Page 33 of Unforgivable Ties

People came, people left, until I finally reached my stop. Much like where I had previously lived, it wasn’t a popular exit. There were only a few people mulling around as I got off the subway and climbed the stairs.

I didn’t realize it at first, but they always had someone stationed when I got off. Which was nice of them. I appreciated that if I was attacked by someone I’d have a member of the mafia swoop in and save me.

The walk felt short, as I was still lost in my thoughts about Vincenzo. Before I knew it, I had opened the front doors of the warehouse and was walking down the hallway to the medical bay, where Cesare was waiting for me.

“Don Ettore is coming in today,” he said, pushing his glasses up his nose.

“Who is Don?” I asked, tilting my head.

Cesare muttered something in Italian and rubbed his forehead. “A Don is the top of an Italian Mafia family. Don Ettore Moretti oversees,” he gestured around the room with his hands. “Everything.”

“Oh,” I said, my face paling. “So he’s the top boss?”

What the heck did the boss of the Mafia look like? Vincenzo exuded scariness, and he wasn’t even the head honcho. This would probably be the most terrifying man I had ever met in my life.

“Correct. His wife is pregnant and we’ll be doing an ultrasound.”

“We?” I asked incredulously. “I’m sure he doesn’t want some med student—”

“You will do it and I will confirm your work,” Cesare interrupted me. His eyes bore into mine, leaving no room for argument. “Don Ettore trusts me and my judgement. If I say you are capable, he will not question it.”

“Um, I’ve only read about giving ultrasounds. I haven’t exactly…done one.”

He patted his hand on my shoulder as he walked towards the storage room. “You’re bright, you’ll pick it up quick. And don’t worry, his wife is nice.”

His wife?What about the top mob boss who pays my $100,000 year tuition? I felt like that might be a touch more important.

Cesare wheeled a computer and an ultrasound wand out of the storage room. It clearly saw little use. The screen was smudged and the mobile table squeaked as he pulled it across the floor. He plugged in a few wires, pressed some buttons, and handed me a manual.

“When will they be here?” I asked.

“Fifteen minutes or so.”

“Fifteen minutes?!” I screeched.

That was not enough time, but what choice did I have? I ripped open the manual, trying to absorb all the information I could in that little time. I learned this in my first year of med school, and I didn’t plan on becoming an OBGYN, so it wasn’t something I had committed to memory.

Those fifteen minutes seemed to move faster than any other normal day. I tried to focus as I read the manual and tried to recall what I had learned my first year in med school.

Cesare ignored my panic, setting up the machine and getting the examination table ready. Before I knew it, the doors swung open, and a couple walked in.

Don Ettore Moretti was not what I was expecting. I had expected an older man, gruff looking with greying hair and scars. He looked like a male model. His hair was black, styled neatly, and he had a hint of a tan. He had a square jawline and wore a designer Italian suit.

“Cesare,” he said, greeting my mentor, who nodded back at him.

“And you’re the intern?” he said, directing his gaze towards me.

Ok, he was still scary when he spoke. I nodded, too afraid to speak.

“Ettore,” he said, extending his hand. “This is my wife, Liria.”

“I’m Stephanie,” I said, shaking both of their hands. “It’s nice to meet you.”

I was doing well so far. I hadn’t passed out from fear yet. But the true challenge was yet to come.

“I’m going to have Stephanie attempt the ultrasound first,” Cesare said to Ettore and Liria. “And I will watch her work.”

“Sure!” Liria said, smiling.

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