Page 13 of Riding the Edge

“We’re moving him into ICU now but only one person at a time.”

Turning to Patty, I release her hand and move her hair over her shoulder.

“You go first,” I tell her.

Nodding, she keeps her attention pinned to the doctor.

“Thank you,” she rasps.

“He’s not out of the woods yet,” he warns in response. “But we’re optimistic. I’ll have a nurse come and get you once he’s settled into the intensive care unit,” the doctor offers.

Releasing Patty’s hand, I extend it towards the surgeon instead. I may have my opinions about doctors and hospitals in general but, I give respect where it’s due, and this man saved my kid’s life. The surgeon looks at my hand for a beat before slipping his inside and giving it a firm shake.

“Thanks, doc,” I say hoarsely.

With a nod, he releases my hand and turns around. My eyes follow him and his team out of the waiting room before I turn to Patty. Naturally and with ease, I pull her into my arms and give her a reassuring hug.

“He’s going to be okay,” I say against her hair. “Made it through the worst.”

“Mr. Scotto,” the douchebag detective calls behind me.

“For fuck’s sake, you’re still here?” I mutter, pulling away from Patty.

“We’re going to want to speak with your son when he’s up to it.”

“The kid is barely out of surgery,” Patty admonishes at my side. Before I can tell this guy to go fuck himself, he reaches into his suit and produces a card.

“We’ll be in touch,” he says, holding out the business card. Taking it from him, I keep my eyes pinned to his and rip the card in half before letting the pieces fall to the floor.

“I’d be careful how you play this one, Mr. Scotto.”

“Thanks for the advice,” I ground out, crossing my arms against my chest. Once he gets the drift that the conversation is over he reluctantly turns around. Flocked by the two street cops, he makes his way towards the door and I turn to Frankie and Enzo.

“I’m going to use the restroom before the doctor comes back,” Patty announces.

Giving her a nod, I bring my attention back to the boys.

“It’s been a long day. Why don’t you guys go home and get some rest. You’re not going to be able to see him, anyway. Hell, I’m not even sure Patty’s going to leave his side to allow me to see him.”

“Will you call us if he wakes up?” Frankie questions. The poor kid looks like he’s about ready to pass out. Laying a hand on his shoulder, I give him a nod.

“Of course.”

“I’ll call an Uber,” Enzo says. “I’ll make the driver drop Frankie off, then I’ll go grab you a change of clothes and head back here.”

“I can take you guys home,” Maria offers, meeting my gaze.

“Thanks, Mrs. Bianci but Frankie lives in Staten Island,” Enzo replies.

“Perfect,” she says, turning her attention to him. “I have work in an hour and it’s on the way.”

Not sure I heard her correctly, I step closer.

“You have to go to work now?” I question, forcing her eyes back to me.

“Well, I was going to call out if we still hadn’t heard anything but now that we know he’s stable, I’m going to go in.”

“You still at Rab’s Bowling Alley?” I question. The owner is an acquaintance of mine. Back in the day he and I used to play on a league together. I haven’t spoken to him in a dog’s age but still, I’m sure if I called him and asked him to give Maria the night off he’d do it. However, she might grind my balls in a food processor if she found out.

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