Page 115 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“I’m going to tell you what I’m going to do,” Gio starts. “I’m going to make you an offer you can’t refuse. I’ll get your son to safety and work on getting him out, but you’re going to do something for me. You know my help always comes with a cost.”

“Anything. I’ll do anything.”

“I was hoping you’d say that. I want a life for a life.”

“Wha… what?”

“Your life for your son’s. You see, I want a clean break from you and your sinking ship. My brother has set things up so that if your demise were to occur, all your shit becomes the property of Di Lorenzo Industries. I think it’s time we collect.”

“What the fuck? My ship isn’t sinking. What are you talking about?”

“See, you don’t even know you have an indictment heading your way. At the moment, you’re so desperate to get your son back, I believe you would be a liability if given a chance.”

Gustloff holds up his hands. “Look, I would never flip. Please, help me get my boy out and we’ll take off and never look back.”

“Oh, I’m going to take care of your boy. That’s a promise, but you’re going to draw my brother’s attention when he returns. Let’s say a few bad fish shipments to slow business.”

“You want me to draw out Dante the Inferno on purpose? Fuck outa here. That’s suicide.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll send flowers and your son will be out in time to attend the service.”

Gustloff wipes a hand across his brow. He looks around and licks his lips. Gio has him right where he wants him.

“Okay, all right, I’ll do it. Just get Adrian out,” he breathes. “I’ll do whatever you want.”

“Good, PC it is. I’ll make sure he’s safe in there until you finish your task. If you breathe my name once, he returns to gen pop. If you don’t do just as I say, he returns to gen pop. If you go to the feds, he returns to gen pop and you and I both know he’s not going to survive returning to gen after a save that will make him look like he’s a snitch.”

“If I knew who did this to him, I’d kill them.”

I nearly snort. He still doesn’t get this was all Gio. I never took him to be too bright in the first place.

“Well, that’s not the favor you asked for. Let’s talk about what I need from you. There’s a message I need you to give.”

My phone buzzes and I dig it out of my pocket. I smile as I look down at a picture of Ny, Car, and Holly. Yeah, this will be good for all three of them. Gio knows just what he’s doing.

* * *

Nyla

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have fun with Carleen and Holly. It was my first time going toAnima Mias. The place is gorgeous, and the food is even better.

However, it was the company that made the day great. Carleen was always a sweet little girl, she’s become an amazing woman. The way her face lights up when she talks about Dario is so telling.

“Good, you’re home,” Gio croons when I step off the elevator into the apartment.

“Have you been waiting for me?”

“You need to pack for a few days. You’re coming with me and Jace.”

“Where are we going?”

“I need to go see our friend. We’re going to Barbados.”

“When do we leave?”

“In the morning.”

“Really, Gio?”

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