Page 37 of Queens and Monsters

Armando nodded.

“How does one become high ranked in the bratva?”

“Similar to the Mafia.”

“He’s in Dante’s position,” I said.

“Yes.”

“Dario thinks less of the bratva than the cartel.”

“Is that a question?” Armando asked.

“No. It’s an observation. He’d marry me to the second-in-command of the bratva, but not to the third in the cartel.”

Armando’s expression softened. “I’m not sure why you think that, but it isn’t true. Zhdan saw you at the Green Lady Lounge. He wants you.”

I sighed. I thought Rei wanted me too.

After over a half hour, I peered out in the hallway. Dario’s office door was still closed. “Do you have any idea when he’ll be free?” I asked.

Armando shook his head.

Giving up, I made my way back upstairs. I had an idea. Taking my laptop out of my bookbag, I set out to learn how to unblock numbers on my cell phone. A few videos, and I had both men unblocked from my phone. What I didn’t know was if I was blocked on theirs.

Only one way to find out.

I sent a text message to Rei. Before I began typing, I thought about all that was happening. Before I told him the news, I wanted to be sure he wasn’t upset with me.

“Dario toldme that he had your number blocked on my phone. If you get this text message, please text back. I promise I haven’t been avoiding you since the last time we saw one another.”

Sitting cross-legged on my bed,I checked my emails. There were a few follow-up correspondences with my professors. I’d emailed earlier this morning to tell them there was a family emergency back in Kansas City, and I didn’t know how long I would be gone. All the professors who emailed back said that they would be happy to send assignments and tests for as long as I needed.

There were perks to smaller colleges. Also, being associated with one of the most powerful men in the country wasn’t a disadvantage.

Letting out a long breath, I lay back on my pillows. My mind battled between Dario’s announcement about Zhdan Myshkin and my mother.

What is she like?

What is he like?

What does she look like?

Is he kind?

He’s in the bratva—kind probably didn’t describe him.

What about Rei?

He’s in the cartel, but he could be kind.

Did my mother want to give up custody or was she forced to?

The questions were never ending.

My phone lying next to me on the bed vibrated with an incoming call. My hands began to tremble when I read the name: Rei Roríguez. I’d done it. I’d unblocked my phone.

Was it too late?

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