Page 117 of Precious Legacy
Today not only marks my last day as a recruit—a moment I’ve been working my ass off to get to—but the start of a new adventure. It took a lot of blood, sweat and literal tears, but I made it. The grueling physical training sessions were made easier with my aunt around, and the studying was seamless thanks to my best friend and her crazy brain.
I think the entire class has benefitted from Lexie being our instructor for the last four months. She made sure that Prescott was long forgotten about, using her years of knowledge and experience to make us all better cops.
Not only that, but I was awarded the Mayor’s Award for attaining the highest overall average in my intake. It didn’t come easy, and I definitely questioned myself more than once, but it was worth it. To see my mom and dad standing proudly as I accepted the award on stage, clapping and cheering along with the rest of the attendees, had me a little teary-eyed. I never thought I’d see this moment, let alone be able to share it with my family.
I can count on one hand the amount of times I’ve seen my dad genuinely proud of me. It’s not often that I see him smile, especially me being the reason, but when my name was called out and I stepped up on the stage to accept my award, I didn’t miss the beaming grin stretching his face from across the room.
I’ve made several promises since stepping into the academy, many I’ve broken, but the one I stuck to was proving not only to myself but my family, that I could do this. And I’ve done just that.
It’s hard to accept the gratitude of my classmates and family when I know deep down I couldn’t have done it without them. Aunt Lexie was my inspiration, my past was my motivation, but my family was the encouragement I didn’t know I needed.Everyone respected my decision better than I thought they would. Even Uncle Trigger—who’s not had the best relationship with the law—gave me a big hug and congratulated me. It definitely took me by surprise, but it puts everything into perspective when the most notorious crime families in New York City have your back. I didn’t think I’d get to this point in my life where I’d actually be proud to be a Bonanno, yet here I am.
I haven’t changed my name back and I don’t plan to. Most of my classmates already figured out my relation to The Five. You can’t hide anywhere in this city, especially with ruthless parents like mine, but I know they have my back just as much as I have theirs, and though I know the road ahead isn’t going to be easy, I’m prepared for what comes my way.
We all have our roles to play now, and mine is to make sure The Five—my brother— doesn’t get into serious trouble. Obviously, that skates close to the line of being morally corrupt, but I never admitted to being completely clean—as much as I want to be. At some point, I had to accept that I would never be able to escape my family completely and I’m okay with that. The Five is a part of me, no matter what career path I choose, and I don’t think I’d have it any other way. They had my back when shit went down with Prescott and I’m in a good place because of that.
I’m working through my trauma, thanks to Sloan Genovese and her charity, and I’m slowly on the road to recovery. It won’t happen overnight, but Roman has been there for me, and my family has been nothing but supportive. Especially once my father found out about the assault five years ago.
I’ve never seen my dad cry, but it was one of the most heartbreaking moments to see him so filled with guilt and shame for what happened. None of it was his fault, of course, but like Roman, he too harbors the feeling of being responsible.Thankfully, it’s only cemented our relationship and brought us closer, something I would’ve never imagined happening. It’s made him ten times more protective of me, but I understand it now and I’ll never tell him to stop.
As for my brother, he’s still Varo; the brooding Bonanno who probably feels like the weight of the world is on his shoulders right now. He always has time for me, reminding me of who I am and what I’m capable of. He’s the voice of reason whenever I doubt myself and just makes me appreciate the family I have around me.
While I don’t know the specifics, I do know that things between The Five and the Russians is growing more volatile. It’s only a matter of time before the city is burning at their feet. Varo knows he’s got some big shoes to fill, but I’ve seen firsthand how well he’s managing, and with Roman and Haldon by his side, he’ll be unstoppable.
Finishing off my champagne, I move towards Haven.
“What’s wrong?” she asks, hooking her arm through mine.
“I haven’t seen Vee yet.”
Her brows furrow as her gaze tours the vicinity we’re in. “He’ll be here,” she reassures, giving my arm a squeeze. “He wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
“I know,” I mumble, leaning into her. “I just feel like… I don’t know.” I frown, dragging my focus around the room.
Since I’m still trying to keep a low profile, only Mom, Dad and Lexie came to my graduation. I wish everyone could have been there, but even I’m aware of the risk it poses to me and The Five. Still, I thought my brother would behere. I know I shouldn’t be worried about him. He’s busy most days since taking over from Dad, but I can’t ignore the feeling in my gut that twists and pinches. It’s like a silent message, telling me something’s wrong. I’m instantly on edge because I knowdespite Varo’s busy schedule, he’d never miss today. And even if he was late, he’d let us know.
“Come on,” she chuckles. “I could do with some fresh air.” She winks at me, guiding me towards the exit of the warehouse.
“Pass,” I mutter. I start my probationary period as a Field Officer in a couple of weeks and the last thing I want is to fail a drug test on my first day. “I’ll come out with you, though. Maybe I can get a hold of Vee.”
Haven shrugs as she guides us towards the exit. The noise behind us dissipates as soon as we step out into the night. It’s the perfect relief to the busy day I’ve had. All the excitement of today ebbs away as soon I lean against the wall, inhaling the crisp air.
I close my eyes as Haven lights up a joint, the scent wafting across me. “You know you’re gonna have to quit when you graduate,” I smirk.
“I know,” she giggles. “But that’s still a few years away.”
“Not with your brains!” I tease. “I swear you’ll be chief surgeon by the time you’re thirty.”
“That’s not possible,” she scoffs, taking a drag of her smoke.
Nudging her with my shoulder, I give her a pointed look. She’s far too modest for her own good. She always tried to play down how smart she is, but we all know she’s a superstar in the making.
“Anything is possible,” I murmur. “Just look at me.”
“Yeah, but?—”
I peer back at Haven, but she’s focused on something over my shoulder. The familiar wariness washes over me as I spin around, following her gaze. My eyes land on my brother, but where I should feel relief that he’s here, it’s replaced with something else.
Fear.
