Page 12 of Promise Maker

Solari’sscreamsstartle me.

I peel around.

“Midispiace, Nico,” mydriver apologizes, throwing his hand up. “She’s so fast.” I’m going to kick hisass later.

Solari rushes to her father’s side and holds hishand. “Daddy…hang on. I’ll get you help.” She looks at me. “Did you call theambulance?”

“It’s too late,” Bishop chokes out. “Sol…forgiveme….”

“No, Dad,” she cries. “Don’t leave me alone.You’re all I have.”

He touches her cheek, smearing blood on her skin.“My little girl.” His teary eyes flick to me, imploring, “Please…Please…” He’shaving a hard time finishing. But I understand what he’s asking of me.

It is the last wish of a dying man.

Squeezing his shoulder, I say firmly, “I will. Ipromise.”

Bishop nods his gratitude and looks back atSolari.

A proud smile reaches his face. “Best…thing…I everdid….” His eyes start to close, and his hand falls.

“Dad, no, no, no,” Solari begs. “Please don’t die.Daddy!” She turns to me. “Do something!”

“We have to leave. We don’t have much time.”

“No, I’m not leaving him,” she protests.

I understand her pain, but we have to get out ofthere.

I hoist her from the ground, strengthening my gripwhen she struggles against me.

“No! Let me go! Dad!”

“We’re leaving!” I shout to everyone, hasteningfor the car with Solari thrashing crazily in my arms.

She doesn’t stop screaming even after I force herinto the back and lock the door.

It’s not until we leave the property that hertantrum simmers to defeated sobs, and she slumps against the seat.

We pass the police on the main road, speeding in thedirection of the Brigham residence.

Solari eases up as if grasping at hope butreleases a deep breath and hangs her head again.

The cops probably would have suspected us had webeen there upon their arrival. In our world, in this dark society of organizedcrime, from New Jersey to Sicily, they’ll never find the ones responsible. Wehandle things ourselves.

By the time we reach my father’s house, Solari hassince quieted, staring into space.

My driver stops in the courtyard.

I exit and walk around the car to open the doorfor her. She doesn’t get out, stuck in a daze of some sort.

There’s not even a flinch as I scoop her body intomy arms and carry her inside.

Father meets me in the entry. He glances atSolari, swallows hard, then steers back to me.

“Bishop?” he mutters nervously.

I turn my head.

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