Page 85 of Cursed Confessions

I watch Fee process this information, seeing a mix of emotions play across her face.

“So… that’s it?” Fee asks, her voice small. “We just… erase him?”

Fucina nods, her eyes softening slightly. “That’s it. By the time I’m done, Jonah Ansel will be nothing more than a ghost.”

As Fucina gets to work, I pull Fee close, feeling her tremble slightly.

“It’s going to be okay,” I murmur. “We’re going to get through this.”

Fee nods, leaning into me.

Fucina’s fingers fly over the keyboard, her focus intense. “Give me a few hours. Jonah Ansel will be nothing but a digital ghost.”

I nod. “Thanks, G. I owe you one.”

She snorts, not looking up from her screen. “One? I could fill a three-volume book with all the favors you owe me, Pirelli.”

“Add it to my tab,” I quip.

Fucina waves a hand dismissively. “Let yourselves out. I’ve got work to do.”

I chuckle, turning to Fee. “That’s Genesis-speak for ‘get the hell out of my space.’”

“I said let yourselves out, not narrate your exit, smartass,” Fucina calls out.

Fee looks a bit overwhelmed as we leave. “Is she always like that?”

“Only on her good days.” I grin. “Where to now?”

“Can we visit Zip at the hospital?” Fee asks softly.

“Of course,” I say, guiding her to the car.

We’re just pulling into the hospital parking lot when my phone rings. It’s Joey from the shop.

“Boss, we’ve got a client here. Says he’s got something vintage to trade in, looking for something specific. Thought you might want to take a look.”

I sigh, glancing at Fee. “Alright, I’ll be there soon.”

Hanging up, I turn to Fee. “I’ve got to head to the shop. Will you be okay here? I can pick you up later.”

Fee nods, squeezing my hand. “I’ll be fine. Go, do what you need to do.”

As I watch her walk into the hospital, I can’t shake the feeling that something’s off. But business calls, and I’ve got a shop to run.

I just hope everything’s alright with Zip. And that Fucina’s magic works its wonders. Because right now, we need all the help we can get.

Pulling into the parking lot of the shop, I head inside. Joey points to my office. “The client’s in there. I said you were on your way.”

“Thanks, Joe,” I mutter as I head to the back office. As I push open the door to my office, the world grinds to a halt.Gino’s sitting behind my desk, his feet propped up, a smug grin plastered across his face.

“Well, well," he drawls. "If it isn’t Don Pirelli himself. Nice of you to join me.”

In an instant, my gun is in my hand, aimed squarely at his chest. “Get the fuck out of here, Gino,” I snarl at him. “You’re lucky I don’t shoot you on sight for the fucking sick shit you pulled yesterday.”

Gino laughs, the sound grating on my nerves. He sits up slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. “Now, now, Angelo. We both know you won’t do that. Not unless you want to start a war with La Familia. And we both know you’re not that stupid.”

I grit my teeth, keeping my gun steady. Every instinct screams at me to pull the trigger, to end this threat once and for all. But he’s right, damn him. I can’t risk a war. Not now.

---