“Thanks, Benny.”
“How soon do you need this done?”
“ASAP, if not sooner.”
“I could probably move a few things around and get on it right away. But it’ll cost extra.”
Gennaro knew he had the reputation of being a tightwad. Given the restrictions Pinkie had on him, it had been a necessity. But if Coulter really was Fratelli, all of that would change.
“No problem,” he said. “Whatever it takes.”
Chapter 12
The ER doctor shined thelight into Stone’s eyes, then turned it off and straightened up.
“Have you ever had a concussion?”
The curtain surrounding Stone’s bed opened wide enough for Dino to step through. “I can answer that.”
“And you are?” the doctor asked.
“Against my better judgment, his emergency contact.”
“And the commissioner of police,” Fred said. He was standing on the opposite side of the bed from the doctor.
“As in Commissioner Bacchetti?” the doctor asked.
“That’s me.”
“I’m sorry, Commissioner. I didn’t recognize you.” The doctor’s eyes narrowed. “You look different in person.”
“Better, I assume.”
“Doctor,” Stone said, “think carefully before you respond.”
The doctor looked between Stone and Dino. “How about someone answermyquestion instead? Past concussions, yes or no?”
“Yes,” Dino said.
“More than one?”
“Also, yes.”
The doctor frowned. “Well, you don’t look like you have one now, but if you have a history of them, it wouldn’t take much to have another. You should take it easy for the next few days.”
“I promise, I will refrain from all contact sports,” Stone said. He touched his jaw. “It does hurt when I talk, though.”
“I’m not surprised. Perhaps you should also try not talking for a day or two.”
“Doctor, he’s a lawyer,” Dino said. “I’m not sure that’s possible.”
“Don’t listen to him, Doctor,” Stone said. “I’ll do my best.”
The doctor smiled. “Then my work here is done.”
“Does that mean I’m free to go?”
“Once the discharge paperwork is ready.”
