Page 22 of Played By the Fool

“I think that’s a great idea. Especially if you’re worried that something could happen.”

So many things that I never had to worry about before. I did some research on the Cimaruta MC, Galway before we left. Some of the things they did in the past were kind of scary. But it really does look like they’ve changed their ways and are trying to help Ireland.

“I’ll arrange for it to happen before you head back to Ireland. And I’ll talk to your brother and sisters too. I’ll see you in Starlight Bay in a couple of days.”

“Thank you for everything you’re doing.”

“We’re family. And this is what family does.”

Zio Giacomo hugs me and then goes to find my siblings. I finish getting packed up and wait for the others.

Chapter Ten

Ciarán

Time is crawling again. The flight from Lake Renegade to Starlight Bay is only two-and-a-half hours. Luckily the families share an airstrip and a private plane. I texted Emilia before we took off to let her know and she said things were quiet. And that she told Frank what was going on. He said that he won’t leave her side unless I’m there.

I still have that feeling that something’s wrong. But I can’t put my finger on what it is. I spoke to Emilia, so she’s okay. And I just left my family. So they’re all okay. So why do I feel like this?

“Are you okay?” Celestino asks.

“I feel like somethings wrong. But I don’t know what it could be.”

“Maybe it’s because you know something’s going on with Emilia. And you’re not there with her.”

I sigh. “Yeah, maybe that’s it. I’ll feel better when I’m with her.”

I feel like I’m trying to convince myself. I know when I have Emilia in my arms again it’ll be okay. But until then, I don’t know what to do.

“One hour till we land,” the stewardess says to us. “Would anyone like something to eat or drink?”

We all order drinks and try to relax.

I must have dozed off because the next thing I know, we’ve landed. After we grab our stuff and get off the plane, I call Emilia. It goes to voicemail so I leave her a message and text her too.

“Hey love, we just landed and we’ll be at Pi in about thirty minutes. I love you.”

I’m a little worried that she’s not answering. But she’s working, so it happens.

When we get to Pi, the lights are on, but I don’t see anyone inside. Now I’m really starting to panic. Emilia never called me back or responded to my text. I jump out of the car before Celestino fully stops.

“Hey! Don’t go in alone! Fuck!”

I hear Carmelo yell at me as he jumps out after me. Enea says something, but I’m too far away to hear him. I burst into Pi.

“EMILIA! FRANK!” I yell.

I run into the kitchen and see Frank on the floor.

“Please be okay,” I whisper as I feel for a pulse. “Oh thank the gods. Frank, it’s Ciarán. Please wake up.”

Frank starts to moan a little. I can see a little blood under his head so I don’t want to move him. Enea is on the phone to the police.

“They’re sending officers and an ambulance,” Enea says.

Celestino is walking around the restaurant. He’s on the phone and from what I can hear, he’s talking to his da.

“Ciarán?” Frank says softly.

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