Page 45 of Mafia Handbook

Chapter Twenty

Milena fell heavily into the leather chair, all thoughts of broken hearts and survival vanishing in an instant.

“It’s okay, babe.” Bash began but was halted by Milena’s raised hand.

“Clearly, it’s not okay. Otherwise, Slate wouldn’t be here and you would have already told me who Gridlock is.”

Dropping his tired body into a chair, Slate leveled his gaze on her. “Very perceptive, Milena.” Taking a sip of the hot coffee, Slate appreciated the strength of the brew, giving him the clarity to do what he came to do.

“Bash said he told you about his aunt and uncle.”

“Yes, he did, Kevin and Cora.” Milena affirmed, confused as to the direction this conversation was headed.

“And why they moved to California?”

Nodding, Milena shifted her gaze to Bash, fear and curiosity warring for control in her chest. “She has cancer.”

“Had,” Slate corrected, snapping his gaze to a shocked Bash before returning it to Milena. “Doctor gave her the news yesterday during our meeting.”

Bash held his tongue, he deserved the subtle punishment his friend covertly handed out and then some.

“Are you sick?” The question was out of Milena’s mouth before she could filter it.

“Me?” Slate pointed to himself. “No, but I need you to promise me you will listen to what I have to say. No interruptions, no storming out of the room, just hear me out.”

Milena was too vested to argue, “I promise.”

“Yesterday morning I received a call from Kevin Kelly. He’d been unable to reach Bash and needed to speak with him. I mentioned he was on a mission, and Kelly asked if I could get a message to him, which I wholeheartedly agreed to do. When he named the time and place, however, I’ll admit, I was worried.”

Setting the cup on the desk, Slate balanced his forearms on his thighs. “He asked me to meet him at the hospital, and the first thing I thought was something was wrong with Cora. When I arrived at the hospital, I was greeted by a group of men in suits, searched by security, and escorted to a secure part of the hospital. I was introduced to a doctor by the name of Spencer, who took me down a hall where Cora and Kevin were waiting. I immediately questioned if she was okay, if I needed to get Bash home, when Dr. Spencer came in and delivered the news, she was cancer free. After a round of tears and congratulations, Kevin asked me to follow him down the hall. He apologized for the secrecy, but as he opened the door to a room at the end of the hall, I understood why.”

Milena drifted her gaze toward Bash, half expecting him to be staring back at her. When she found his attention glued to Slate, she knew he was as clueless as she was to what was going on.

“Inside the room, hooked up to several machines was your father, Frank Rossi. According to Kevin, Frank’s been trying to get in touch with you for a while. Your father wants to talk with you. I gave him my word, I would give you the message personally, what you do with it is up to you.”

Dropping her gaze to her clenched hands, “Why is he in the hospital?”

Letting out an uncomfortable sigh, “He didn't say, and I didn’t ask. Considering the machines surrounding him, I’d say it was serious.”

Picking at the skin of her cuticle, Milena considered her options. Clearly the code yellow was over as Bash and Slate had all but told her they knew who Gridlock was. From the conversation she’d overheard, it wouldn't be long before Bash unveiled the truth of his deception. Truth be told, she’d rather sit with a man who was honest in his dislike of her, rather than a man who’d gone to such extreme measures as Bash had to conceal his intentions.

“Milena, before you decide, there’s one more thing you need to know.” Slate admitted, turning his attention to Bash and tipping his chin.

“Sweetness, remember when I told you Wizard was trying to trace the payment method used to pay for the hired car?”

Milena wished she could hate the term of endearment, however, just like her feelings for him, the fondness held fast. Forcing herself to acknowledge Bash, Milena met his gaze, “Yes.”

Spinning in his chair, Bash tapped the space bar, bringing his computer to life. “It took a while to break their firewall, but Wizard verified the information three times before he sent it to me.”

Using the mouse, Bash spread the evidence he’d uncovered around the screen. “The same credit card was used to purchase modeling clay, glitter, and connecting wire.”

Keeping his eyes on the screen, Bash double clicked the last file, the mug shot flashing on the screen.

“I sent my findings to my friend, Officer Malone, who made the arrest.”

Milena felt numb as she surveyed the handful of receipts poised on the monitor. Turning her face toward Slate, “How soon can we leave? I need to speak with my father.”

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