”
They are still screaming, and between that and the gunfire, I am sure they can’t hear me. From not too far away, I hear a loud and sharp whistle.
The room goes silent, and everyone looks at Ricco. “Michael has something to say,” he says, and they all turn toward me.
“Thank you, Ricco. Ladies and gentlemen, please remain calm. You are safe inside this room. If you have not noticed, this room has no exterior windows. As soon as we have secured the grounds, you will be free to go. I assure you we will do everything to ensure your safe return to your homes.”
A few minutes later, the gunfire subsides and Ricco sends his men to check the grounds. About an hour later, they come back inside with the all clear. The valets return to their posts, and they match cars with drivers so the guests can clear out.
Ricco walks toward me. “You doing okay?”
“Yeah. Just thankful nobody got hurt.” I rake my fingers through my hair. “Pop?” I ask him.
“The ambulance has already left. I made sure it was clear for them to leave for the hospital first.”
“Did you see him?”
“Yes, he’s lucid and holding his own. We’ll get you to the hospital as soon as we can.” He takes his hand and lays it on my shoulder. “He’s gonna be okay, Mikey. Don’t worry.”
I nod. “Ask the family heads to stick around. Take them into my office. I need to talk to them.”
“Yes, sir,” Ricco replies.
I go find Ice. “Hey, can you spare a few men?” I ask him.
“Sure, whatever you need,” he replies.
“I just need a couple guys parked outside my office door for a few minutes.”
He looks at his men who are standing around the front of the house, ensuring my guests make it to their cars safely. “Hawk, Spike, will you boys go with Michael and give him a hand?”
“Yep,” Spike says, and Hawk follows closely behind. We head down the hallway toward my office.
I stop them just outside my door. “If you boys could just hang out here for a few minutes, I’ve got the family heads in there for a quick meeting. Shouldn’t take too long.”
They nod, and once I walk inside, Ricco stands to leave. I hold out my hand for him to sit. “Ricco, I need you to stay.”
