Page 29 of Unbroken (Russo Mafia)

He breathes heavily into the phone. “It’s not me pumpkin. It’s Frank. He was shot last night—”

“Oh my God, is he okay?” Cutting Dad off.

“He’s still in ICU. They removed the bullet, but he’s still in critical condition. They won’t know for sure. Of course, they give you the bullshit excuse, so they cover their asses.”

“What the hell happened, Dad?”

“I shouldn’t tell you this, but you should know. This city isn’t safe, and I tried to protect you growing up. I really did, but I should’ve done more.”

“Dad, do I need to come over?”

“Maybe I should’ve told you when we moved here, and you could’ve figured it out on your own, but now I feel like I’ve thrown you to the fish.”

“Dad!”

“What?”

“Where are you?”

“I’m still at the hospital. I’ll be here all day. I’m not leaving until Frank wakes up.”

“I’m coming to you. Which one?”

“Toronto General, I’m in the waiting room by the ICU.”

I hang up and dial Oscar.

“Hey, I can’t make it today. My dad he’s in the hospital, his partner was shot last night. Can you cover for me until I make it in later?”

“Yes, of course, Chuck. Take all the time you need. I don’t think they would notice if you flaked for the whole day.”

“Oscar, we have that meeting with the new client today.”

“I can reschedule if need be. It’s not a big deal, this is an emergency, meeting a new client isn’t.”

“You truly are wonderful you know that right?”

“I’ve been told a time or two by the ladies, yes.”

I laugh. “That ego, I can see it from here and I’m nowhere near you.”

“It’s what I do best Chuck, hurry to your dad. I have it covered here. I’ve always wanted to be the boss for the day.” He hangs up before I can say anything.

Walking into the hospital, I located where Dad is. He’s easy to find. He’s sitting in the corner of the waiting room covered in blood, wearing a somber look. My poor Dad, he’s been partners with Frank ever since we’ve moved here. Frank treated me like a niece, and I’ve looked up to him. If I know him, and I do, he’ll be pulling hard for his life. With our support, I hope he’ll feel us.

“Hi Dad.” I lean over and give him a hug. He squeezes me.

When he looks at me, I don’t see the man that raised me. He’s slowly breaking on me. He’s wearing himself thin. The stress of all this isn’t healthy for him.

“I’m worried about you, Dad; this isn’t good for you. You need to go home. Call someone else to sit here for a while. Please,” I beg him.

He cups my face. “Pumpkin, I can’t. This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have forced him to go with me last night. All I saw was a chance at bringing down that fucking kid. I didn’t see this coming, and I should’ve. He got a lucky shot in and look what happened.”

“It’s not your fault. It’s your job. Everyone knows the risks before heading out.”

He shakes his head, shame washing over his face. “Charlotte, this is my fault end of story. If I wasn’t so blind this entire time. You would know about Vincent Buratti when his information landed on your desk at work. You know about the other mafia family in this city. The Russo family.”

My entire body stilled. Where is he going with this?

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