Page 125 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“I won’t be long. Take me to this address.” I hand over my phone with the Kurmars’ address.

I still have ways to get information here in the States. I just try not to, not wanting to bring attention to any of Gio’s moves. However, as soon as Gio mentioned Kaling’s time being up, I knew I needed to make this visit.

Finding out she’s been hiding out in their home brought a smile to my face. I had half expected her to be on the run, especially after her daughter’s death.

“Got it. Come on. I have a bag for you in the trunk. You can pick your tools once we get there.”

We climb into the truck. I’m silent at first. Giving her time to settle and start toward our destination.

I turn in my seat to look around the truck. It has that new-truck smell. My eyes land on the back seat. My heart squeezes. I still have hopes for grandchildren.

“Nice truck,” I say.

“It was a gift from the guys for Christmas.”

I take the opening and run with it. “How are you guys doing?”

“I haven’t been speaking to Gio. He’s gone too far. I didn’t like what happened with Nonno. I hate that he put me in that position.”

“You’re not going to like a lot of the things Gio does. That’s this thing though.” I snort. “You’re driving his mom to cut a bitch’s head off. Come on, Ny. You can’t be mad at him for being who he needs to be.”

“Seriously? That’s your dad. You’re not pissed at him?”

“Yes, I was. To be honest, I had to calm down before I could speak to him. However, I understood. I know my son is about to do some dark shit. All necessary evils. We’ve taught him well. Gio will be the most ruthless Don ever.”

She purses her lips and sighs. “Well, I’m getting on that plane with you, so I won’t see any of it.”

“Oh no.” I shake my head. “You’re his anchor, his way back. Gio needs you more than I do. Your place is here.”

“Ava, really?”

“Yes, sweetheart. Ask yourself… can you accept all of my son. Remember who he is and who he was always meant to be. You and Jace are his humanity. He will give that up for a while, but you two have the power to root him in the sweet boy he once was.”

“So I’m to let him set the world on fire and be ready with the extinguisher?” she scoffs.

“Yes, if you love him.”

She falls silent for the rest of the ride. When we arrive at the house, I get out and smile. Moving to the trunk, I open the bag of weapons. I choose the katana and test its weight in my hand.

“Andiamo,” I say and saunter to the house.

* * *

Nyla

I sit at the kitchen island, watching as Ava bags Bertice Kurmar’s head in a plastic bag. The surprised look in her eyes is still on her dead face.

Ava wasted no time chopping her head off. This woman is cold. I guess she wouldn’t find Gio’s actions off. I don’t know if I’m looking for a reason to run or if it was the threat to Nonno that has made me so mad.

Ava’s right though. I can’t run. I may not like it, but I won’t take off. Admittedly, I’m still working through my issues. I might be looking for reasons to be angry with Gio.

“Sparks are about to fly from your ears.A cosa stai pensando?”

What am I thinking? That’s a loaded question. I chew on my lip and knit my brows. If anyone would understand, it would be Ava.

“It’s self-sabotage. I know it is. I’ve waited so long to live my life. Now that it’s happening, I have this feeling like it’s going to be snatched away. I’m so afraid I’ve been trying to find things to be annoyed about.

“I don’t know how to stop it. I know I’m frozen at sixteen, but I don’t know how to heal and grow up. I’m trying. I’m trying so hard.”

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