Page 48 of Parker
The regular beep of the machine comforts me. She’s still with me. It had been touch and go. She lost a lot of blood, butthe doctors assure me she will pull through. We got her to the hospital in time.
“Ten weeks,” the doctor told me. “Your wife was ten weeks into her pregnancy.” He paused, letting the words settle before continuing. “I’m very sorry, but she’s had a miscarriage.” I sat and stared at him blankly. The words not connecting into something coherent.
“A baby?” I mumbled. “I didn’t even know she was pregnant.”
“She most likely only found out herself recently, Mr. Parker. If she knew at all,” he says regrettably. “When she wakes, I will talk to you both about the support available to help you both deal with the loss.”
Confusion and sadness turn to fury as the doctor leaves the room. A knock on the door signals Boyd’s entry. “How is she?” he asks, his face serious. I look from him to my sleeping wife and back to my right-hand man.
Now is the time. Now I must decide what kind of man I will be. For me, for my mother, for our legacy, for my wife, and for our murdered child.
“She’ll survive. But those bastards killed my baby. A baby I didn’t even know existed. I want their heads, Boyd. I don’t care what it takes. You bring me the asshole who did this. We’ll use him as a warning.”
“Joel.” His tone is low—cautious.
“Boss,” I correct him.
“Boss, are you sure you want to start this? Going after one of their men puts a target on all our backs. You’ve always tried to avoid open conflict.”
“That was before they targeted my wife and killed my child,” I snarl. “Do as you’re fucking told. It’s time I stepped up and moved in the circles I was born to. Tell Drayton—no Worth men in any of our establishments. Parker territory is closed.”
“Yes, Boss.”
“If they come again, Boyd. We won’t send a warning. We’ll deliver a body.”
Boyd doesn’t argue. He knows better. Instead, he changes tack.
“What are you going to tell Nicky? She’s going to want answers.”
A heavy pressure squeezes my chest.
“The truth. She’s going to be furious that I kept this from her, but I was only trying to protect her. She opened the door and let them into our home without knowing who they were. Now she needs to understand. She needs to know exactly who she’s married to.”
***
Another twenty-four hours pass before she wakes again. I don’t leave her side. Her eyes flutter open for a few moments. She rewards me with a soft smile before going back to sleep. It’s a little light in an evil place.
The hospital chairs are bloody uncomfortable, but I don’t move. I sit at her side and hold her hand. She looks so vulnerable lying in her hospital gown, wires and tubes extending in every direction.
My men come and go regularly throughout the day. They’re searching the city for the asshole who did this. Darkness is falling when Boyd appears at my side. “We got him,” he says. “Where is he?”
“He’s at the docks. That warehouse we use for the contraband. It’s quiet, secure.” Boyd cracks his knuckles. “Want us to rough him up and dump him outside their HQ?” For the first time in my life, I want that. No hesitation. Just blood. Excitement pulses in my chest. I want to be there when the bastard pays.
“No. Keep him till I get there. I want to issue this warning myself.”
His eyes pop wide. I never get involved. Today I must. Not only to send a message, but for myself.
Those in charge rarely get involved in the details; we typically have others handle that for us. My father never laid a finger on anyone after he took over the family. He didn’t need to.
“Secure him and make him uncomfortable. But don’t draw blood.” He nods and turns to depart. “And Boyd, ensure the boat is ready to dispose of the evidence if needed.” Without a word, he leaves.
When I turn back to Nicky, she’s looking at me warily. Shit. How much of my exchange did she hear?
“You’re awake,” I say, my voice soft like I’m speaking to a startled deer. “Let me get a nurse. How are you feeling, baby?”
“I don’t want a nurse, Joel.” Her voice cracks. “I want to know who I’m married to,” Tears spill down her cheeks. “What’s going on?”
I reach for her hand, but she pulls it back with the little strength she has.
