Page 91 of Wicked Truths

I can’t just outright tell him what’s going on, or else the taxi driver will know. If he is a Rossi informant, then it can cause a domino effect of troubles for my family.

“Be safe. I’ll wait for you outside.”

“See you soon.” I hang up and slide into the backseat of the taxi.

The driver gives me a smile through the rear-view mirror. “You’re smart.”

“Huh?” I ask as he drives away from the arena.

“You’re a smart woman to call your uncle and tell him you’re on the way. There are a lot of evil men in town that would love to get their hands on you.”

My heart stops for a moment.

Fuck.

Double fuck.

What did I get myself into?

The driver stares at me for a moment before shaking his head. “Oh, no, not me. I support your family in all aspects of business.”

Is there more to this story? It seems like he’s trying to hint at something, but what? I don’t know.

“Thank you for your support, and for driving me to my uncle’s restaurant.”

“Anytime. Seriously, if you ever need a ride, call me. I’ll make sure you get there safely.” He reaches into his shirt pocket and pulls out a business card before handing it to me.

“Thank you.” I put his card in my wallet, so I can have it later. It will be nice to have a reliable driver since I don’t have a car yet.

It only takes five minutes to get to the restaurant, but true to his word, Uncle Tony is outside waiting for me.

He pays the taxi driver and thanks him for taking care of me. We head inside and he orders us dinner before showing me around the restaurant.

“The renovations look great. I love the new colors.”

Gone are the dark and dingy curtains and tablecloths. Brand new bright white ones are in their spots, making the restaurant feel more elegant and upscale.

Old and torn booths have been ripped out and replaced with tables and chairs.

“Wow, it’s so open and bright. It’s like a brand new restaurant.”

Uncle Tony motions for me to follow him to thekitchen. “I’d take the credit for the new look, but I hired an amazing interior designer.”

“Money well spent.”

“Yes, it was. Come with me. We will go to my office and you can tell me all about the family matters you need help with while we eat.”

I smile at the kitchen staff as we walk through the kitchen to Uncle Tony’s office.

Uncle Tony pushes the office door open. “Guys, you remember my niece Francesca?”

Several guys nod and greet me as I head towards the couch that AJ is laying on. Uncle Tony’s office has always been a lounge area for “his” members and AJ. Hell, it’s been my hangout spot on more than one occasion.

The large television is still hanging on the wall where I’ve watched movies after doing jobs for Uncle Tony. There’s always something on and always a group of guys focusing on it.

But not tonight. Tonight, the television is turned off, and there are only a few guys hanging out.

“Make some room for your favorite cousin.” I say, patting his legs.

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