Page 106 of Merciless Monster

“I’m expecting a call soon from the bastard that took Angelo. In fact, I’m surprised he didn’t call me yesterday,” I say, sipping my coffee.

“I need you to make careful notes on everything he says, Mia. It’s important that I know everything he says.”

“I could put you on speaker phone when he calls.”

“No. He’ll know that something’s up if you do that. My plan is contingent upon the element of surprise. He mustn't know that I’m here already.”

“Okay. I’ll take notes. What do we do in the meantime?”

“I think you should go to work.”

“Really? Are you sure?”

“Yes. He’ll be watching you.”

I don’t want to go. The idea of leaving the house makes me nervous.

“Angelo will be fine,” Dante assures me. “I’ll be here with him. Trust me. No one will get to him under my watch. No one. They already know that your father is here. They’ll assume Angelo is here with him.”

“Okay,” I agree, more than a little reluctantly. “If you’re sure.”

“I’m sure. Now get your delicious self upstairs and get ready for work. Need someone to wash your back?”

“No, I can manage,” I sniff.

“Oh, are you punishing me now,” he laughs.

“If the Italian shoe fits.”

“Haha.”

I arrive at the office an hour later.

“Hey, baby doll. Well, don’t you look as good as a new penny. Feeling better?”

“Hey, Julie. Much better. Thank you.”

“Good, cause the doc has a full program today.”

Wonderful. I don’t know how I’m expected to focus on anything but my cell phone today. It’s going to be a tough slog.

“I’ll take the first few patients’ vitals so long. Would you man the desk, sugar?”

“Sure thing, Julie.”

The minutes become hours while I try to get on with my job as well as listen out for that all important phone call. Lunchtime arrives not a moment too soon. I do my usual and make my way to the diner for lunch, although I have no idea how I’m going to stomach food with my stomach in this knot.

Keep calm, Mia. Act normal.

Normal. Ha! What a joke. I haven't experienced normal since after Sam and before Dante.

I’m on my way out of the diner, carrying a takeaway nicoise salad, when I come face to face with the man who scared the crap out of me a few days ago. My first instinct is to claw out his eyes as payback for taking my boy. But I know that’s a really stupid idea, so I glare at him instead.

“Hello, Mia.”

“What do you want?”

“What? No small talk?” he grins.

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