Page 50 of In My Blood
“How does that sound?” Rafe asked me.
“Good. Thanks Callan. I think it would be an effective use of my time if I can’t work right now,” I agreed.
“I’ll start looking into it right away. Hopefully, you might be able to start in the January term if we can get it set up in time,” Callan told me enthusiastically.
“Arran texted me something about you wanting to train with us too?” Dio asked.
“Yeah. I know the basics, but I’d like to learn more if you have the time,” I agreed.
“Not a problem. We have a full gym in the basement level, so we can work down there. There’s a pool too, if you ever just feel like taking a workout or a dip.”
“That sounds great,” I agreed again. I found something about exercise therapeutic for my anxiety, not that I’d ever had much chance to do it before. Now I had the time and the equipment, I intended to take advantage.
“Cara will need to go shopping today. I’d take her, but I have that meeting for the St. Kits project, and I’m reluctant to cancel,” Rafe said, looking to Dio as he spoke.
“Rafe, honestly, I don’t need anything. I can live with what I have.”
“No. You need warmer clothes. I want to make sure you’re comfortable here,” Rafe argued.
“I’ll take her. Make sure she gets everything too,” Dante said, but it sounded more like a threat than an offer, and I found myself looking to Callan with a gulp.
“I’ll come too,” he instantly spoke up, as a smile filled his face so easily.
“Appreciate it. Make sure you take a team with you. I’m not taking any risks until I speak with Kozlov and get this mess cleaned up,” Rafe explained.
“Kozlov? Is that who…did he have Mum killed?” I asked, only slightly shakily.
“I don’t know right now. The Kozlov’s are the family causing me grief here, and they could be behind Mum’s death and the attack on you too, but it seems unlikely. They’re not really powerful enough to have American connections, and you were sure the men who attacked you had American accents, weren’t you?”
“Definitely. I saw that tattoo too. I could try and draw it for you?” I offered.
“That would help if you could do that and give it to me, please Cara,” Dio agreed and I nodded. I was by no means an artist, but I’d do my best to draw it out as I had seen it on that fucker’s arm.It wouldn’t catch him, since Dio had beaten him to death, but maybe it would be a clue about who sent them.
“I’ll get it to you later,” I agreed.
“I’m back on a flight to Chicago later today, but just text me a picture of the image, please,” he told me.
“Back to Chicago? Why?” I questioned.
“The original plan was for me to stay there when you and Rafe returned home, but after everything…well, plans changed. Now I want to go back and do some investigation into what happened to your Mum, see if we can get any leads as to who was behind the murder, and the attack on you. I won’t be gone for long,” Dio assured me.
“You shouldn’t go alone.”
“Are you worried about me,Piccola?” he chuckled.
“Rafe? Dio’s not going over there alone, is he?” I asked my brother instead.
“No. He’s taking some of our men with him. He’ll be covered,” Rafe assured me.
“Just…be careful, okay? Those men…what they did to Mum…”I floundered as an image of my mother’s body flashed through my mind unbidden.
“Cara?” A warm hand covered mine on the counter, and when I lifted my head, I realised Dio had placed his hand over mine. “I’ll be very careful. I always am, and I’ll be back before you know it, okay? No worrying about me.”
“Dio can text you so you know he’s alright, while he’s away, sweetheart,” Rafe told me. “Dante, can you make sure Cara gets a phone and laptop while you’re out. The phone’s top priority right now if you don’t have time to get everything,” Rafe requested. I opened my mouth to argue with him, but his look shut me down, and I couldn’t say I wasn’t soothed by the idea of Dio texting me to assure me he was still alive. Rafe looked like he needed me to have the device too. Needed not wanted. He looked worried and stressed out, and I didn’t want to add to any of it. If me having a phone made him feel better, I’d give him that.
“Rafe’s right. Send me your new number and I’ll keep in touch, okay?” Dio agreed, and I nodded.
“I know you have a meeting today, Rafe, but please try to find some time to rest. You look exhausted,” I asked of him.
