Page 58 of Consequences
Stretching my neck, I enter my office after taking Emilio over to his appointment with Dr. Ranlen. This isn’t a call I want to make, but it’s necessary. Fuck knows it’s been too long. With a deep sigh, I sit down and dial the number I know by heart.
“Nipote!” His boisterous voice comes over the phone, briefly drawing a smile from me.
Chuckling, I respond, “Zio Teodoro. How are you?”
“I am ready for your wedding. I have not received an invitation yet…” The censure in his voice makes me cringe. My uncle is never shy with his opinions. “Of course, I did hear a certain…rumor. One I’m hoping is incorrect. Because if it is, I would have thought someone would have reached out to me immediately.”
Swallowing, I fight back a curse.This is not good.“Have you been talking to Luca?”
“Of course, I have,” Zio states flatly. “And your Lio should have called me immediately.”
“I am sure it was an oversight,” I soothe Zio.More like, there’s no fucking way Emilio would do that, since he knew to keep that shit quiet.“But I am back now. However, I do need some help…”
“What can I do for you, Nipote?”
“We still haven’t found out who was responsible. At least, not fully. There was a doctor they used, who came from a group you are more familiar with. The wealthy elite, who seem to think they run this town, despite their petty dramas. Considering how much I clean up after them…” I grumble, hating that I even have to dip into that world.
The criminal underbelly of society has better taste, and more honor, than those who feel they are on top thanks to wealth—especially when most don’t even work for it, they simply spend the hard-earned money of generations past.
“And you want help with the group itself? Should I return? I was already planning on it for the wedding. I can come early.” Uncle’s voice sounds dubious at best, and I wave his comment away, even though he can’t see me.
I know how painful it is for him to be back here after losing his wife and best friend. I wouldn’t ask that of him, even if he was much more involved with society.
“No, Zio,” I say gently. “All I want to know is the best way to get seen. I’m going to send someone with one of the Amatos.”
“Who?” he asks sharply, and I know why. It has to be someone with charisma and beauty, and who is willing to behave. I’m short on supply of those who would meet all three.
Clearing my throat, I wince. “I’m thinking Dr. Ranlen. She makes the most sense. Plus, she’s familiar with most of the players, due to all of the fundraising galas from the hospital.”
“Hmm. That is probably the best choice,” Zio says unhappily. “Although I wish it was someone more directly connected to the Family.”
“She is part of the Family. There is no doubt about her loyalty.”
My sharp reply causes him to pause for several moments. “Of course, Nipote. That’s not what I was saying. I only meant that one of your Boys would have been a better option, as they know how to get out of situations, and what information is useful.”
“Hopefully, whoever the Amatos send will be able to work with her on that. Although, I have no doubt in Sarah’s ability.”
Grunting, Zio lets it go. Thank fuck. “Very well. Let me make some calls. If I remember correctly, there’s some upcoming annual fundraising event. Lord knows there always is, but this one is the more popular among the group. You give to it every year, even if you don’t attend. And I’m no longer there to make an appearance for you.”
“Those events are miserable, and have nothing to do with raising awareness or funds for a cause. It’s just a place for people to be seen and then stab each other in the back.”
My uncle chuckles at my response. “Be that as it may, you are still important in society. You’ll need to start taking Emilio out. Both of you need to be more visible.”
“After this is all over. I’m resigned to that fact. Even if I hate it.”
“Good. I don’t want to see you fail because you became complacent. I’ll reach out to my friend. You should have received an invitation, but I know you throw them away. I’ll see if I can find out who is attending, and highlight any names I feel may be important.”
“Thank you, Zio.” I smile as he starts muttering a list of things to do.
He cuts himself off just long enough to address me. “You are welcome, Nephew. I will get the information to you shortly. Do make sure you behave. And tell your Emilio to call me!”
“Goodbye, Zio.” I laugh as I hang up.
There’s no way Emilio will willingly reach out to him. He abhors calls for the most part, but especially the idea of my uncle. For some reason, he is still hesitant. It’s something I should probably work on with him.
Fuck. Once I get that data, I’ll need to call the Amatos, and right now, I don’t need that headache. I need to figure out my own house. And that means taking care of some disobedience…
Doc watches me warily as he and Soren sit across from me. Picking up my glass, I take a much-needed sip of liquid courage before getting down to business. If this were anyone else, any other situation, I wouldn’t hesitate, but aside from Ten, Doc is my oldest friend, and his well-being has been one of the things I’ve cared about most since meeting him.
