Page 19 of Under The Greek's Protection

“I would have to say personalities,” Mike says, holding up his glass. I raise my bottle to him, as we both take a swig of our drinks.

Leaning forward, I place the bottle on a coaster, on the table. “On a different note, Tech called while we were out, and informed me the perv checked himself out of the hospital and is on his way back to Atlanta.”

Zar nods. “Yeah, he called me with the same, but he also told me there’s still no sign of Trent, but the funeral arrangements have changed. Old man Ganino’s body is being shipped off to Italy for a private ceremony. Best guess is that’s where Trent’s hiding.”

I frown. “So, if we know he’s in Italy, why aren’t we going there to take his ass out? What are we waiting for?” I’m ready to jump on a plane to end this shit once and for all.

“Because it would be like going into the lion’s den with steaks wrapped around your entire body,” Balthazar says. “The Italians run Italy, Alistair. You know that. That’s why Trent is probably there instead of Dallas. He knows their numbers are greater there. With him now moving up to the Don of his family, they probably have him highly guarded, but...” He holds up his finger. “When he comes back to Dallas, he is on our territory. We out man them on our ground. I said I wanted Trent to come to me, and eventually he will. The key is to be ready for the manpower he’s going to bring with him.” Balthazar winks at me.

Grandfather sits back in his seat, taking a long pull from his cigar as he stares at Zar. After he blows out a thick puff of smoke, he praises, “Spoken like a true Boss.”

Balthazar closes his eyes as he lowers his head with respect. He then looks over at Mike. “Mike, can you have your people put eyes on Trent’s home, the old man’s too, and his businesses. He has to have someone running things while he’s MIA.”

Mike nods. “Yeah, I can have Tech take care of that.”

“What are you thinking, Zar,” Xander asks the question we all want to know.

Zar rubs his beard before responding, “Trent and his people knew we would attack either the funeral or the burial, which is why they rearranged plans. It’s cool though, I’m a patient man. When the snake shows his head again, we’ll be ready for him. Mike, my men are good, but I’d like to enlist the help of your crew as well. They will be paid for their services.”

Mike smiles. “They’re already on standby.”

“Good. Tonight, we’ll enjoy our family. Tomorrow we’re heading back to Dallas to get prepared,” Balthazar ended, throwing back the rest of his drink, then slamming the glass on the table.

By the time the ladies returned, we had hashed out a plan for Trent’s inevitable appearance. We even came up with a backup plan just as a precaution. Trent was going to meet his maker sooner than he ever anticipated.

Hailey came and sat next to me, while Devyn sat on the floor in front of GeeGee, who sat in one of the recliners so she could braid Devyn’s hair. I wonder if I can convince GeeGee to move in with us for a month or two, just to help Hailey and Devyn get situated? I make a note to pull her to the side before we leave tomorrow and ask. I can’t do it in front of Zar because he’ll shoot it down, thinking I’m trying to steal her away. Hell, we only stay two fucking blocks away from each other and he needs to remember that she was my nanny too. Stingy ass.

“So, Devyn, did you have fun seeing the sights today,” Grandfather asks with a warm smile. Just like the rest of us, he’s smitten with her too.

“I did, Grandfather,” she excitedly replies. “Even with that clown interrupting our dinner, I still had a blast. Alistair put him in his place though.”

“Alistair,” Father and Zar slowly call.

“Don’t be mad at him, the guy was an Κωλοτρυπιδα (asshole),” Devyn says in my defense, but it costs her a tap on the arm from GeeGee’s comb.

“Watch your mouth, little girl,” GeeGee reprimands. “I love you, but I will wash your mouth out with soap talking like that. You are a young lady, and lady’s do not speak like that, you hear me?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Devyn softly replies.

“What did she say,” Hailey asks, staring at me along with everyone else.

Ducking my head, I murmur, “Asshole”

“Really, Alistair,” Hailey hisses. “You must have taught her that while I went to the ladies room. When she asked you to teach her some Greek words, that was not one of them. If this is what you’re going to be teaching her, then the lessons are off. I can’t believe you would teach her that.”

“Shame on you, Alistair,” Mother scolds, giving me a disappointing look.

“Little brother, we’re going to need to work on your big brother skills,” Zar laughs.

I rear my head back at him. “Really, Zar? You were the one who taught it to me when we were kids.” Now all eyes are on him, good.

He holds up his hands in defense. “Hey, like you said we were kids. Plus, we were boys, Devyn is a girl and shouldn’t be saying stuff like that, so don’t try to turn this around on me.”

Devyn leans forward as GeeGee stands. “Come on Devyn, I’ll finish braiding your hair upstairs. I think you’ve had enough bad influence for one day.” GeeGee gives me a hard glare. Thank God, I wasn’t close to her or she probably would’ve given me more than a tap with her comb.

“Hailey, we’ll grab a pair of Devyn’s pajamas so she can sleep in my room on the daybed. It’ll be late by the time I finish her hair.”

“Oh, GeeGee that’s alright. I’ll come and get her before I go to bed,” Hailey tries to politely protest.

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