Page 92 of Merciless Monster

“Oh, sweetie. I don’t know. Don’t you like your friends here?”

“Yeah. They’re okay, I guess.”

My heart aches. My poor baby. I wish Dante had never come into our lives. He’s brought nothing but chaos with him. Damn the mafia! Damn my love for Dante!

“Goodnight, sweet boy. I love you very much.”

“I love you too, Mommy.”

I smile as he closes his eyes. Angelo must be pretty tired as he let that one slip. I don’t mind. I love being Mommy.

Now that he’s asleep, I’d better call my parents and tell them what’s happened. This is going to be a tough call.

21

MIA

“Hello, Mia. How are you, darling?”

“Hi, Dad. Not good.”

“Why? What’s happened?”

“I’m in trouble, Dad. I don’t know how, but they found me, but they did.”

“Dante?”

“No. Worse. Someone who is clearly looking to settle a score with the De Luca family. I’m scared.”

“Tell me exactly what happened, my love.”

I fill Dad in on the details of what happened on the street with the stranger. I can hear in his voice that my father has switched over to paternal protective mode.

“You have to go to the police, Mia.”

“I can’t do that. They’re watching me. I can’t do anything to upset them or they’ll hurt Angelo. I’m stuck, Dad!” I blurt out.

“Call Dante and tell him what’s happening. He’s Angelo’s father. He must come to his son’s rescue.”

“If he comes here, they’ll kill him.”

“Oh, Lord, Mia. I’m booking a flight tonight. I’m coming to keep an eye on you both.”

“No. I don’t want you hurt, Dad.”

“Nonsense. You can’t be out there on your own. You need protection.”

“No offense Dad, but what can you do? These men are dangerous.”

“I don’t care. I’m coming.”

“Please, don’t bring Mom. She’s too emotional.”

“I won’t.”

“What will you tell her?”

“I’ll think of something.”

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