Page 184 of Morally Corrupt

"Nope. In fact, I should have thought of that. Yes..." He nods, more to himself. "That might be your best bet. Otherwise, you'll have who knows how many cartels after you, and possibly the Irish too."

I'm stunned. I hadn't had the time to think about the repercussions of Jimenez's death, or the fact that we were related. But Vlad does make sense... Chances are, the moment I'm out the hospital I'll be a hunted man, regardless of my position in NYPD, or maybe even because of it.

"I guess you're right,” I admit, and Vlad hufs.

"Of course I'm right. I'm always right."

His hand goes to the pocket of his blazer and he removes a pack of gum, popping some into his mouth. Why do I feel like I've seen this exact scene too many times before?

"I'll even help you,” he says while chewing.

"Gee, thanks." I add dryly.

Vlad turns to leave.

"Although... One more thing." He turns slightly. "Cut Marcello some slack... Don't shut him out until you've heard his side of the story."

I raise a brow at him.

"Really? That's what you have to say? When you've known all along who he was?"

"My relationship with Marcello is complicated at best. But he isn't like me. And I know he valued your friendship."

"How? By betraying me?"

Vlad pauses a little, his eyes narrowing a little.

"Things are rarely as they seem Hastings. Just...listen to him. If anyone deserves a second chance, it's Marcello." He shakes his head. "He's a wretched being, that man. Even for my standards.”

"That's assuming he will even try to explain why he did." I grunt.

"He might. It really isn't my place to say anything but..." He takes a deep breath. "The things Marcel has lived... It's a wonder he is who he is today."

"Fine..." I grumble, not wanting to delve deeper into this.

Vlad gives me a mock salute and leaves.

It's only been hours since I've recovered my memories, so I can't say I've had the time to ponder the reasons behind Marcel's betrayal.

Marcello, I correct myself.

I shake my head at the thought. He didn’t just betray me. He wasn't even who I thought he was.

Marcello Lastra. The son of a mobster. A mobster himself for all I knew.

I let out a sarcastic laugh.

Why does this seem so familiar?

It feels like only a while ago I went through the same thing with Bianca.

They'd both hidden who they really were and lied to me. And yet, I'd forgiven Bianca...

But she didn't betray you,my inner voice tells me.

Yeah, there is a slight difference between Bianca's treachery and Marcel's. Bianca had never meant me harm. In fact, she'd done everything in her power to protect me, even when it meant putting herself in dangerous situations.

Marcel... He knew. He knew everything, damn it!

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