Page 6 of Knocked up by the Mafia

I nod. “Aye, they did indeed. And that’s the problem, gentlemen. You see, I arrived at the location where they were keeping her, unaware that she was my wife.”

They all start talking over each other, and I hold a hand up. “I’m sure you can appreciate that for no amount of money am I going to kill my wife. I also want to assure you that if any of you think of laying a hand on her, I will personally see each of you killed.”

They mumble, and Don Russo, who seems to dominate the conversation today, leans forward. “Surely there is a price you’re willing to pay that is worth more to you than some Russian bitch.”

“You’re not winning my favor by insulting her, Don Russo. I hope I don’t have to send a physical message to explain what will happen if anyone comes after her?” I sit back and steeple my fingers in front of me.

Don Russo nods and holds his hands up. “I suppose there’s nothing we can do. We cannot have her killed if she is your wife. We know that is a foolish thing to do. We will have to let this one go.”

“You will have to.” I don’t believe him for a second. Men like these do not let things go. They make sure a message is delivered that nobody can fuck with them. “I assure you that if you have any other jobs to complete, I will gladly take them, but this one will be refunded.”

“We appreciate that,” Don Russo says. “If you’ll excuse us, it’s quite late here, and now that we know the developments, we should get to our families.”

“Goodbye.” I cut the call.

There isn’t a question about if they will attack. They will. The question is, how long do I have before they do? I need to secure a safe location where Natalia and I can stay, that I can monitor and protect. This apartment is like a death trap.

I have connections across the world. I’ve made friends with the right people when needed, even here. I reach out to one of my connections. He’s also Irish and launders money through his various properties. I send him a code word and wait for him to call me.

“Daniel?” Mick says as I answer the call. “Is everything okay?”

“Nothing is ever okay, Mick, but we carry on. I need a favor, though, one I’m willing to pay for. But it can’t be through my name. It must be through the name I give you.”

“Sure, name it. I owe you from last time for saving me from that piece of shit dirty cop.”

I nod. “I need a house to move into. Already furnished, preferably. Also stocked with food. Something secure or that I can secure well. Nice though, something a lady would like.” I look around the sparsely furnished apartment. “The name I need it bought under is Johnny Learson. Send me the amount you need, and I’ll transfer from an account with that name.” I wait quietly.

Mick takes a moment, then he sighs. “I only have one decent enough place and hoped to keep it for one of my kids.”

“This is an emergency, Mick.”

“Ah, I can always buy more property.” He laughs and starts to cough slightly. He smokes too much; everyone knows that. He finishes hacking up a lung, then says, “I’ll send you the details to this phone number. I’ll give it to you for a million if you transfer it tonight. It’s fully furnished, and I’ll have someone go over now and stock it with food and supplies from one of my other houses.”

“Thanks, Mick, that’s perfect.” I cut the call and stare at the blank screen of my computer. I get up and go to the bedroom, unlocking it as my phone buzzes. Mick has sent me the address. I smile softly.

I don’t think it’s a good idea to be doing jobs in other countries, or even states, while there is the threat of danger from the Dons. Or that Natalia will probably run off and get herself killed.

No, I will stick around for some time and do jobs central to New York City. There is no end of work for people in my line.

I chuckle quietly as I consider offering my services to the Sorvino-Volkov alliance. I can only imagine their reactions when they realize Natalia is not only missing but that she’s married to an Irish hitman.

I pack my few things; I keep most of my stuff in the car anyway. You must be ready to get up and go if you want to survive. I take the last possessions down to the car and return to the bedroom.

I don’t sleep, choosing to sit near the window and watch Natalia rest. My phone buzzes around ten in the morning. It’s Mick letting me know that the house is ready.

The buzzing stirs Natalia, and she sits up sleepily. I give her a moment to gather her wits, but it doesn’t take her long. A sign of someone who has lived life on the run, get up and go is how you survive.

She stares at me. “Did you just spend the rest of the morning watching me sleep?”

“I had other work to do first, but I was bored, so yes.” I stand up. “I’ve ordered you some clothing. It will be at our new home. You can shower and change there. Go have some coffee.”

She sighs and gets out of bed, looking annoyed. I smile and remind her, “If you leave, you’ll regret it. The Dons have been warned not to touch you because you’re my wife.”

She waves me off as she walks out.

I make the bed and then call my sterilization crew. Rob used to run a crime scene clean-up crew, but he’s since gone underground and helped families clean up their crimes. There’s more money for him that way.

I don’t complain. I send him a text with the address and pay his deposit. Half now and half when he’s done; it’s our arrangement. He sends me a thumbs-up. People these days and responding with these emoticons. It’s ridiculous.

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