Page 52 of Mafia Handbook

Looking to where he tapped, Milena positioned the tip of the pen as her vision blurred slightly.

“Initial here and we’re all done.”

Blinking, Milena did as Al instructed, shifting her gaze to Frank, who for the first time since she’d arrived looked at peace.

“I’ll file these papers immediately, Mr. Rossi. Rest assured, no court in the world could take these properties away from Ms. Rossi.”

Milena had a vague understanding of how much Frank Rossi was worth. However, after Al laid everything out on the table, she was overwhelmed. Homes in several states, a villa in Italy, a warehouse, a trucking company, and that didn't include the bank accounts and life insurance.

“I know there is no love lost between you and Marco.” Snapping her focus to her father, a raised brow her singular response. “But be kind to him after I’m gone. Don't toss him into the street like he did you.”

Letting out a tired sigh, “I have no intention of putting anyone into the street. I do, however, have reservations about allowing him to remain on as an underboss.”

Closing his eyes, “I’ve left the name of who I am certain would do a great job with Al, with instructions to give it to you upon my death.” Reaching over, Frank pressed the button on his pain pump, delivering a dose of the sweet euphoria which granted him a few moments of reprieve. “I need to rest, Milena. Who knew doing the right thing could be so exhausting.”

Crossing the room, Milena stepped into the bathroom and closed the door. Reaching in the shower, she turned on the faucet and then stripped out of her clothing. She’d adopted using the time Frank slept to take care of her personal needs. Enjoying the occasional walk around the halls when they took him away for testing. It was during this time she’d heard the staff talk of how devoted she was, willing to drop everything to sit with a dying man. She wondered what they would think of her if they knew her decision to do so was partly out of having nowhere else to go?

Stepping under the hot spray, Milena balanced herself against the tile, her exhaustion rearing its ugly head as a flashback to a different shower filled her head. She hated thinking about him, refusing to even think his name. Milena had assumed Bash would try to contact her, however, thankfully he’d stayed away.

Frank was fast asleep when Milena emerged from the bathroom. The hot water combined with the relief she felt of being able to take care of herself, left her unable to keep her eyes open. Not bothering to remove the towel from her head, Milena slipped between the sheets, allowing sleep to drag her under.

“Ms. Rossi?”

Jolting awake, Milena sat up, the towel tumbling down her face and onto the bed. Confused, she surveyed the room, finding Dr. Spencer standing at the head of her father’s bed, one end of his stethoscope in his ears and the other in the center of Frank’s chest.

“I’m sorry to wake you, but Dr. Spencer says it’s time.”

Shifting her focus to Sarah’s face, the question of what she meant died before Milena could give it life. Tossing the covers back, Milena approached Frank’s bed, taking his hand in hers as she watched him take shallow breaths.

“He can hear you, Milena. If there’s something you need to tell him.”

Tears welled up in Milena’s eyes as she thought of the millions of things she wanted to say. Running her knuckles along his cheek, Milena leaned in, brushing her lips against his. “I forgive you, Daddy.”

Silence filled the room as Milena laid her forehead on her father’s chest, sobs erupting from her chest as Dr. Spencer confirmed what she already knew.

“Time of death, twenty-three-fifty-nine.”

Grabbing a box of tissues, Sarah rushed to Milena’s side, wrapping her arms around the tiny woman. “He’s not hurting any more, Sweetheart. I know how much that bothered you.”

Nodding her head, Milena burrowed further into her father’s neck, memorizing the sweet smell of his aftershave. Even as sick as he was, Frank insisted she help him shave each morning, applying the liquid to his face when she was finished.

“You can have as much time as you need with him. Just ring the call button when you’re ready.”

Melina waited until she heard the door close before sitting up. Reaching over, she grabbed the comb off the side table, running the teeth through her father’s thick locks. Frank Rossi, even in death, was a handsome man.

Standing to her full height, Milena crossed the room, grabbing her backpack from under the bed. Unzipping the top, she reached in, removing the item she was searching for. Picking up the phone, she struggled to read the numbers on the card through her tears. With her gaze fixed on her father, Milena waited as the phone rang three times before a gruff voice answered the phone.

“You said I could call you if I ever needed you.”

“Milena?”

“My father died a few minutes ago. Can you come to the hospital?”

“Of course, Milena. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Thank you, Mr. Kelly.” Milena moved to end the call when a thought crossed her mind. “Oh, and please, don’t say anything to Sebastian.”

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