Now as I watch him steer us through the traffic with ease, I can honestly say that I love my dad even more. Not at all because of the things he does, but simply because he’s my father, the man who is still protecting me to this day.
His phone rings. He’s short with whoever is on the other line. I’m assuming it’s a job by the way his eyes flicker back and forth between the road and me, where I sit between Cain and Manny, who are both busy on their computers.
Everyone has a job to do in this family at the moment but me. Do I feel left out? No, not at all. I want to finish school and make a life with Cain. Build on it, and eventually have a family. My gut feeling tells me I will finish school. However, I’m more than curious what Salvatore wants to talk to me about.
Both Cain and I think he wants me on his team of legal defense. One of his consigliere, as they call them. A confidant, advisor. It baffles my mind. I’ve researched the mafia online until I was about ready to throw my computer across the room. I know I’m family, but everywhere I’ve looked, they typically don’t have outsiders as one of the closest people to the leader. I mean, hell... they’re pretty much the only ones who can argue with the boss and get away with it. So why me? Being family is one thing; being a minnow in a shark infested ocean full of lawyers is another. And if that’s not what he wants, then what the hell could it be?
“Lost in thought, cuz?”
Manny snaps his laptop shut and sits it on the floor in front of him, shifting my way.
“Just wondering what your dad wants to talk to me about,” I say, hoping he might know.
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
I nudge him in the side with my elbow. I’m more than ready to get out of this damn truck, anyway. I want a shower, some decent food, and a bed. That’s a simple enough request, if you ask me. And let’s not forget my clothes and shoes. God, I cannot wait to slip into some heels.
“I know you know what your dad wants with me, Manny. I’m a lot smarter than you may think,” I whisper in his ear.
“I know you know, smart ass, but it’s not my place to tell you. It’s his. My father is one of the most laid-back men in this business. But he expects loyalty, honesty, and most of all, respect. I love my father, and no matter how much you sit there with your little lip sticking out like you’re eight years old, I’m not telling you.”
He gets another nudge, this one harder.
“Goddamn, that hurt.”
“What hurt?” Mom, Dad, and Cain all ask at the same time.
“He deserved it.”
“Like hell I did!” He points into the darkness. “You see that ocean over there?”
I look at him like he’s nuts. It’s so dark outside, I can’t see a thing.
“Yeah, didn’t think so. That ocean is scary as hell at night, and if you don’t keep your scrawny ass elbows out of my ribs, I’m going to toss you in it.”
Mom and Dad start laughing, and then Cain and Manny join in.
We are all still cracking up when we stop at a street light. Then everything happens so fast. Bright lights shine into the truck. Dad draws his gun and screams for everyone to get down, but we are hit by a massive semi before anyone can move.
I hear my mother screaming for my dad as Cain grips me tightly. The semi isn’t stopping; we’re bring pushed. I can feel the truck being lifted off of it axles.
My dad is yanking on the door handle, trying to get it open.
“Motherfuck! Fuck! Fuck! Get me out of here, goddamn it.”
I’m panicking. We all are. I’m in the middle with no seat belt on. It’s my own damn fault. I didn’t put it on after gawking out of every window in awe of the city lights. I’m being pulled, tugged, and yanked in every direction.
“I don’t have any goddamn fucking control of this thing!” my dad screams.
I see the gun come up and he shoots a hole in the window then beats it with his fist until it gives.