“Why do you say that?” I ask as I flip open the information.
Nicolo answers, “Connor is…unique. We actually think he’ll be a good fit here. He very much operates in a grey area. To be honest, we’re both somewhat surprised that he is licensed, but his review rating is extremely high, for good reason, and it's likely why he has no complaints. Straight kidnapping is our suggestion. We actually think he’ll respect that.”
“Hmm…in other words, Jude, you’ll want to be careful flirting with him like you do me. He may be insulted if you just tease him.” Javi smirks at Jude, and I question the man’s sanity.
Jude pinches the bridge of his nose before glaring at the psychiatrist. “When I threaten to stab you, it isnotflirting.”
Shrugging, Javi replies, “I feel otherwise, but if that lie helps you…”
The twins exchange confused glances, but I merely sigh as I flick through the papers, before stopping in shock. My gaze flies up, but my eyes don’t know who to land on. I let out a strangled, “He’s a Daddy?”
“Ah, yeah…about that,” Nicolo says. “He actually uses it in his practice, hence the questionable ethics part. But it is completely nonsexual.”
Leandro snorts, but doesn’t say anything. I’m sure he’s thinking the same thing the rest of us are. Putting a Daddy in with a bunch of horny fuckers who can’t seem to stop growing harems? Probably not ideal…
“He is the best for a reason. We need him.” Javi shuts the folder with a finality that despite being whisper quiet manages to sound loud. Considering Doc’s matching stubborn expression, I know we’re fucked.
Sighing, I want to curse, but it’s not like there’s much I can say at this point. “Alright, who is going to take point on kidnapping the guy? I’m assuming Javi and Doc are going to want to talk with him when he gets here?”
“Carter will need to be there as well. And at least one of the Voices,” Jude corrects. “But as far as the actual kidnapping, there are too many of us out of action. I need suggestions.”
He has a point, and unfortunately, all the Martellis I’d choose have been put in the no category—including myself. I can pretty much hear Jayden’s voice in the back of my mind if Iwereto nominate myself. With a sigh, I ask, “How about Tennant? I know he’s busy going between hospital rooms right now, but he at least knows how to kidnap someone. With Nario and Nicolo as backup.”
Jude doesn’t seem thrilled, but grunts in agreement. “I’ll talk with him after this, and hopefully, get it set up.”
“Alright, now that brings us to Brannigan. As you can see, his folder is much thicker. For the good news, we found out what he’s hiding from everyone.”
We all lean forward, especially Javi, whose interest is piqued. I scan the documents in front of me, but there’s a lot of background that is pointless to me. Antonio taught them to be thorough, and it shows.
This time, Nario answers, which surprises me, but the words land like a bomb, and I understand Nicolo keeping quiet. “It turns out, he has a kid.”
“You want to kidnap a kid?” I hiss, knowing where we all stand on this.
Nario’s cutting glare does nothing to ease my frustration, but he continues as if I didn’t speak. “It’s technically his sister’s kid, but she died in labor, and he took custody after being named guardian. The adoption was finalized last year, and it cost a pretty penny, as the grandfather—Brannigan’s dad—tried to fight for custody, and he’s a rich fucker.
“Accusations were thrown around, including attempted kidnapping. We’re still looking into the validity of that claim, but it appears truthful, especially as it spooked Brannigan so much that he’s spending the majority of his income on security.”
“I knew I should have killed the man’s father too. So many regrets,” Javi mutters, but we all ignore him. Although it makes me wonder who Javididkill.
“Anyway,” Nicolo picks up smoothly, “It turns out, the kid has a heart condition. They need surgery, and unfortunately, it’s not cheap, especially since he’s been trying to get one of the best pediatric heart surgeons. He managed to make it so far before he had to give up, and now they’re just managing the condition.
“Without the surgery, there’s still a good chance the child will live. But with the surgery, it’ll resolve everything, and the kid will live a full and happy pain-free life. Insurance won't cover enough, and despite his research on charities and fundraisers, he’s nowhere near close to affording it.”
“Hmm…so if we kidnap those two, as long as we have the heart surgeon on hand, we may be good? The whole ‘ask for forgiveness not permission’ thing?”
Javi frowns, brushing his hair back with his fingers. “There are actually two options. Yes, you could do that. But you could also arrange the surgery anonymously, and after the child's operation, have a discussion with him. At that point, if you’re not pushy, his own natural sense of fair play and sense of obligation may kick in and he'll be willing to join us.”
“That’s a pretty big risk though. He could easily turn us down.” I don’t like the idea of kidnapping a kid, but at least if we fix the situation…
“The Council will need to make that decision,” Jude states, shutting any arguments down. “If anything, this could be an opening volley. Either way, we’ll get them both here, and hopefully, without too much of a headache.”
I can barely stop my snort. If Jude thinks kidnapping and setting things up like this is easy…well, it’s true that he doesn’t have the experience us Martellis do. But he’s right. What matters is getting these two on board, and hopefully, they’re worth it. Fuck knows we could use all the help we can get. Even if it is a damn empire for a psychotic psychiatrist to manage.
Akilling/torture session followed by a kidnapping? It’s been a while since I’ve had this much fun. Though, I doubt my Little Lamb would appreciate it if this adventure ended with a blow job… He is quite protective of hisShining Stars.
Not that I can afford another tick in my shitlist column with Hol… He hasn’t done anything about me and Javi yet, which makes me marginally fear for Javi’s safety, but not enough to warn the psychiatrist. It’ll be his “Welcome to the Family” present from Hollis—if he lives.
Connor Throne is rather boring. His routine is straightforward, and staking him out wasn’t nearly as exciting as it should have been for a man who apparently needs to be kidnapped to agree to work with us.
