“My father,” I say firmly.
He traveled back last night, so I know he is back already, but I don't want to do it.
However, I don’t think I have a choice. He’s the only person I know in New York City with the firepower that I need. “Drive me, Nico.”
“Are you sure?” Dante asks.
“I’m sure I want my girls back,” I croak, my voice breaking.
“I’ll send you every man I can regardless.”
“Thank you, capo,” I say, and I mean it. Dante’s always done his best for me, and this just happens to be a time where his help is just not fast enough.
I’m a prideful man, and an even more prideful son, but I can admit when I need help, and this time, I need it.
We arrive at my father’s house in ten minutes, not bothering to call, and he meets me outside.
“Son, what’s wrong?” he asks quickly.
I explain the situation, that the Russians have my wife and daughter, and he holds up a hand before I can even finish talking.
“Whatever you need,” he says, handing me the key to the armory. “And take all my men. I’ve got more than ten to offer.”
Tears spring to the backs of my eyes, from worry and fear or gratitude, I’m not sure.
“Thank you,” I say quietly, and he smiles at me.
“Anything for you, son.”
He pulls me aside while Nico is going through the armory, and I’m a little antsy but everyone is packing up and getting ready, and I know that we need to have this conversation.
“I’m sorry, son,” my father says. “I’m sorry that I left you and Theresa. I’ve honestly regretted it every day since.”
“Then why did you do it?” I ask, unable to keep my anger in check. “Why did you leave us?”
“I got wrapped up in the life,” he says quietly. “I got wrapped up in the power and the money and the women....can you say you’ve never done that, Angelo?”
I think about it, setting my jaw. I’d definitely gotten a little too into the life and ignored my personal needs, and that’s why I’m in the situation I am in now with Catarina.
“I can’t say that I didn’t,” I finally admit.
“Can we try again, son?” Andrea asks. ”I don’t expect you to forgive me right away, but can we try?”
He looks at me so earnestly that it makes my heart ache. I do still love the old man, despite everything.
“We can try,” I say finally. It’s the most I can promise.
I take off for the armory before he can do something like hug me. I’m not ready for that yet.
I raid the armory, and Nico stops me when I try to pick up a rocket launcher.
“I know you want to blow the place up, but we need to be stealthy.”
I throw a couple of grenades in his trunk just in case.
We take off and I lead Nico and my father’s men to the place where we were shot at.
There’s fifty of us, so I'm hoping that we outnumber the Russians. I was stupid to underestimate Dmitri, and I’m not going to make that mistake again. Not when my girls are involved.