Page 109 of Royal Flush

I furrowed my brows immediately. “Please. I’ve been watching him like a hawk. I went to Australia, for fuck’s sake, and confronted him.”

“Which wasn’t in your best interest.”

I pushed away from the wall, doing my best to calm the fuck down. “Whatever. That man was placed into a difficult position when his buddy was killed. He couldn’t stay in the protected position he’d been able to with Justin. He’s been investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the CIA for wire fraud.”

“Maybe so but I had a report he’s in this country and in fact, in California.”

The news was almost exciting, yet I remained in disbelief. “Bullshit. Whoever told you that crap is wrong.”

“Yeah, well, I told the guy to get photographs as proof. But he’s trustworthy. I believe him.”

“Then what the fuck is he doing in town?” I doubted the man would come here to hunt her down. Although he had been promised her hand in marriage. There was a tremendous chance many terrible things had occurred that I didn’t know about.

“You’ll laugh at this. Would you believe there’s a conference of sorts for mafia leaders?”

At this point, I’d buy almost anything. “Where the hell is this happy little event occurring?”

“Long Beach.” He waited for my reaction. “Don’t worry. One way or the other I will confirm he and his crew flew in but just think about the possibilities.”

“Maybe he got wind she was on the move, heading to see me.”

Valerio nodded. “It’s entirely possible. We also have no idea what kind of promise Justin made to the man. Including in his will.”

I hadn’t thought about that possibility. “I need confirmation.”

“You have it,” Gage said, appearing out of nowhere. “A little bird told me earlier that Santini had been sighted. I forced the man to confirm. Take a look at this.” As he handed me his phone, my blood boiled.

He was standing outside a quaint-looking Long Beach hotel with the notorious mafia Don of Los Angeles. The bastard was smoking a cigar, a smile on his face. “You can’t be serious.”

“Very. There’s some coalition that’s formed, although no one knows a damn thing about it. I guess you are invited only if you’re mafia scum.” Gage was grinning.

I had no idea how to respond other than the man certainly had the prime opportunity to take his bride once and for all. When I noticed the doctor taking long strides down the hospital corridor, I stiffened.

This time, Gage provided comfort by pressing his hand against the middle of my back. “Take it easy.”

Easy.

That was the last thing I could do. I bolted forward, charging like a lion. Fortunately, Dr. Myers didn’t seem daunted or worried in the least. We’d sparred, had a few drinks together, and had gained a mutual respect for each other.

He threw out his hand just as I closed the distance. “Mr. Royal. Take a deep breath.”

“We’re talking about the woman I love and my child.” Other than with Jasmine a few minutes ago, I hadn’t made the statement of how I felt out loud.

“I understand and I wish I could provide you with better news. We’re going to continue to test for any signs of internal bleeding. With the blunt force trauma from the vehicle, all Ms. Sinclair’s vitals need to be monitored carefully. There is damage to the spleen, so I’m having her prepped for surgery.”

“And the baby?” Valerio asked.

I knew the man’s souring expression well enough. “I’m not going to mince words. The fetal heartbeat isn’t strong. However, if both Ms. Sinclair and the baby make it through the surgery then the percentage of their survival will be higher. If you’re a praying man, I’d head to the chapel. I’ll keep you informed.”

“How long will the surgery take?” Gage pressed.

“With no complications, a couple of hours.”

A couple of hours. It was enough time that I’d go mad. I couldn’t say anything. I closed my eyes, doing what I could not to become more emotional that I already was.

“Hang in there, Mr. Royal. We’re doing everything we can.” While I considered David a friend, I couldn’t relax, couldn’t breathe, and wouldn’t until she was out of danger.

“Thank you, Doctor. We appreciate the update,” Valerio answered for me. Ordinarily I would be furious with him for doing so but not this go-around. I had no words left in me.

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