Page 58 of Ethan's Sky

“Hug Mama and tell her I love her. Tell her…I’ll come visit as soon as I can. Both of you.” Sky’s voice hitches. “I’ll bring hydrangeas when I come. I know they’re her favorite.”

“I love you, Skyler. With everything I am.”

The phone clicks and we hear George breaking down, alone in the cab of his truck.

The room is quiet except for Hawk’s meticulous typing. A minute or two later, we hear a second phone ringing.

“George?” It’s Ghost’s voice on the line this time. “The fuck is going on? Where is she?”

“She’s on her way to you. She’s getting ready. Shouldn’t be too long. She was already in motion when I called.” George sniffs, letting out a long grown. “I need you to keep your promise to me and you sister. You know what I’m asking of you?”

Ghost sighs. “Where are you? What the hell kind of shit are you in? Give me a location. We’ll get on the road and come to you.”

“No. You can’t do that. You have a promise to keep. She’s more important than anything else. You got me?” George is shouting in the phone, angry. “No matter what happens to me tonight, you take care of my baby girl! She’s all that matters anymore. Don’t go chasing after my troubles. It’ll all be over soon enough. You just take care of her, and that boy. You keep your word andmake that shit right. That’s all I need you to do. Now, can you keep your fucking word or not, Ghost?”

There’s a long sigh followed by Ghost’s voice saying, “I got you. You have my word. I’ll watch over her.”

“And you’ll set shit straight?” George doesn’t really ask so much as demand. “It’s time we fix this shit, Ghost. She deserves to be happy. None of this was her fault. She just got caught up in club shit she knew nothing about. It’s not her fight! She’s lost enough! You hear me? I can’t be there to fix it anymore. I tried. I had a plan, but shit’s gone sideways, so I need you to fix it!” George is shouting, his voice cracking as we listen to the man in question in agony over whatever he’s done.

“Please.” He whispers his plea.

“You have my word, George. I’ll set shit straight. She’ll be happy. I won’t accept anything less for her. Besides, Elizabeth would come back and haunt my ass if I didn’t.” Ghost’s words hit their mark, George chuckles.

“You ain’t lying.”

The phone goes quiet for a moment more then, George comes back on the line.

“I’m sorry, Chris. I truly am. I didn’t want to bring any of this to you or the club. After tonight, hopefully, it’ll all be over, and my baby girl will be safe and happy again. At least I can go knowing I did that much right.”

The line goes dead again.

“What was George talking about? What promise? What boy is he illuding to?” I ask, something in my gut tells me I know, but I can’t help feeling like there are so many missing pieces still to this puzzle.

Before anyone can answer, there’s another phone ringing and all eyes are glued to the black screen on the way.

“George.” The voice says in way of greeting. “Have you delivered the package to the drop off location?”

“Yeah. I... uh...I did. Everything was accounted for. Your men took care of everything like you said they would.”

“Good. Good. Then why do you sound distraught? What’s wrong, my friend?”

“I ran into some trouble on the way back. It seems they’re none too happy about you intercepting their precious cargo.” George chuckles. “I’m pretty sure I’m not going to make it out of this alive, so I’m calling to make sure our deal still stands. I delivered the shipment like you asked me to. I want to hear you say you’ll keep your word about Sky.”

“I should be insulted, but in light of your situation, I will let it slide.”

“Vincenzo, I mean no disrespect, I just need to know…”

“Relax my friend. You have my word. I’m sorry this is the way things are going to end between us. I had hoped we could do more great things together. Are you sure I can’t help you out of your predicament? Based on your location, I can have men to you in less than twenty minutes.”

“I appreciate the offer, but like the Kings, if you send in the calvary, it’ll only point these Devils in your direction. And since you’re all now in charge of keeping my baby girl safe and happy, I won’t take the chance on sending this shit to your door. I knew what I was getting into when I agreed to do this. But it was the right thing to do. I can only hope my daughter feels the same way and forgives me for leaving her behind when she finds out the truth of what I’ve done.”

“I will make sure she knows how courageous you were and how you helped so many find their way to freedom. I’m sure she will agree with me, you are a good man, George Sinclair. Your daughter will want for nothing in this life. She need only ask. She will be under my protection and that of my men. You have my word.”

“Thank you, Vincenzo. I appreciate you.”

With that, the line goes dead.

Everyone in the room is stunned to silence until Hawk opens his mouth to ask, “Well, what the hell do we do with all of that?”

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