Page 55 of Unbroken (Russo Mafia)

“The mafia? What are you talking about? He works with computers.”

“No ma’am, he works with Lucca, and the boys for the mafia. I’ve seen it. I was with them the other day in their office down the road.” He trails off.

She looks to me for guidance. I’ve kept this from her for too long. They should’ve told her before me. This isn’t fair to either of us.

“It’s true Scar. They should’ve told you. This isn’t how I wanted you to find out.”

“You fucking knew and didn’t tell me!” she screamed.

I flinch. “Scarlett, please, I know I should’ve told you years ago. I feared what would happen if I said anything.” I can feel my heart breaking for her.

“You could’ve said something, anything. We were best friends.” She grabs her things and storms out the front door. I stand, but Oscar stops me.

I look at Oscar. “She saidwerebest friends, Oscar,” I cry, tears running down my cheek.

“Everything will be just fine. Let her cool off. I’m sure once she had time to process it, she’ll be calling you.” He tries reassuring me, brushing my hair out of my face. “Come, let’s watch some of that shit tv you are so involved in.”

“I don’t think I’m in the mood for that. But for you I will. You love it more than I do, anyway.”

“I plead the fifth.”

“That doesn’t exist in Canada sorry bud.”

“Oh, really? That blows.” He sits there looking all sad.

“I know right, the things you learn from your lawyer friend.” My voice cracking.

“You know what. I’m gonna order something for us to eat to go with our trash show.”

I know what he’s trying to do, I’m trying to give him a smile, but it’s a pathetic one. How can I be happy when I ruined what I thought I would have forever. I thought Scar and I would grow old together, yet I kept the one thing I shouldn’t have. Her fucking brother could’ve told her.

I hope Scar does come around. I didn’t mean for her to find out this way. I should probably give Antonio a heads up. He’s going to get his fucking ass chewed out. I should’ve told Oscar that she didn’t know about the mafia. It was a major slip on my part. I don’t even know if she’ll still represent me in court now.

Me:Heads up your sister knows about your involvement in the mafia.

Antonio: WTF!

Me:Oscar let it slip. He didn’t mean to.

Antonio:Great, we’re all on her fucking shit list now.

Me:Tell me about it. She said I’m not her best friend anymore. Hopefully, you get to be her brother still…

Antonio: She doesn’t mean it. I’ll talk to her. Are you going to be, okay?

Me:I’m fine, I’m not worried about myself. It’s her I’m concerned about. We all lied to her.

Antonio:I know Charlie. You did it out of love and I did it out of protection. She’ll see.

Me:I hope so.

I go back to watch some weird tv show Oscar has chosen. He’s so into it he doesn’t notice that I’ve been slipping into a state of boredom. I’ve must’ve passed out, because when I come to the tv is turned to a kid’s program. Small hands are gently stroking my hair. This little one has worked her way into my heart in such a short time.

“Your finally awake. Who sleeps during the day?”

“I do, I was bored. What better way to pass the time.”

She snuggles closer to me. “Wake me when it’s suppertime, then.”

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