Page 21 of Tainted Blood

“No, he’s not. Here is your phone, Andre.” I pressed it into his chest. “Go home. I’m fine, and tell my father I’m fine.” I shake my head. It’s then I see the one woman with him. I don’t see the other brother and woman, though.

“Are you sure?” he asks me again, but my mind is on who that other woman is and why she is visiting Ian.

“Callie?” He waves his hand in front of my face.

“Yes.” He straightens his suit before walking away, giving Jack a dirty look.

“So who the fuck are you? You said you were neighbors with the governor, but that fucker is a New Yorker and so is your father.”

“Why are you all in my business? You all cost me my damn position in the program and probably my slot in the med school, so it would be great if you all leave me alone. It’s not my fault that your brother decided to hit on me in a club and we liked each other. Now, if you’ll excuse me; you’re in my way.”

“Be careful,” he mutters and then gently takes the woman by the hand.

“See you later,” she says. She waves and gives me a sweet smile as if she saw this situation in a different light. He rolls his eyes and shakes his head at her. Jack is an asshole, but it’s clear he’s looking out for his brother.

I drive back to my apartment and pack up my school things. I can’t look at them every day. Stuffing them into a tote, I slide them under my dining room table and then I head into my bedroom and decide the best course of action for me is to visit my family for a bit. Maybe a trip home would do me some good.

My parents would love to have me come home for a while. As I pack, a think about my father and our conversation and a thought strikes me; maybe I should have told the MacNamaras that the doctor was an asshole and didn’t have good intentions.

I don’t have their information or anything, but I decide to Google them. All mafia families have legal avenues or some way to contact them or their associates. One page catches my eye. Connor MacNamara is married to none other than Claudia Saunders. Smiling, I called her right away. “Hey, Claudia.”

“Hey, Callie. How are you? Are you okay? I saw you when you left,” she asks in rapid fire questioning.

“Oh. Was that you going into the room?”

“Yes. That doctor was a total asshole.”

“That’s actually why I’m calling. I didn’t realize how much it mattered because he’s a doctor and not a killer or anything, but he said something that bothered me.”

“What is it?”

“He said that maybe if we left him alone, someone would come along and finish the job. I assumed it was his dislike of mafia types, but I just thought you should know.”

“Thanks, but the guys felt the same way and they moved Ian. You’re a sweetheart.”

I didn’t feel that way. I should have told that asshole Jack when I saw him, but I’d been so pissed by his attitude and being fired I hadn’t even considered the risk. “Hardly. Congrats on the marriage.”

“Thanks. He’s wonderful.”

“Even though they hate your father?”

“Yeah, well, that’s complicated…really freaking complicated. You should have dinner with us tomorrow.”

“Thanks, but I don’t think that’s a good idea. Besides, I’m going to see my father tomorrow.”

“Okay. Well, let me know if you want to go shopping or anything when you’re back in town. I’m always down for it, and maybe we could steal Nora away from Jack. She’s my future sister-in-law, and she’s the most wonderful woman in the world.” Somehow I don’t doubt that. She’s like the grumpy sunshine couple.

“Maybe we can. Talk to you another time.” I end the call and feel better about it.

I booked a flight to New York to see my father. It was expensive, but I used my family card, so it wasn’t a problem. My dad takes care of the payments. It’s his way to make up for losing my mom. Money. I only accept his money to make my life comfortable, but not lavish. Although, it doesn’t stop him from giving me massive gifts like the Mercedes.

I shoot him a message, letting him know when I’ll be arriving.

I’ll be there tomorrow around ten, but I’m sure you probably already know that.

I didn’t, Princess, but I’m thrill that you will be coming home.

It’s for vacation.

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