Page 89 of The Boss

He made the statement as if he’d already accepted his son’s decision. His eyes were filled with sadness, but for a few special seconds, there was the old twinkle in them. As hard a man as hewas in business, he was always laughing at home, the life of the party. His look of exhaustion concerned me. The toll had been harsh on the entire family.

Acts of revenge had a way of taking a lot out of a person.

“Yes, Pops.”

“We need to make an announcement so every one of our friends and family can share in the joyous moment,” he declared. What Pops said usually went, even now.

Joyous. I doubted Willow would agree to that sentiment.

“Not until after the funeral.” I wasn’t one for typical tradition, but a man’s death needed a day of observance.

My mother was already hugging Christos then Havros. When she came to me, she cupped both sides of my face. “My boy is getting married. I never thought I’d see the day.”

Christos coughed purposely and it was all I could do not to give him the finger.

She glanced into Willow’s hospital room, immediately saying a short prayer for the American woman marrying her son. “I remember her fondly. Such a lovely girl. Willow will need a mother figure. I will be with her.”

“I know you will, Mama. I know you will.” I wrapped my hand around the back of her neck, pulling her close as I bent down to kiss her forehead. “Havros. Ensure our parents get back to the estate. I’ll be there in a few minutes. Atticus, you’re in charge of providing twenty-four-hour security on Willow’s room. Once news of our survival gets to the assassin, he’ll try again.”

“I’ll make certain of it, boss,” Atticus answered. “I checked on what Willow told you about her parents. I found the second mortgage. It’s hefty. But it left him with enough cash to pay off the insurance bills you mentioned.”

At least the information was consistent with what Willow’s mother had mentioned to her. “Anything else?”

“No. I also tried to check on Shane’s personal information.”

Exhaling, I lifted an eyebrow. “Let me guess. He has every detail locked down.”

“Yes, sir. I’ve called some contacts we have in Paris. Maybe they’ll be able to provide something about his job,” Atticus added.

“Good thought.”

While I’d spent my night at the hospital, it was important I have a discussion with my father away from the sterile, claustrophobic setting.

Havros looked like he wanted to say something but nodded instead. Christos remained behind, likely for support.

The last week or so had been trying for all of us.

Nico and Atticus remained, along with one of Christos’ men. I waited until they’d walked away before approaching.

“We need to ensure all the bases are covered at the funeral. I’m putting you in charge of security. Work with Atticus.”

“What about Havros?”

“You know how Mother relies on him. That won’t change.”

Christos nodded. “Do you really think the assassin will make an appearance?”

“I can almost guarantee it, although he might not be ready to shower us with his presence.”

“You’re so certain it’s a male?”

I took a deep breath, needing to make certain Willow was still breathing. I could see the rise and fall of her chest from where I stood. If only that would take the edge off my emotions. “Yeah, I’m certain. He had no understanding when he decided to attack this family what price he’d pay.”

“What price is that?”

My brother was grinning. Not only did he already anticipate the answer, he was eager to partake in making it happen.

“‘Death.”

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