Page 36 of Unbroken (Russo Mafia)

The house is quiet when I enter. It’s weird I’m so used to noise. I still need to talk with Charlie about Ada. If we’re going to try this again, I come as a package deal now. It’s been Ada and I for the past three years. I’ve never brought women home. I didn’t want them being introduced to Ada if they weren’t going to be sticking around. Charlie is different. She was always meant to be mine. My dick twitches at the thought of her. I need to be inside of her soon. I don’t care that she wants to take her time; I need her to hurry. I can’t wait much longer. Eight years is too long for me already. She’ll have to realize I’m not going anywhere. Grabbing something to eat I head back to the office. I’m not resting until I can narrow this shit down.

Antonio enters my office looking a little down. God only knows why. Him and Nico have the best out of us all. Still trying to figure out that relationship.

“Hey man, got a second?” His voice laced with concern.

I stop typing on my laptop and look at him. “Yeah, what’s wrong?”

He runs his hands through his hair. “It’s Scarlett. I’m worried about her.” Worry flashed across his face.

Concern pinched my forehead in the middle. “What do you mean? What happened?”

“I think she’s involved in something deep, and she won’t tell me about it. She usually tells me everything about work. You know. That’s why I’m worried. This might be something she can’t get out of. I don’t know if she’s talked to Charlie about it. Or anyone at that. Scar is acting weird.”

“How weird? I don’t think it’s anything to be concerned about, Tony.”

He releases a deep breath. He paces in front of my desk. Maybe it’s worse than I thought. It really has him stressed out. I know he cares about his sister. It goes deeper than a twin thing. Technically, he is the older sibling, and he takes it literally.

“Okay, sit. You’re going to wear out the floor. I’ll look into it and see what I can find,” I tell him.

He rests his head in his hands. “Thanks boss. I mean it, I know you don’t need to, but maybe we should finally tell her about what we do. It would be for her own protection.”

Cazzo!He’s right, we’ve left her in the dark for so long it’s only going to make her life worse if we wait any longer. I give him a nod and his body relaxes.

“We’ll tell her together. I know Charlie should be there with her. She’ll need the support. For now, monitor her, inform Rett he’ll fight you on it, tell him I told him to help.”

He stands and nods, then walks out. With that taken care of, I only have this issue to deal with.

I wish it was as simple as his.

Tuesday morning and I want to be anywhere then here.

The smell is too sterile; the walls are pale. Why are they always a pale colour? Rows of plush recliners are in a row with IV poles sitting next to them. Dad is sitting in one, with an IV stuck in the back of his hand. The site alone is killing me. I can only imagine what it feels like for him. Having this being pumped into his body, hoping it’s doing its job correctly.

“How are you doing, pumpkin?”

I scoff at that question. Seriously, I’m not the one with the mysterious yellow liquid getting pumped into my body. Of all things to ask, that’s his question.

“I’m fine, Dad. What about you? Need anything?” I reach for his hand squeezing it tight.

He turns his head in my direction giving me a small smile. “I’m good, only a little while longer. You get used to it I promise.”

“I don’t want to get used it. I want you to get better, so we never have to come back here. It smells weird, and I promised I’d never do this after Mom died.”

Eyes downcast he says, “I know pumpkin, I wanted to try my hardest. I wanted to be the best parent after Mom died. Sometimes you're a given a shitty hand at cards, only I’m not folding I’m winning this hand. Mark my words, Charlotte. I’m kicking ass.”

If Dad is swearing he means it. I believe him, he’s determined he never quit after Mom died, so he won’t quit now. I’m here for him no matter what.

“Team Holmes all the way.”

“That’s right, pumpkin.”

An hour later, the nurse comes to check on Dad's vitals, letting us know he’s free to go. She reminds Dad to take it easy for the next couple of days. I chuckle at that. If only she knew my Dad. Helping Dad to the car he pretty much collapses in the passenger seat. I don’t blame him that would take a beating out of anyone. By the time we get home, he heads to his room. I busy myself in the kitchen making him something light to eat. My phone dings. I grab it off the island.

Oscar:Chuck, are you available for supper? I have some things to go over and I know you're busy with your Dad right now, so I don’t want to interrupt. Just a simple yes or no will suffice. No need to give me some bullshit excuse. I’ve heard them all from you. K thanks byeeeee.

That man, he sure makes my workdays so much more enjoyable. I’m sure I can get away for supper. Dad will most likely be sleeping the rest of the day away.

Me:Yes, but. We’ll have to have a quick supper. I don’t want to leave Dad alone for too long. Treatment is taking a shit kicking on him.

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