Page 53 of Extradition (Mobsters + Billionaires 1)
I press the meatloaf mixture into the greased pan and place the homemade tomato sauce on top, just like my nonna made it.
“Eh, just…after she died, the only person left in my life that ever had my back was my uncle. But people are staking out Rand’s place, and I can’t imagine he doesn’t know about it. And I think I need to contact him and find out before I take my next fucking breath. I have to know.”
Grayson takes the dish from my hands. “I’ll take care of this and put together the salad. You go talk to your uncle. I’m sure he’ll reassure you that he’s watching out for you.”
“Yeah, Grayson. I’d appreciate that. I made enough for you, so make sure to include a portion of salad for yourself as well.”
“Joe, one of these days, you and I are going to have a serious conversation about who is supposed to be cooking here.”
“Sure, Grayson. But not today.” I start to walk away then turn back. “I don’t suppose you’ve got a landline in this place?”
Grayson steps into the pantry and hands me an old-school wireless phone a moment later. Shit, I haven’t seen one of those in forever.
“You can use this anywhere in the penthouse, including the balcony. And if you dial star-sixty-seven before dialing, it’ll prevent this number from appearing on their phone.”
“Thanks, man.”
He bows his head and gets to work while I head to my suite.
Sitting on the pretty couch, I pull out my cell to look up my uncle’s number and dial it on the old phone, following Grayson’s instructions. Not sure what to expect, I’m surprised when he picks up after the first ring.
“Zio?”
“Joe! Are you okay?”
I let out a sigh of relief. At least he doesn’t greet me with a string of curses.
“I am, Zio. It’s good to hear your voice. I’ve been worried about you.”
“So worried that you nearly destroyed this family?”
My heart sinks in my chest. Okay, maybe it’s not all positive.
“Zio, I was trying to save the family. If Sally would’ve killed that man, you know the heat it would’ve brought down. You can’t just toss a billionaire in the Hudson and wipe your hands of it. Wolfe practically has a small army protecting him—”
“Tell me. How many men are we talking about?”
I hesitate. “I don’t know.”
“Joey, I know this life has never been for you. But your father is taking this personally. I’m surprised you haven’t already been brought back in.”
My heart drops into my stomach. “Any places I should be avoiding?”
“Not that I know of, but I worry about you. I can’t see where you’re calling from—where are you staying? Are you safe? Do you have protection?”
I tap the phone to my forehead, shedding a few tears. If he’s surprised I haven’t been brought in, he knows there’s a plan in place. And now he’s trying to verify my location. It might as well be my father asking these questions.
It’s my worst fear realized, and I hadn’t even considered it until just now.
“Yes, Zio. I’m safe,” I say, ignoring the rest of his questions.
“Good, Joey,” he says, not pushing for a location. I take heart.
Still, he’s chosen a side.
And it’s not mine.
