Page 120 of The Boss

Nico drove in silence until the turnoff for the marina. “I’m sorry it worked out this way.”

“You learn in life, Nico, that no matter how much you plan, how much time and effort you put into a friendship and no matter if blood is involved, often you end up disappointed.”

“That doesn’t sound like you.I gynaíka sou édose mia kardiá.”

The woman has given you a heart.

I laughed. “You could be right, my friend. In fact, I know you are.”

He’d no sooner pulled into the parking spot than I was halfway out the door. I heard music coming from the smaller yacht my father owned. With it being anchored several hundred feet from shore, I could only imagine what the other guests at the marina thought.

“Your pops is cranking up Frank Sinatra again,” Nico said.

“Yeah, so I hear.” His favorite artist. I kept telling him he needed to get into the modern age, but the man had chided me on not appreciating decent music.

I laughed to myself as I thought about the thirty-footer. It hadn’t been nearly large enough for my parents to travel the world in. The superyacht was a mere one hundred and twenty feet. I wasn’t entirely certain what two people and a crew of twelve would do with that much boat.

I was certain I’d see in vivid color with the photographs my mother would send every single day.

Nico trailed behind me as we headed to the slip, taking a small powerboat out to where she was anchored. The smaller yacht was named after my mother, Corabelle. It was my second favorite spot in the world.

After today, I wondered if I’d feel the same.

As soon as Nico climbed in behind me, he started the engine. The day was bright and clear, the sun already beating down since it was midafternoon. If what I suspected regarding the people behind the Stalker’s hiring was true, my brothers and Icould make a late afternoon visit to our crime syndicate buddies, taking out our anger on them and be home by dinnertime.

I raked my hand through my hair, remaining standing as Nico piloted the boat towardCorabelle. The others were already out on the aft deck, enjoying the calm seas and beautiful weather. As soon as we were on board, we’d set sail south, into the Mediterranean Sea. We wouldn’t need to go far, our communications equipment such that we’d know if there were other vessels or Harbor Corps in the vicinity.

We’d be returning one passenger lighter.

Nico slowed, making the final approach, finally pulling up alongside. “You sure you don’t want me to stay?”

I moved toward the ladder that had always been extended. “No need, Nico. We’ll be at least a couple of hours. I’ll text you when we’re close to shore after we’re finished.”

“Maybe I’ll make you swim to shore,” he told me. I knew he was trying to keep my mind off what I needed to do.

“And you know what I’ll do.”

He grinned, waiting until I was safely onto the deck before taking off.

I followed the music, shaking my head from how loud it was. Emotions were difficult at best. I should feel nothing but rage at this point, but all that remained was sadness and the need to move on with my life. I no longer had patience for anyone who dared stand in my way of getting what I wanted.

“You’re late,” my father told me. He looked and acted the part, even wearing a festive Hawaiian shirt. In his hand was a drink, a cigar in his mouth.

I lifted my sunglasses, staring at the Cuban. “Don’t tell your mother,” he said.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“I’ll get the captain to set sail. Everyone else is here. We can get started.” His face clouded over briefly, but he’d come to terms with what had to be done. I’d given him the time to do so while we’d located our prey.

“I want this finished quickly.”

“So do I, son.” He started to walk away then stopped. “Do you want to know the worst part about this?”

“What’s that?”

“It’s not about losing trust or even feeling the strong desire for revenge. It’s about losing a lifelong friendship. For what? Money? Our wealth is tainted, my boy. Don’t allow your hunger for power outweigh your desire to enjoy your life. And the woman you love.”

Of all the words of wisdom my father had provided over the years, what he’d just said was most important.

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