Page 48 of Mafia and Gold Digger

Ten minutes later, I’m stuffing clothes into a duffle bag.

“Em?”

My head snaps to the door, where Milena stands with a backpack over her shoulder.

“I’m almost ready. Can you check and see if the kids have everything they need?”

She nods, and as she goes to find them, I toss another random selection of clothes into the bag before I zip it up. Slinging it over my shoulder, I go downstairs to the others, plastering on a sunny smile.

“Let’s roll out, guys.” I usher them out the door and swiftly lock it behind us. The sound of a car door slamming on the street makes me jump, bumping into Milena.

My hands shake as I toss the bags into the back of the Uber. I’m gripping my purse so hard that I’m certain I’m going to break a finger. But I’ll be damned if I let my siblings get caught in the goddamn crossfire of this whole mess.

The drive is tense, and my leg bounces with every stop light until we reach Jacquetta’s home. Jacquetta and her twin, Quin, come out to greet us and take the kids’ bags.

I give them both a hug and thank them for helping out. “Thanks guys. You’re the best, really.” I know the kids will be safe with them because Jacquetta’s whole family are Imperiosi and they have amazing security.

With a longer hug to all three of my siblings, I will my voice to stay even. “You guys have fun, okay?”

“Okay!” the younger two yell, excited at the thought of staying with Jacquetta. They all absolutely love her.

“Milena, try to make sure you all go to bed on time please. You’ll be too tired for school if you stay up as late as you always want to.”

“Got it, Mom.” She rolls her eyes a little, but I smile, tugging them all back into another hug.

“I’ll be back soon, okay?” I hate keeping secrets from them.

My next stop is the bus station, and being alone now only serves to fray my nerves more.

I scan the list of destinations and settle on the one furthest away leaving in the next hour. Springfield, Illinois. Perfect. Once I get to Springfield, I’ll figure out my next step from there.

I pay cash for everything. The ticket, the bottle of water, and the bag of pretzels. I don’t want anyone tracking me via my bank cards.

Forty minutes later, I board the bus. Tugging my hood over my head, I sink into the uncomfortably stiff seat. I’m exhausted.

The sound of a car backfiring makes me jump. I scan the bus again, making a mental note of who else is on board. At least there’s no one who looks like they’re here to off me.

My head leaning against the glass, I let out a sigh as the bus finally pulls out. And after a long while, the busy New York traffic fades into nothing but the interstate.

The silence in the bus provides the perfect backdrop for my thoughts to run wild. What if Carmine finds me? What if he has people in Illinois? What if my photo is being handed to the hitman as we speak?

My leg bounces faster as my thoughts spin. I don’t have a lot of cash to burn through. I didn’t want to withdraw any cash before I left in case it alerted anyone about my imminent departure. I have to be smart. One night in Springfield, then I move. It’s the only way to do this.

How my life got so twisted like this, I don’t know.

I squeeze my eyes shut, my fist tightening more. The tears burn my eyes. My life is a mess, and I should have known it was only a matter of time before everything around me would crash and burn.

* * *

Almost a day later, I watch as the bus pulls into the station. Weary with exhaustion, I lift my chin and sling my bag over my shoulder. I have to keep going. If I stop, I’m as good as dead, and I won’t let that happen.

Slipping off the bus, I melt into the crowd, keeping my head down.

One step at a time.

I can do this being on the run thing.

I have to do it. Because I’m not freaking dying over some jerk who couldn’t keep his hands to himself. I’m not dying and leaving those three kids behind and all alone...

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