At least more than most.
“Maybe. I’m beginning to question everything lately. I thought you would have gone back to New York.”
Dominick moved closer, giving Carlo a nod of respect then wincing when he peered through the glass. “I had a feeling you might need some help. Word on the street isn’t good, my friend.” He kept his voice low, selecting his words carefully as hospital personnel walked up and down the long hallway.
“I guess that remains to be seen. What have you heard?”
He shot a look over his shoulder before guiding me into my father’s room. Hearing the machines created a rumble in my chest and a hiss in my throat. At least we wouldn’t be overheard.
As a moment of respect, Dominick walked toward my father’s bed, crossing himself in the usual Catholic manner. I hadn’t been religious since the death of my mother, especially since the bastard who’d killed her was still walking the streets. Even with all my father’s intel, the informants in several cities, not a single name had been produced. The wedge between my father and me had solidified because of that alone.
One day the fucker would be found.
“At least your father looks peaceful,” Dominick said mostly under his breath, huffing just after saying the words. “Hell, who the fuck could be peaceful during shit like this?”
“I want to catch the bastard that did this to him.” I clenched my fist, bringing it to my mouth.
“I know you do, and you will at some point, but you need to be careful.”
“Careful? What I need to do is turn over every rock. That’s exactly what my father would do.”
Dominick squeezed my father’s hand before leaving his bed, heading toward the window. “Ricardo has a sixth sense about him. He’s always known which battles to fight. I never told you just how much my father admires yours.”
Giordano Lugiano had few friends but hundreds of enemies who would enjoy cutting him down in the street. Hearing that he admired my father in any manner was… interesting. A hell of a lot of things were lately. “What are you really doing here, Dominick? You provide me with one of your homes, offer help. That’s fabulous but I would think your father would be reveling in the attempted takeover of the west. Maybe he could even swoop in and grab a piece of the pie.”
He bristled, his nostrils flaring. Even his chest puffed as he took several ragged breaths. “I know you’re hurting. I get it, but don’t take your shit out on me. There’s no skin in this for the Lugiano family. I assure you of that. I also know you had no desire to be forced into this position.”
I rubbed my forehead, surprised at my vehemence. However, I suspected he’d been ordered to stay to make certain there was no overflow into another territory. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m sorry.”
“To answer your question, I convinced my father to lend several of his soldiers to help with hunting down the motherfuckers who gunned down your father. Fresh blood.”
“Your pops know about our arrangement?”
Dominick snorted. “Hell, no. He simply can’t stand what he calls ‘slimy Italian scum.’ Go figure.”
We both had a good laugh considering his heritage. Still, a cold chill remained slithering all around my muscles like a venomous snake ready to strike.
I thought about the offer, which was a damn good one. “What else have you heard?”
Dominick studied me intently before answering. “Aleksei was right about his information. Enough talk that I buy Saltori was behind the hit and word on the street is that Louis Saltori has offered an actual reward for any knowledge regarding his almost daughter-in-law’s kidnapping. Two hundred large.”
“Hmmm… That’s all I’m worth?” I couldn’t help but grin.
“Not to be taken lightly and that means he has no clue you’re involved, at least yet. The shit in the paper this morning will raise eyebrows. You know that. I checked with a few sources. Antonio Alessandro is beside himself with grief. He’s allowing Saltori to take the lead at this point, but you can bet additional forces will be on their way from Italy. Seems Louis Saltori has gone into hiding, fearful of revenge.”
“Interesting.” There was nowhere the bastard could hide but the fact he was running scared suited me just fine.
“We could be talking an all-out war and they won’t bother being discriminating with their selections either. Blood for blood.”
“Then so be it. The blood will be on their hands for what they did. My father’s business will be protected one way or another.”
Chuckling, he shook his head. “For a man who loathed the organization, you certainly enjoy the violence.”
“Some things are meant to be.” I glared out the window, trying to think like my father. There was no way I could hide from this. Perceived lack of control was just as bad as any danger posed to my life.
“It’s only a matter of time before there’s a price on your head.”
That much I knew; however, no one had seen either my approach to Francesca’s apartment or my careful capture. Even the young woman Grinder had rendered unconscious had seen nothing. “As long as no one has knowledge of my whereabouts then I’ll be able to buy some time while I go hunting.”
He held up his hands, lifting a single eyebrow. “There is a code that we share, one that I for one will never cross, whether or not you’ve paid attention to it during the last year.”
The snide comment was well deserved. The code of the Sons of Darkness meant there would be no poaching territories for any reason. We’d all agreed, whether our fathers objected or not. “And I appreciate that.”
“Uh-huh. I can tell.” Dominick looked away, the tension increasing. “Anyway, I came here to bring you my father’s gracious offer and the house is yours until you deem it otherwise. I have it listed in the name of a holding company, so no connections of any type. I do suggest you stay away from the hospital for the time being.”
“Agreed.” It was well known my father and I weren’t close. I’d get the doctor what he needed then back away.
“I’m heading back to Chicago day after tomorrow.” He handed me a card. “Staying at this shithole for now. I don’t think it’s wise to be seen in LA right now.”
I grabbed the card, studying the print before shoving it in my pocket. “I’m not going to hide completely, Dominick. I can’t do that for the sake of the organization. I’m going to have the boys put word out on the street that I’m taking over as head of the family.”
He whistled. “Are you certain you want to do that?”
“Something I need to do for the family.” I turned and actually smiled at my father. I’d always wanted him to be proud of me. Now was my chance. I would avenge the ruthless attack.
“Then I might just stick around a little longer. Hell, I might even check into the Waldorf; a prime location to watch the action.” The grin on Dominick’s face was infectious.
“You know what? I think that’s a good idea. The people of this town need to realize I’m not going anywhere. In fact, I’m just getting started.”