The Life: Sacrifice (The Life 3)

I wasn’t avoiding her purposely, though; I really had somewhere to go. I hadn’t had an opportunity to thank the one who’d helped me get this far and, in essence, had helped bring grandpa home, so I needed to stop my gramps before going to class. I needed some input as well because things had taken a turn.

Before, we both believed that the partygoers were little more than uninterested bystanders. People who’d seen the act and kept their mouths shut. They should be held accountable, sure, but now that I know they were willing participants, their punishment must now fit the crime. For this, and for what I’d already come up with on my own, I’m going to need some guidance.

After the pleasantries were shared, I got to the point of why I was there. I laid it all out, my thoughts, my hopes, and where I wanted things to go. I acknowledged that what I once thought was going to be a quick in and out action may now take years. Not just because of what I’d stumbled upon, but because of all those involved.

Somehow, I feel even better about this change than I thought I would. The thought of a long slow, drawn-out torture spread out over years made my blood sing, and my vengeful thirst ignite. That’s the Sicilian in me. Speaking of which…. Before my mind could go to someone else that I’d subjected to such, my thoughts were interrupted.

“If you do this, they’re going to come after you. Is that why you got rid of the girl?” The question jarred me for a sec, but I don’t know why I’m so surprised. It’s why I’m here, isn’t it? Because I’m known so well between these walls.

“Yes.” The comforting hand on my shoulder the pat on my hand in commiseration went a long way to easing the hurt I’ve been keeping at bay.

Before, I was sending Gianna away to protect her from my loss, but now there’s an even bigger danger involved, one that I will protect her from no matter what. I don’t plan on letting Ricci get near my family. I don’t plan on him seeing me coming until it’s too late. But I won’t risk her not if there’s the slightest possibility of me being found out, and there is always that.

Since I’ve made up my mind to walk into the lion’s den alone, I must prepare myself for the fallout when the time comes. That means ensuring both she and Ma are safe. Pop has Ma covered, but Gianna, I have to send far away from me so that there is no connection.

Hearing these same words said in a different manner only reassured me that I was making the right decision. Now that my mind was made up, and I’d gone so far as sending that file to Mem, there’s no turning back. Today, I should do it today, I have months of planning ahead, and I can’t have any distractions; it’s best if she leaves now before I can’t let her go. The pain that thought caused was excruciating.

* * *

DRACO

* * *

“Commissioner, we need a meet.” I had to wait until I could speak rationally before making this call. I’m still so beyond pissed I can’t see or think straight, but that’s neither here nor there. Some things in life you can put off for another day, some things you just shouldn’t. I'd already wasted a whole night, but that couldn't be avoided since I like to have as much available information at my fingertips as possible.

“Draco, hello, how are you? How’s the family? Your father and mother doing, OK?”

“They’re fine for now, but my dad is not about to be, not once I tell him what the hell is going on.”

“What do you mean? What’s going on?”

“One of your subordinates crossed the line.”

“I don’t understand. How? What happened?”

I gave him the scoop on Dempsey. “I spoke to my lawyer; do you know how illegal it is for someone in his position to blackmail a kid like that?” He hemmed and hawed and made up excuses like I knew he would. These people, succubus who would take and take and still want more. Pop’s been paying this hump off long before we moved up here for good.

“The only thing that matters here is that he went after one of mine, so my question to you is, are you going to deal with him, or am I?”

“Let me take a look, see what’s going on.”

“I just told you what’s going on.”

“I know, but I have to… there are things that need to be done. I can’t just get rid of this guy off the force; he’s been with us for….”

“Oh, so you’re saying I’m taking care of it.”

“No-no-no, Draco, come on, this is me.”