Page 85 of The Enforcer

Not that what was left would positively identify anyone. However, I was itching to have a long discussion with Davit Ajernian. I didn’t give a shit if he had hundreds of soldiers in his employ. I’d almost lost my brother, my father, and the woman I… Fuck. The coincidences with her appearance were mounting.

“She managed to get some sleep. Both Willow and Kara are with her. Willow will be coming to the hospital in a couple of hours. What is Dimitrios’ condition?”

“He had a good night. I just checked on him and he was asleep. If all goes well, he’ll be released later today or tomorrow.”

“There are already rumblings on the street, rumors that we lost two members of our family. You know the cockroaches and snakes will be crawling all over our territory soon.”

“Yes, and we can’t allow that to happen. We need to find the person responsible.”

“What was that look on your face last night? During the discussion about Valencia being a heroine?”

“I don’t know. Just thoughts.”

Havros huffed. “You think she’s somehow involved.”

“I don’t know what to think.” And I didn’t. The last thing I wanted to believe was that she could have anything to do with the horror that had occurred. I couldn’t fathom how that would be possible. However, I sensed Don Coppola had tossed me clues on purpose. Why would the man do that?

Should we not consider him an ally?

Or did he have direct knowledge our shipment into New York would be met with pirates?

“Don’t jump to any conclusions. I checked on her father. He has some direct influence on some committees that might be of interest. He’s also the committee chair for a task force regarding organized crime in the entire country, not just New York.”

“That has nothing to do with us.”

“That’s not the interesting part,” he said with a grin on his face.

“What is?”

“Jeff Stern’s father serves on the same committee.”

A smile instantly crossed my face. “That’s definitely not a coincidence.”

“No.”

“Havros. Christos. Your brother is asking for you.”

We both tipped our heads toward the nurse standing in the mouth of the corridor.

“Let’s talk this out with Dimitrios,” I suggested as we both headed toward her.

“Only a few minutes. He still needs his rest,” she told us.

Nodding, I breezed by her. We’d take as much time as necessary to develop a plan of action. That was vital at this point. I headed into his room first, loathing the goddamn monitors he was hooked up to.

Heartrate. Blood pressure. An IV drip.

“About time,” he said gruffly and shifted on the bed.

We walked closer, Havros taking the chair while I remained standing. The last time I’d felt this anxious had been when Leandro had been killed.

“How are you feeling?” Havros asked.

Dimitrios snuffled. “As good as can be expected. What about Pops?”

“Heroic efforts were made by Valencia. He made it through the night, which means he should make it.”

Dimitrios took a deep breath, wincing as soon as he did. “Thank God. Mother?”

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