Page 57 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“No problem.”

I pull the phone from my ear and hang up. I go to pull Ny’s number up. I want to talk to her. I need to clear my head. However, I think of her stubbornness and change my mind.

I meant what I said to Jace. I’m tired of fighting myself. Nyla and Jace are a part of me. I’m not going to keep butting heads with them. Either they realize we’re one, or I’m done. Period.

Chapter 23

Incompetence

Riccardo

“Can no one around here do anything right? How hard is it to get me some damn useful information? You’re all in a position to bring me something. What the fuck is wrong with you?” I seethe.

“Bethany is being a bitch. She won’t answer my calls,” Franky whines like a little bitch.

“Fuck her, she’s useless. Do you really think she gives a fuck about you? Apparently, you were never fucking her right, she willingly gave you up to marry thatstunad. Her father hasn’t been worth a damn either.”

“Damn, Pop. That’s harsh,” Jacob grumbles.

“Shut the fuck up. What do you know? You keep your mouth shut and cook. Maybe then you can close on a date, or should Peter step in?”

I’m starting to regret bringing him in and telling him anything about all this. He’s not cut out for this life. All he does is bitch about his career.

He snorts. “I’ve got it.”

“That’s what I thought. What the fuck is going on around here with you guys? This crew is shit. Where’s Lou?”

“He’s home sulking. I think the chef blew him off,” Franky replies.

I shove a hand in my hair and pull. “Un-fucking-believable. First, he doesn’t tell me he’s dating the littlemulignon,then he fucks it up.

“Do any of you know your way around a pussy? Did any of your balls drop? I expect this from you,Micks,but my own grandsons? Come on with this shit.”

Mikey jumps up from his seat, but Peter grabs his arm to restrain him. As if he would dare. I don’t give a fuck who Sylvia is related to. I’ll bury the useless piece of shit without losing one night’s sleep.

“You need to watch your mouth. We’re here to work and do our part, not to be berated by you. Call me and my brother a name again and I’ll teach you who you’re dealing with.”

I move to stand in his face. “You’ve been the least productive of the bunch. I have absolutely no questions about who I’m dealing with. You couldn’t rub two brain cells together to teach me anything.”

“Fuck you, I’m out of here. You’re an asshole. Uncle Frances is right about you. This bullshit isn’t worth it. Franky, I’ll be outside.” He bumps me with his shoulder as he walks past me.

Peter stands and goes to follow him. I need this one. His internship is valuable. I frown and purse my lips as I release a sigh.

“Where the fuck do you think you’re going?”

“With my brother.”

“Sit the fuck down, Peter. I’m not done with you. You just earned whatever was going to be his. Lace your boots and be your own man for once.”

Peter looks back at his cousins and Franky gives him a nod. Peter turns and ambles back to his seat with his head hung low.

“I’ll talk to Mikey,” Franky says.

I shrug it off. I don’t give a shit one way or the other as far as he’s concerned. Mikey is nothing more than dead weight.

“I need to know you can handle this,” I say to Franky. “Get a handle on finding me some information. Dario won’t answer my calls. Why the fuck not? I thought Giuseppe would make a move by now. Get me some answers.”

“I’m on it, Pop.”

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