Page 11 of Twisted Lies

“I hoped this stint in the hospital would be a mini vacation from people, but it seems like I get three to four a day.”

Connor laughs. “Just wait till you get home. I think there’s enough food to feed an army.” Connor turns to face me, his face now solemn. “We have not found the shooter. Are you sure you didn’t see anything?”

“It was dark. They were a distance away. It was unexpected,” I state sternly.

Connor looks unconvinced. “That’s unlike you. You’re the king of small details. I have a hard time believing you saw nothing.”

“Why would I lie? What do I have to gain? I’m the one who got shot. I want them found.” I hope my words are enough to convince him.

“That’s what I can’t figure out—why. You sure there’s nothing you want to tell me?” There is an edge of accusation to his tone.

Keeping eye contact I respond “You know everything of importance. We’ll find the shooter, and I’ll handle them.”

“Well, we need a lead, and since apparently you’re sticking to your story about not seeing anything, I’m running out of options. He’s in the wind.”

“I’ll find them. I can find anyone anywhere,” I vow, knowing I’m out to find my own blood.

Connor’s lips twist to a sinister grin. “I know. Once you’re released, I need your help handling an issue.”

“Of course.”

“Good. I’ll see you in the morning.” He nods before leaving me in blissful silence. Finding Rebecca will be a challenge if she doesn’t want to be found. I know she’s not the same person she was. There is no way she could be. At the end of the day, she is Rossi blood, and if she wants to hide, that’s what she’ll do. I just have to hope that whatever plan she has will draw her out.

Reaching for my phone, I call Alex. It only takes a couple of rings before he answers.

“Claire?” he asks.

“She’s fine. Just left. Did you know about Rebecca?” I demand.

“No! I thought she died just like you. I wouldn’t keep that from Claire.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time you hid something from Claire,” I point out.

“Elijah. It’s been a long a few days. Don’t start with me. You’re not at your strongest at the moment, so don’t piss me off. I didn’t know she was alive. I’ll talk with Logan.”

“No.” The last thing I need is Logan Regio to know all the Rossi siblings are alive. It’s bad enough he knows Claire and I are. He doesn’t need any more ammunition. Him knowing puts a dent into my original plan, but maybe it’ll work better. Logan needs Alex for business. He knows he’ll take Claire’s side if it comes down to it, forcing him to choose my side.

In theory.

* * *

I don’t know if it’s the uncomfortable bed, almost nonexistent pillow, or pain meds, but I dream for the first time in years.

“Elijah, come in here.” Father calls me into his study. We had only been back from my Mom’s funeral for a few minutes. I’m still in my suit. It feels tight, and I want to yank it off. Silently, I walk into his room and wait by the door for his next order.

He points to the chair. Quickly, I move to sit. He leans deeper into his chair and breathes intensely. Closing his eyes, he sits in silence, just breathing. It’s been a hard day. The worst day. After Mom died, Claire locked herself in her room for days. She would wake us all up with her screams. Rebecca wasn’t saying much, but she would burst into tears unexpectedly and run from the room.

I wait for him to open his eyes or, at the very least, say something. We sit in silence to the point I think he’s fallen asleep. Finally, his eyes pop open, and he leans forward in his seat.

“Elijah, how old are you now?” he asks, his hands resting on the desk.

“Ten, sir.” He nods at my answer.

“Ten. That’s hard to believe. It feels like yesterday you were so little you couldn’t walk or talk. But time has made that possible for you, time and hard work. Before I know it, you’ll be ready to take the business from me. Just like learning to walk and talk, that will take time and hard work.” Once he finishes, we sit silently, as if he is debating his next words. “I’m going to need you more than ever in the upcoming weeks and years. You know one day you will take over for me?” he asks, knowing the answer but expecting only one response.

“I know.” My voice comes out cold but strong.

He nods, approving of my answer. “With her gone…I’m going to need your help more than ever. Your sisters are going to need you, and you must look after them. You can’t let anything happen to them. Take out all threats to the family. This is your job as much as it is mine. Can I count on you?”

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