New beginnings and news.
I had a whole new house to learn how to slink around in the dark. My office was upstairs but far enough away from the bedroom that I wouldn't have to worry about eavesdroppers.
I wasn't worried about Caroline listening to it. She was a great mate, respectful, sweet and sassy. She was going to be a fantastic mom.
I locked the door and flicked the light switch. My office here was a bit smaller but I wasn't planning on having people meet me here. The smaller the group of people who knew I lived here...the better to keep my family safe.
I was frustrated, I still had no real leads. I had heard from Caroline that she'd received a call from her step mother after news had traveled of her fathers death. I'd sent his body back to Detroit in style.
My wife declined going to the funeral. She was extremely pregnant and I didn't want to risk any of them.
Caroline gave me an idea, her step mom had been set to take over the businesses when her father had passed away. From what else I had been told, this new mom was ambitious and a bit of a femme fatale.
No sooner did I sit down then the phone rang. It was 4 a.m. must be news. Only a handful of men had this number.
"Luca, I have an interesting lead for you." Leo, my contact in Detroit, was becoming a regular informant for me. It didn't hurt that at one point he'd been sweet on my women. He was still loyal to her although respectful of our bond.
"Her step mom is getting remarried tomorrow.....to a prominent soldier in the chicago mafia. She'll be that much closer." Leo had me thinking now. I sat back. I didn't know much about Joseph Turner, but I wouldn't be thrilled if Caroling married not even a week after I'd been shot. Made me wonder what their marriage was like.
All I knew was that the man wasn't as smart as he'd thought himself to play two rival gangs at the same time. He'd also been willing to give up my mate. That still pissed me off.
"You got an invite?" My voice rasped out. I was hoping he did. He'd been close to the family for quite some time.
"No, but I have a feeling a few of us should show up, you know, give our regards." Leo sounded excited. I knew that kid was on his way up the ladder when I met him. Wouldn't be surprised if he became the boss of the whole area.
"Hey, you wanna give them a message for me...." I grinned. I fucking knew it the minute the pieces started falling.
"Absolutely."
"Tell them...."
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"Hey, what are you doing? Go back to bed." My mate was leaning against the headboard rubbing her stomach.
It was 5 now but I was ready for a shower. I was thinking of the gift I could send them. Now. I wished it had been bigger than Mr. Turner in a casket.
I was now concerned for her. She looked pale and uncomfortable.
"I can't, it's too much pain and I'm nauseous." She moaned out and cried when she stretched. I didn't like this.
"I'm ringing the doctor. Lay down." I commanded her and walked to my side of the bed where a phone was. Being the leading man of the Changretta family here I had to be available in case something happened.
Caroline tried to stand. She was facing the bathroom. She dropped. I slammed the phone down and ran to her, grabbing her arm. I pulled her up gently and placed her back on the bed.
She pointed to a bucket on the chair by the bathroom door. I grabbed it and brought it to her in time. She shouldn't be this sick 6 months pregnant.
"Something doesn't feel right..." She mewed out. I pulled her blonde hair back and kissed her head. Slipping out a little prayer and I tried calling again.
"Come on, come on, get up." The phone was finally picked up. He swore gently and ran the doctor down on what was happening.
"Okay, I'll have Matteo let you in. Knock twice." I dropped the phone down and ran my hands over the back of her neck and head.
"You got a fever?" She was cold and clammy but little beads of sweat were all over her. I was scared out of my mind. I hated not being able to help or protect her.
"I don't know, I'm just in pain. Maybe after a bath." She tried moving. I was gonna tie her to the bed.
"Stay!" I pointed at her and ran down the stairs, luckily Matteo was already awake. He'd stuffed a bagel into his mouth.
"Get Caroline some water and listen to the door. 2 knocks!" Matteo nodded and ran off to the kitchen. I'd waited on the base of that stairs. I didn't want to go too far in case she called for me.
"Here, is she okay?" He asked, concerned. Caroline and Matteo got along well. She likes Mat's girlfriend and asks about them often.
"We're waiting on a doctor." I took the stairs in huge strides. She was still on the bed taking ragged breaths. Ah, let everything be okay. I can't lose any of them.
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