Page 40 of Hush 3: Hidden Family

“Are you busy,cara?” I croon into the phone.

“I am having lunch with Ximena, but I’ve missed our calls. You’ve been busy this week. I haven’t gotten a chance to speak much with you. I hope everything is well.”

A grin comes to my lips. I can hear the concern in her voice. My little wife worries for me.

She doesn’t have to. I have things under control. I am a problem for my problems.

“Everything is fine. I have been working. Are you all set for graduation?”

“Oh yes, I am ready. I have my dress and cap and gown. However, I am most nervous about the final recital. I will have a solo for both piano and dance,” she says.

This is her last year of high school. She’s been accepted to a performance arts program right there in Boston. Sim has a real future as a performer.

“You will be great. I’m sure you will.”

“But you have never seen me dance. I might be terrible?—”

“Never. I know you will be phenomenal. You were accepted to dance and play piano at one of the top college programs. That wasn’t by accident and certainly not an easy feat. I am very proud of you,” I cut her off to say.

Since her graduation is coming, I plan to surprise her with a visit. Coming back here is the last thing I want for her right now. I don’t want this life for her.

While Sim has been gone, there have been several attempts on her grandfather’s life. The problem is none of the attempts have had confirmed sources we can provide to Don Locatelli. Leonardo has proven to be crafty at this game he is playing.

He has involved families outside of the Italian families. Russians, Irishmen, Scotts, and others. We’re not afraid to respond.

However, it would be stupid and serve no purpose. Our problem is with Leonardo. Uri and I aren’t willing to burn bridges I may need once Don Trovati hands over the family.

The don has rightfully asked us not to respond. Sim’s great-uncle is trying to force a war, but all he has managed to do is piss us off.

Uri and I have become like a pressure cooker. We are boiling with rage because this has a simple solution we’re not allowed to enforce. This is the reason why I was happy to hear Sim applied to college in the States. We know for a fact Leonardo still believes Symphony is hidden somewhere in Europe.

After killing his right hand, I was able to infiltrate his crew with one of my men. Salvatore is smart and resourceful. Leonardo ate that shit up and promoted him immediately. Don Alessio has remained safe because of the heads-up from Salvatore each time.

The only information he hasn’t been able to provide is who Leonardo is hiring and how. It’s the one thing Leonardo has kept to himself. That asshole Leonardo still hasn’t figured out he has a mole.

He’s already proving he doesn’t deserve to run a family. We’ve been running circles around him, even without knowing how he’s getting the others to make these hits for him. We have kept him from accomplishing his goal.

“Michael?”

I’m pulled from my thoughts by her soft voice as I grind my teeth. The latest attempt was about a week ago. Because of this, Don Trovati won’t be joining us for Sim’s graduation.

“Sorry, what was that?”

“Can I come home for the summer?” she whispers, causing my heart to squeeze.

“Cara, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Things here are still complicated.

“Okay. I understand.”

“You haven’t told me what you would like for graduation. Should I call you back after your lunch for you to tell me?”

“I don’t think you can give me what I want.”

“Try me.”

“Michael, I have to go. I hope we can talk later.”

With that, the line goes dead. I toss the phone down and rub at my tired eyes. There are a number of reasons I haven’t been to see Sim. However, one of the biggest reasons is the way she broke down the last time I had to leave.

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