Page 21 of Consequences
“Goodnight, Hollis.”
“Goodnight, Topolino.”
Benjamin rolls his eyes, but doesn’t protest. He just stands there watching until I open the door to my suite, and walk in.
Closing the door softly behind me, I lean against it and close my eyes, letting the tears I’ve been holding back finally fall.
Without a word, a small, frail body plasters itself to my side, and I wrap my arm around Roman without opening my eyes. I then hold my hand out for Jude, sighing when he threads our fingers together.
As hard as it was to hear my ugly truths so bluntly, Benjamin wasn’t wrong to point them out. Of all the people Tennant could have fallen for, he chose a good one.
“When will he be here?” I demand from Sarah.
She presses her fingers against her temples, rubbing in small circles. For a moment, regret hits me. She’s pale from stress and overworking. I know this whole situation isn’t comfortable for her. Keegan has already dropped a few hints on how things are for her, and while I’m not thrilled, all I want is my Caro here with me. I bite back the harsh words, sighing as I touch her shoulder.
“I’m sorry, Padrone. While his vitals looked good this morning, they wanted to do one last MRI before the transfer. The neurologist wanted to confirm the swelling in his brain has gone down. I received word that we’re good to transfer, and I’ve made sure to hide the documentation as best I can, but it took time. He should be here shortly. Doc’s staff are helping overseethe physical transfer, while I did all of the paperwork and took care of any loose ends.”
I struggle not to pace the length of this damn hallway as I wait, but refuse to give into it. “I know you’ve done everything you can.”
I can’t bring myself to apologize for my high-handedness. It’s not in me. Not right now. I’m sure Emilio will have words for me, but until then, I can’t find it in myself to give a fuck.
Sarah sighs and says, “I need to get back in there. As soon as he’s here and settled, I’ll come get you.”
I wave her off, but don’t leave the hallway. There’s no way I’m going any further away and she knows it, even as she huffs and shakes her head before leaving.
“You’re not going to be any help to him if you wear yourself down, Padrone.” I jolt at Antonio’s voice.
Opening my eyes, I stare at my Ghost. I don’t say anything as he stands next to me. I’m not sure how long the silence lasts before he finally breaks it.
“Lio did a strong job while you were missing. It’s to your credit.”
My lips twist into a grimace. I know what he’s telling me, but it still pisses me off. Grumbling, I respond, “I know he handled it well. His training would have assured that, but fuck, what the hell happened? I come back and everything is a mess.”
Antonio shrugs one shoulder. “A mess? Maybe. Maybe not. We didn’t fall apart. We became stronger. Were there…unexpected revelations? Absolutely. But skinship has always been important to our Family. Emotions…happen.”
I quirk an eyebrow at my Boy. Part of me wants to push and find out if he too has fallen for this fucking Amato-Martelli curse, but I leave it—for now. I have enough on my mind.
“Did you find anything yesterday?”
“I’ve given everything to Hollis. I found a few more sheets, a log, some videos that they, for some reason, didn’t transfer off-site like all the others. They're mainly of you and Cristian in that room. I’m sure we’ll find more as we go through everything. Unfortunately, since the alphabet boy was killed, there isn’t really anyone I can go to for answers on this.”
“What about the fucking guards?” I run a hand through my hair, pissed off that our captor got to take the easy way out.
Antonio doesn’t respond immediately, carefully choosing his words instead. “Most—if not all—died during the siege. However, we have the lead to the apartment complex that the majority of them were either staying at or visiting. We’re keeping an eye out, and will grab anyone we find. I’m getting the image of the doctor this morning, and I’ll investigate that. You may want to ask the doctors to look it over as well, since they’re in the same field.”
Pursing my lips, I can’t disagree. I don’t want to take them away from their task, though. “Fine. I’ll do that, after Emilio has been transferred.”
“Very well. I think that’s it on my end. Before I head out, I need to check on Nicolo.”
I touch his cheek lightly, worried. “I’m sorry to hear about what happened. Do you need anything?”
“No, Padrone. All of the doctors and physical therapists are keeping a close eye on him. Although…” I gesture impatiently for him to continue. “Perhaps you could stop by at some point? Let him know he did something right?”
When Antonio sighs gustily, I have to keep a chuckle in. “Struggling with that, aren’t you?”
“Fuck yes, I am. I don’t want him giving his life for me.” Antonio’s hands tense, as if he can rally against fate, but I merely shake my head.
“I know. It’s a tough situation. Be proud. It’s a high honor to have someone willing to jump in front of a bullet for you.” I pat Antonio on the head, smoothing his hair before he takes off.
