Page 32 of Apple Martinis

“If he’s going to be in this family then he needs to be used to us just as we are. That way he can’t say he didn’t know how we act later.” Gio grins. “Besides, brothers pick on each other. Yes? Your friend in the other room. You two pick at each other? Like brothers?”

“Sometimes. Guess he’s my best friend.”

“Having a friend is good. I’ve never had any. Besides my wife of course.” Baratta says, taking a sip of his coffee.

“Fucking A! I’m in.” Gio shouts with triumph.

“About fucking time. I was beginning to think you’ve lost your touch.” Baratta says with a chuckle.

“Keep it up and I’ll tell Aunt Morgania who mowed down her roses.” Gio whispers loudly.

“What was that?” Our Aunt demands and Baratta looks at Gio like he’s thinking about where to hide his body. “Did you know Baratta was the one to mow down my roses?” She demands, turning to look at our Uncle who is laughing.

“It’s in the past sweetheart, Besides, didn’t we buy you new rose bushes? Imported from overseas. You love those bushes.” He grins down at her.

“That’s not the point. But I do love my bushes.” She grins back.

“So what is it you’re looking for?” I ask Gio, walking around to his side of the table to look over his shoulder. Baratta’s phone begins to ring and he gets up, walking out of the room so I take his seat at the table.

“I can use the traffic cameras to track the direction the van went. Possibly even see where they stopped and hopefully still are.”

“Then we can call the cops so they can go check it out.” I start nodding until I notice Gio is looking at me like I’m crazy.

“No. Then we’ll go take care of it with the help of some friends of course.” Gio says, turning back to his computer.

“You can’t really be thinking of going there with just Baratta. There could be more than a few of them with a lot of guns or something.” I say, while my mind is telling me that I’m beginning to sound like a complete fucking spazz.

“Rome, there’s quite a bit about our family that you don’t yet know. Let’s just say that mine and Baratta’s job entails getting into some crazy places with extremely dangerous people then making sure they are no longer a threat.”

He looks me straight in the eye with complete seriousness and I wonder what exactly it is they do.

“Skeeter and his boys will be pulling up in a few minutes.” Baratta announces as he walks back into the kitchen.

Just then, we all hear the roar of motor cycles as they get closer to the house. If last night was the longest night of my life, today has been the weirdest by far.

We all walk to the front door and onto the porch when the first bike comes to a stop in my driveway.

A large man gets off the bike, taking his helmet off and placing it on the seat. Several others pull in as well, all of whom are wearing a leather jacket with the name Nighthowler’s MC on the back.

“Skeeter. Thank you for coming.” Baratta shakes his hand.

“Mr., Mrs. Marcus. How have you been?” He asks, taking Uncle Tony’s hand for a shake.

“We’ve been better. How’s your wife?” Aunt Morgania asks and his cheeks turn red with a grin.

“She’s pissed the fuck off because she’s nine months pregnant and can’t seem to go into labor no matter how much walking she does. The doctor told her yesterday that if our son didn’t make an appearance by the first of next week, he’d induce her.” He laughs.

“Poor girl. I know her pain.” My Aunt shakes her head before turning to me. “This is our nephew, Rome. It’s his girlfriend that was taken.”

“Nice to meet you. Sorry about what you’re going through. Hopefully we can get this over with sooner than later.” He turns back to Baratta, “Gio tracked it yet? Buzz came too in case we need more eyes on the cameras.”

“Tell him to come on in. Gio’s in the kitchen.”

Skeeter motions to one of the other men who walk up and straight into the house with a backpack on.

“Don’t worry. With both of them looking, it won’t take long to track them. We’ll get your girl back.” Skeeter says as we all move back into the house.

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