“In case you were wondering, all the charges against you have been resolved. You’re on probation, but don’t worry about checking in—Jonathan is covering all that for you.”
I blinked a couple of times.
“Seriously?”
“Apparently, he’s got an app for that.”
I laughed.
“Your mental state coupled with the extensive treatment you are currently undergoing is enough for the state.” Rinaldo smiled. “Everything else has been wiped clean.”
“Damn,” I muttered. “That’s pretty good work.”
“If you would have talked to me in the first place, maybe it would have happened a little sooner.”
I glanced down at my hands and swallowed hard.
“You made some bad choices, Arden,” he informed me.
I looked down, the scolding leaving me feeling genuinely contrite for once.
“If you get yourself in a bind, you fucking talk to me about it. We could have figured this one out together, and maybe we wouldn’t have the fucking disaster we have now.”
“I know, sir.”
“That said, I’m not holding you accountable. I know what you’ve been through, and I appreciate that. You’ve always been of great service to me and my family. I can’t discount that, even if you did demonstrate shit judgment on your part.”
“Yes, sir.” I took a breath and looked up at him. His expression softened.
“If you ever need anything from me in the future, you just let me know.” Rinaldo leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms as I nodded. “And let’s not make it putting you down, all right?”
I smiled.
“Yes, sir.”
“You and Lia going to leave right away?”
“As soon as I’m done with a few errands, yes.”
“Do you know where you’re going?”
I shrugged noncommittally.
“Not saying?”
“I’d prefer to keep it to myself, sir. If someone decides to look for me, I’d rather no one in your org know my location.”
Rinaldo nodded.
“We’re going to be busy with all of this. Even with the Russians mostly out of the picture, we’ve still got Greco to deal with. Once we’re reorganized, he’s going to have to pay for everything he’s done to this outfit and my family.”
“I’m sure he will, sir.”
“If I get wind that he’s looking for you out of town, I’ll let you know through your email.”
“I’ll keep an eye on it,” I promised.
Rinaldo stood, and I copied his movement. I thought he would reach out and shake my hand, but he came around the desk and hugged me instead. I returned the gesture a little awkwardly at first but then with tightened arms around his shoulders. We parted, and I took a slight step back.