Balotelli-Bale Series Book #6: Regina Mia & The Godfather Part 1

Chapter 57: Lull

Mancini's POV
Blinding light is the first thing that hit my senses. I struggled to adjust to it, my eyes mere slits. The thought of whether I'm crossing to the other side came to mind. I don't want to leave this world, not yet. She needs me. Yes Kei, where is she?

I forced my eyes open, fighting against every urge to be absolutely still. I immediately took note of the bright ceiling light above my head. I winced with confusion. The last thing I saw was her at the bookcase. Yes, Keira. Where is she? My mind keeps asking the question. I turned sideways to see a surprised man staring at me.

He said something but I can't quite hear. Who is he? Where am I? I turned my head to the other side, seeing the wall of compartments. Freezers for bodies. No! No! No! My eyes grew wide with fear! I can't be lying on a mortician's table! It was seconds later when the doctor shook me that I heard him.

"Signore! Thank goodness!"

It took a moment for the panic to settle. I'm not on the metal table. I'm on a bed. It's a bed. I'm not feeling cold. I must be alive!

"W-wh-" I tried to speak but my throat is dry. I touched my neck to feel the dressing that covers my wound. Yes, someone stabbed me. Yes, I feel the pain. I'm alive.

"Water. Drink." One of them raised me slightly so that I drink from the glass but I pushed it away. "Signore drink."

"R-russo."

I need someone I can trust.

My doctor pleased but I slapped away the glass,. I tried to get on my feet but I stumbled right to down to the tiled floor.

"Dad! Dad!" Marco? "You're awake! Dio! You are awake." He kissed my forehead. I reached for the warmth of his face, unable to believe he is here.

"Son." I whispered with tears at the brink of my eyes. My children told me they hate me after what I did to Paulina. They didn't come to the wedding. I knew it was over the moment I shot their mother and I married Kei. I knew that they will never be part of my life. He pulled away. "Your siblings?"

He shook his head to tell me they obviously didn't care enough.

"Signore." Russo smiled at me. "It's good to see you."

I returned his smile fleetingly. They pulled me up, bringing me to sit down on a chair. The doctor brought the glass of water to me. "Per favore Signore, drink."

Russo and Marco nodded. I took the glass but my hand is shaking. I spilt some of it but most made it through. I gulped down almost the entire glass. "Where is she? My wife?"

"Moretti-" Russo began to answer.

"You shouldn't trouble him over that." Marco intervened. "He just woke up. He is not well."

"She's my wife." I spoke softly. "I want to know."

"Moretti has her." Russo continued. "He will kill her if you don't get up from that bed and do something."

"Where is she?"

"The mansion. I hear she's being held in the old wine cellar."

"Help me." I stretched out my hand. I feel weak.

"Signore, it's too soon to move." The doctor expressed his concern.

"There are other ways to help her without going anywhere." Marco told me. "Call Moretti and ask him to stand down."

"No. I need to show up for her."

"He came here to make sure you're dead!" Marco told me. I can see worry in his tender brown eyes. "Don't go to the mansion! Just call him!"