Page 100 of Hell Hath No Fury

Sighing, I nod in agreement. Mickey had the means and wherewithal to manage any feat he chose, regardless of legalities. And if he found he couldn’t manage it on his own, hehad an IOU or two from almost everyone on the long list of who’s who in the criminal world. And even in the not-so-criminal world.

Antonio settles his arm around my shoulders, pulling me against him. Relaxing into him, I rest my head on his shoulder, thankful for the moment of peace before the next possible storm.

42

Ends and Beginnings

Lilith

It’slateafternoonbythe time we arrive back stateside.

The plane taxis for a few minutes and finally comes to a stop where the cars Matt has arranged are waiting. We wait together as Mickey’s casket is removed from the plane, then the boys gather around, carrying him slowly to the waiting hearse.

I do my best to ignore the pain in my chest. Mickey has been by my side for almost my entire life, and his absence will be the greatest loss I’ve ever had to endure. He was not just my uncle; he was my confidante, my confessor, and sometimes even my executioner.

A sharp laugh falls from my mouth, and Agatha gives me a weird look. “What’s so funny?”

I shrug, a small smile playing at my lips as I say, “There’s a lot of fucking secrets in that casket.”

Agatha looks over to where they’re just sliding Mickey’s casket into the back of the hearse, smiling sadly. “I’m sure more than any of us can even imagine.”

My laugh is a bit watery, but the bad joke takes a bit of the weight off my shoulders, and I stand a bit taller, watching the hearse drive away. Matt stops beside me, his hand touching my arm lightly. “You wanna do this now or wait?”

“Let’s get it over with,” I answer easily, not wanting to drag it out any longer than absolutely necessary.

Matt nods, motioning toward the waiting vehicle, and we all pile in. The drive to the bank isn’t nearly as long as I want it to be, and soon, we’re pulling up to a curb, and Antonio is assisting me to the sidewalk.

We stride into the bank quite conspicuously, and I smile at the picture we must make—tired and bedraggled, likely blood-spattered—walking into a bank after hours as if we own the place.

We’re met just inside the doors by a tall man in an expensive suit who extends his hand toward me. “Ms. Ferro, my condolences on your loss.”

I place my hand in his, gripping firmly as he places his other hand against the back of mine. I say nothing in response, and after a moment, he continues, “Mr. DiMera has been a long-time patron here, and he will be missed dearly.”

Frowning, I reply, slowly moving my hand up and down between his. “Yes, thank you. Mr.…DiMera will be missed by many.”

If he hears the confusion in my voice, he ignores it. “I’m Patrick Fitzgerald, but please, call me Patty. I’ve been handling Mr. DiMera’s assets for going on thirty years now.”

Giving up any semblance of pretending to know what the hell he’s on about, I drop his hand, moving my hands to my hips as I reply, “Mr. Fitzgerald,” the man gives me a stern look, so I correct myself, “Patty, forgive me if I sound slow, but are we talking about the same Mickey?”

The man blinks at me for a moment, then throws his head back and laughs boisterously before meeting my eyes once again. “Mr. DiMera wasn’t exaggerating about you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“He told me you’d be a pain in the ass, and I may as well prepare myself for an argument at every turn.”

Squinting at him, my mouth twists, but then a giggle from Antoinette has me shrugging. “That’s fair.”

Patty smiles, turning away and motioning for me to come along.

I move to follow him, everyone falling in behind me, but then he stops, his eyes scanning over the line of people behind me before looking at me questioningly. So, I say, “They’re with me.”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible. The instructions are clear,” Patty explains. “Ms. Ferro is to open it alone first, and then, once she has viewed the contents of the safe deposit box, she can have others join her.”

Matt scowls. “Surely we can make an exception, given the circumstances.”

“No,” Patty retorts firmly, his brows raised. “We cannot.”

“It’s alright,” I interject with a wave of my hand. “It will only take a few moments, and then I’ll have you all come in.”

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