Page 23 of Adventures in Spring

I walk back to Emiko.

“You need to know who my extended family is. The Mancinis are the Chicago Mafia and the Bastianinis are a motorcycle club. Mafia might sound scarier than a motorcycle club. But don’t let that fool you. The Bastianinis are badasses. And between both families, you have an army behind you.”

Emiko’s eyes are wide.

“I’ve heard stories of both families. But I didn’t want to say anything. The stories are sometimes scary.”

Lorenzo laughs. “We have some stories that aren’t exactly the warm and fuzzy kind. But I can promise you that if you’re family, we will do everything in our power to help you.”

“Thank you. Both of you. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

I hug Emiko.

“Will you be able to take the time off tomorrow?” I ask her.

“Yes. I told my principal about what’s going on and he said to let him know when I need the time off. That he’ll work with me. Do we need to bring the twins?”

“Yes. At some point, the judge will want to talk to them. They’re old enough to tell the judge that they don’t even know Seth’s parents. So that will work in our favor.”

“I wish I knew why they were coming after me now. They didn’t want to have anything to do with us from the start and now all of a sudden?—”

“It doesn’t matter why. What matters is they won’t win.”

Emiko

I don’t know how this is going to play out, but I know that I trust Rhett and Lorenzo. I trust them to keep me and my babies safe. Iamworried about the court date, it’s the day after tomorrow. Felicity has offered to come with us to help watch the twins while we’re in court. And some of the Lake Renegade family are coming to Springfield too. I’ll get to meet more of them. There’s so many that I’m not able to remember them all just yet.

I’ll also have my parents there, I’ve missed them so much. They were a little pissed that I didn’t tell them about what Seth’s parents were doing right away. But I didn’t want to worry them until I knew it was a serious issue.

We get to my parents’ house and I introduce them to Lorenzo. They’ve offered to let all of us stay with them for the few days that we’re here.

“Mancini? Which brother is your father?” my dad asks.

“Enea is my papà.”

“I’ve heard that your family is doing a lot for Chicago. Along with the Bastianini family.”

“We are, sir. My papà and Giacomo have been doing a lot of good.”

“I like that. I met your dad and his brothers at their fundraiser. We go to it every year.”

Lorenzo chuckles. “We’re doing it again this year.”

“We’ll be there.”

“I can get you tickets this year.”

“That would be nice. But if you do that, we’re not helping your charity.” My dad laughs.

“It’s okay, we appreciate you coming.”

“We appreciate you helping Emiko and the kids. If you had told me before that this would be something we had to worry about, I would’ve laughed. But look at what we’re dealing with now. Go figure.”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Yamaguchi. We’re going to win this.”

“Kiyoshi. Mr. Yamaguchi is so formal.” My dad laughs.

“What can we expect tomorrow?” my mom asks.

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