Page 29 of The Game
“Marta. Call me Marta.”
I smile and hold my hand out to hers and shake it. She’s cold, and I can tell that it took a lot out of her to talk to us as she sinks back into her chair. I want her to know how much I like her son.
“Walker’s a very sweet and charming guy. One day, he will find the perfect girl for him, and she will probably punch him.”
She laughs, and Walker’s eyes meet mine. He looks tired, but the sound of his mom laughing makes him smile.
“You’re probably right, Mila. I hope I can see the day that he does.”
Now I have a lump in my throat. How do I answer that? I want to know what’s wrong with her. Is she going to be okay? I really want her to see that. I do too.
As we shuffle to the front door, I see the money on the table near the front door. I pick it up and place it in my bag. I let out a deep breath. Asher’s hand is on my back. It’s a small touch, but it feels comforting. Like he knows I need a moment. He brushes my hair over my shoulder and whispers in my ear, “Cancer, but she has all the best doctors in the world.”
My heart clenches. I feel so bad for her. She seems like the nicest person, and she needs to see Walker be punched by the girl he loves. To be at his wedding and watch her grandchildren grow up.
I can hear Walker and his mom talking in hushed whispers, then he runs out to see us at the front door. I didn’t want to just leave without saying goodbye.
“Hey, I’ll come with. Just give me five.”
How can I say no to the guy who just gave me ten grand in cash?Shit.
I didn’t think about this when I drove Asher over… I guess they are coming for the ride.
* * *
“Where are we going again?” Walker asks.
I look to my GPS for the millionth time. We’re getting close. I never intended to bring them along, and I haven’t told them where we’re going yet.
“A mob boss’s house.” I answered truthfully.
I’m trying to make a habit of not lying anymore, and that’s a good answer. He is a mob boss, and it’s his house. They can stay in the car while I make my deal, because I don’t want them getting involved.
“Yeah? I thought we were gonna get ice cream or some shit. But a mob boss’s house sounds fun. What’s his name?” Walker jokingly asks.
“Alessandro Amato.”
That’s what I’ve read in all the news articles I could find. He’s some guy in his fifties. Hell, he’s a silver fox, to be honest. The press likes to take a lot of photos of him, and the fact he’s named as the boss to all this underground world stuff…well, he’s the guy I want to talk to.
“What the fuck, Mila.” Asher grabs the dash from the passenger seat and looks over at me, his eyes wide, and he looks a little pale.
“Tell me you’re joking. You’re messing with us, right?” Walker’s moved forward now to look at my face. He’s waiting for me to laugh or something.
“We can still go for ice cream after.” That actually sounds nice, because I have a feeling this will be very stressful.
They both start talking over each other and don’t let me answer..
“You’re crazy.” Asher huffs beside me.
“Are you insane?” Walker throws his hands up.
“What’s the matter with you?” Asher yells.
“Is this what the money is for?” Walker points to my purse.
“Why are you giving money to a mob boss?” Asher sounds really worried.
“What did you do?” Walker asks.
