Page 34 of Tainted Blood

“Is this your way of trying to get rid of me?”

“No. Despite our pasts, we don’t want that anymore.”

“So I want to apologize to you. For years I wanted answers, but you seemed like a ghost in the family.”

“That’s because I was. He hated me, beat me, and my efforts to make him proud never worked. It’s probably because he knew the truth.”

“Yes, it’s probably why all of your images online aren’t of you. They’re your brothers.”

“That’s partially my choice. It was a way to do my job without making myself visible. People know me by name. I’m the Keyser Söze of the family,” I say with a wink.

“Great film, and I suppose you’re right about that. Unfortunately, you need to be careful. I’ve been trying to find hints ofhim,and I might have a lead.” He refers to my father with such disgust, and I can’t blame him because I feel the same way.

Chapter Thirteen

Calista

It’s been three weeks, and my parents are thrilled that I’m staying here with them. Unfortunately, I don’t feel the same way. I really want to be back in Chicago, but I’m not sure why. All my friends are in the medical program, so it would be painful to learn how it’s going. I’m lying to myself because I’m more than aware of the reason I want to return to my tiny apartment. If I go back and step into the club, would he find out? What if he took my words to heart and moved on?

I’m sitting in the beautiful garden, but I’m having a hard time seeing the beauty. The coffee in front of me is turning lukewarm as I take the stirrer and slowly make circles as my thoughts roam back to the same person. In his delusional state, he wanted to marry me, but I know that’s crazy. Waking up after a long surgery can make people a bit loopy, and I couldn’t take his words seriously. We’re not right for each other, and he hasn’t even tried to contact me before or after the attack. My heart aches, and it shouldn’t.

“Sweetheart, can we speak with you?” My dad and mom stand there with a hopeful tip of their lips, as if they’re afraid I’ll say no.

“Sure,” I say, sitting up properly and taking my foot off the chair in front of me.

They sit down, and my mom grabs my hand in hers. “We’re worried about you.”

“I’m fine,” I lied.

My dad’s jaw tightens as he slowly shakes his head. “No mentias, hija. Don’t lie to me. No, you’re not.”

“I suppose I’m not good right now,” I admit.

“I’m about to kill that doctor for destroying your success. I know you’re a brilliant woman, and you can be anything you want.”

“Don’t kill him. He’s an asshole and if he gets his bad karma, I don’t want it to be because of me.”

“Fine,” my dad huffs, lips twisting in annoyance.

“You know, we have schools here. We can get you in easily.” I smile because he means well, and if I wasn’t falling for a mobster in Chicago, I might have taken the offer.

“Thank you, but I want to go back to Chicago.”

“Is that really a good idea? There’s nothing left,” my mother says.

I sit up straighter, trying to appear in control of my situation. “I could always go see my grandparents.”

My mom tilts her head and says, “They’re coming to visit this week, sweetie.”

“Oh. Well, I miss my apartment,” I lied. There’s only one thing I miss about Chicago, or at least there’s only one reason I want to return, and I hope that they don’t catch on.

“Stop with the lies. You miss that Irish bastard.”

I attempt to lie, but I just shake my head and take a drink of my now cold coffee. “We’re going to have a party in two weeks and have some special guests coming, so you need to lighten up and get fitted for a pretty dress.”

“A party?”

“Yes. It means shopping,” my mom squeals.

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