Page 47 of Mafia Handbook

Chapter Twenty-One

Refusing to turn around, Milena approached the men in suits, recognition settling in as she grew closer to the pair.

“Milena, glad to see you. I didn’t think you would come, not after what happened.”

Sending Marco, one of her father’s men who’d tossed her into the street, a fake smile, she turned her attention to the remaining two men.“Hello, I’m here to see Frank Rossi.”

“I’m Dr. Spencer, one of the oncologists on your father’s medical team.”

Turning her attention to the other man in a suit, trying not to focus on the word oncologist, she extended her hand toward him. “Mr. Kelly, we’ve never been formally introduced, I’m Milena Rossi. Thank you for reaching out, I appreciate it.”

“No thanks needed, Ms. Rossi. I swore to my nephew I would see you safely to your father’s room. And may I say, if I didn't know better, I’d swear I was in the presence of your late mother.”

Kevin was astonished at how much the young woman looked like her mother, understanding completely how his nephew fell so quickly for her.

Dipping her head in reverence, she shared a genuine smile with Kevin. She could see the resemblance to Bash in the color of his eyes and the way he held himself.

“If you would, Ms. Rossi, I have much to share with you regarding your father’s condition.” Dr. Spencer motioned to the double doors behind him.

Milena held her head high as she walked past the line of her father’s men standing sentry in the hall. Some faces she recognized, while others were new and filled with curiosity. She imagined, based on how big of an asshole Marco had been in the past, that he’d bragged to the men of how he’d tossed a mafia princess into the streets. Perhaps added a little flare to the story to make himself look even better.

Shifting her gaze to the end of the hall, Milena saw a woman standing with her hands clasped in front of her, wearing a high-end suit with dark hair and an heir of elegance about her. If it weren’t for the slightly dark circles under her eyes, she’d swear she was looking at Jackie Kennedy.

“In here, Ms. Rossi.” Dr. Spencer pointed to the door on their left.

“Thank you,” Milena acknowledged as she stepped into the room. “And please, call me Milena,” she added as she pulled out a chair and sat down.

“Very well,” Dr. Spencer agreed, shifting his gaze to the two men who remained in the doorway. Since taking on Mr. Rossi as a patient, he’d been offered a great deal of money to turn a blind eye to certain hospital procedures, however he’d declined every dime out of obligation to the oath he took in becoming a physician. “Milena, do you wish to have these gentlemen present while I discuss your father’s condition?”

Leveling her gaze on Marco, “Unless you’ve gained a medical degree in the last few years I didn't know about, you can resume your post as Frank’s lap dog.” Her voice loud enough to reach the ears of the men in the hall.

Drifting her eyes to Kevin. “Thank you, Mr. Kelly, for the escort. I’ll be sure to thank your nephew the next time I see him.” Which would be when hell froze over, she added inside her head.

“Very well, Ms. Rossi.” Clearing the short distance to the table, Kevin laid his business card in front of Milena. “Feel free to contact me if you need anything, including help kicking my nephew’s ass if he steps out of line.” He half-joked before turning for the door.

Dr. Spencer waited until the door closed before taking the seat across from Milena. He’d been a physician for more than twenty years yet had still not become comfortable delivering bad news to loved ones.

Leaning his forearms on the table, “Milena, I want you to know I’ve agreed to this meeting only after obtaining permission from your father. I feel it’s imperative for you to know I fully understand the dynamics of your family and it changes nothing as to how I treat your father.”

Nodding, “Nice to meet someone who isn't afraid of crossing Frank Rossi. You should start a support group with the other two.” Unsure of where her cheekiness was coming from, Milena offered a genuine smile.

“As long as they serve decent coffee at the meetings,” returning a smile of his own.

“In all seriousness, Milena, I must ask you to prepare yourself. The information I’ve been asked to share with you isn’t good.”

Clearing her throat, “I assure you, Dr. Spencer, my ability to handle bad news is far superior to that of believing there is any good left in the world to share.”

“From the little your father has shared with me about you, I won't venture to sway you away from your beliefs.” Taking a measured breath, “I will, however, give you my undivided attention for as long as you need it, after I explain how gravely ill your father is.”

Tipping her head toward his lab coat. “The word Oncology speaks volumes, Dr. Spencer, but please, tell me what is wrong with Frank.”

“Two years ago, your father began experiencing a number of symptoms which led him to consult his regular physician. Tests were performed and the results led his general practitioner to refer him to a colleague of mine, who took one look and knew his condition was out of his expertise. I met with Mr. Rossi, performing a few specialty tests of my own. When I sat down with him to review the results, I sat across from him, just as I am with you, and said the word no human wants to hear.”

“Cancer,” Milena finished for him.

“Pancreatic to be specific. Over the last eighteen months I’ve thrown everything I can at the tumor, and for a while it looked as if he was responding. Six months ago, we found a new tumor, this one more aggressive than the first.”

“How long?”

---