Page 50 of Wicked Truths

There are no exceptions.

And even though I want to stay here with Francesca and pour my heart out, I have duties to attend to.

The guys exit the apartment building like they are headed to a party and not a job for the mafia boss. Joey gives me a friendly head nod before climbing into his car while Spencer hops into mine.

“Let’s go!” He says as he claps his hands together.

I roll my eyes and follow Joey out of the parking lot. “You are way too excited about this job tonight.”

“There’s nothing to it. Unload the shipment from the ship, load it into the vans, and deliver the goods to the businesses.”

“That’s if they show up on time, or show up at all.”

“Man, you’re being too pessimistic right now for my good mood.”

“This is the third time we’ve goneto the docks hoping to receive the shipment, so I’m not too optimistic about our night going to plan.”

“But it’s the first time Arturo sent a text saying to get to the docks. It’s either to unload the shipment or to get answers.”

“Yeah, let’s hope it’s to unload the shipment. I’ve got too much on my mind right now to get answers.”

“I’m always up for getting answers, you know that, but what’s going on with you?”

“Oh, you know, same old, same old.”

“Is Francesca still giving you a hard time? I thought the two of you were in the process of mending things?”

“We were. Until Arturo messaged.”

“Damn. I’m sure she will understand. After all, this is her life.”

I shake my head. “But it’s not her life. She’s not a part of this.”

“Then make her a part of this. Fill her in on everything that has happened and everything that is happening. She deserves to be a part of all of this and to know what her family is involved in.”

“You know that won’t help anything. No one goes against Arturo. They don’t want her involved.”

“That’s bullshit, and you know it. She’s stronger than they think she is. Plus, her being in the dark about operations only paints a huge target on her back.”

“You don’t think I know that? Of course I know that, and I worry about her. Between the season starting, shipments being late, and wanting Francescaback in my life, I have no time to go against Joey and Arturo.”

“Hey, I get it. A woman like Francesca and a love like you two had doesn’t come around very often. Let alone twice. You need to make things right with her. After we finish the job tonight, of course.”

I roll my eyes. “Yeah, if she talks to me after the way we left things.”

When we get to the shipyard, one of Arturo’s men steps out of the shadows and opens the gate. I follow Joey through the front gate, stopping to let the man jump into the bed of my truck after he closes the gate.

“Push all your problems to the side for now. You will have plenty of time to grovel in the future.” Spencer says as I park beside Joey.

“From your lips to God’s ears.” I mumble as I get out of my car and head to the waiting ship.

The shipment is just now being unloaded as we approach the docks.

“Right on time to start working.”

Arturo yells at his men to back the vans out of the bay as he wipes the blood off his fists. Two guys are sitting on the ground at his feet, tied up, gagged, and bloodied.

Spencer huffs from beside me. “Damn, I was looking forward to knocking some heads together.”

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