Page 34 of Tesoro: Mayhem Makers

“Angelo is awake.”

Not bothering to wait for him, I turn from the door, rushing back to Angelo’s bed. Kate has her stethoscope to his chest, asking him softly to breathe in and out. I stand in awe as I watch her work, how gentle she is as she lays her hands on his skin. Her calm voice giving him instructions, offering praise when he completes the task.

“Why am I so thirsty?” Angelo questions as Kate drapes her stethoscope around her neck.

“You’ve been unconscious for quite a while now. The IV has been giving your body fluids, but the membranes in your throat are dry.” Kate moves to place her fingers on his throat.

“Try and swallow for me, please.”

Angelo closes his eyes, but complies, his features contorting as he does.

“Everything feels great, but you need to take it slow. Ice chips first and if you do okay, we can move on to water.”

One of the men, Anthony, steps forward, a cup of ice in his hand. “Here you go, Boss. My brother’s doctor did the same thing after he had surgery.”

Relief washes over me as I realize with Angelo now awake, the title would revert back to him. I was never so glad for a demotion.

Angelo struggles to raise his hand, something which instantly worries me.

“Here,” Kate offers, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. “It’s going to take a few days to get your strength back. Surgery and the infection, can take a toll on your body. Give it a few days and you’ll be right as rain.” She smiles, but it wasn’t her usual smile. It was forced, which makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

“A word,Boss.” Frankie whispers, emphasizing the latter.

Moving to the corner of the room, Frankie pulls out his phone. “We have a problem.”

“What kind of problem?” I whisper, keeping my focus on Kate as she feeds Angelo pieces of ice.

“For one, Chuy sent a message. Dumb bastard is demanding restitution for the products he lost in the warehouse explosions.”

“Next.” Rolling my eyes, knowing we have big plans in the works for our resident idiot.

“You have another voice ma?—”

“Next,” I interrupt, knowing exactly what he was going to say.

“We have to call the Family, let them know Angelo is awake.”

I could tell by the tone of his voice there is more he wants to say.

“Just say it, Frankie.” Pulling my attention from Kate.

“He isn’t moving his extremities.”

“You heard Kate, this is to be expected.”

“But what if it’s not? Being conscious is only part of the requirements to lead this Family.”

Letting out a held breath, I lower my head. “I know. Which is why you are going to wait until the sun is up before placing the call.”

Laying his hand on my shoulder, “Whatever you say, Boss.”

Something deep down told me this wouldn’t be the last time Frankie called me that.

Chapter

Twenty-Five

KATE

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