Cruel Vows

She appears, looking a little hesitant as she glances between me and Father. “Hey Massimo. Hey Uncle Remy.”

“Come here, piccola mia.” Father holds out his arms and Imalia hesitantly comes to hug her uncle. Tears stream down her face.

“I am sorry for what I did, but—”

Father pulls back and wipes away her tears. “Don’t apologize. All is in the past. I’m glad you are well.”

She smiles and glances nervously at me.

I nod at her and open my arms.

She approaches and gives me a hug. “I hear congratulations are in order?”

“Yes, maybe you’ll meet her someday.”

Spartak clears his throat. “As wonderful as this reunion is. I think it’s a good idea you two don’t get spotted here.”

Father nods. “Agreed.”

“Goodbye, Imalia,” I say, hugging her again before turning and following Father out of the club.

“That went better than expected,” I say.

“Don’t hold your breath, Massimo. This has only just begun.” He slides into the back of his SUV and I slide into the back of mine.

“Home, Arturo.”

He nods and starts up the engine, following Father’s SUV back to our home. Father is right. We’re at the start of a long and tenuous journey with two of the most unpredictable men in Chicago.

All bets are off and we are in a race against time to stop a maniac from blowing the entire city to pieces—literally.