Her eyes soften. “We have not touched since he left. This is not his child. However, he is a good man. He has a cousin who lives off Seventh Street under an old bowling alley. If he’s hiding, I would think he would be there. No one knows about it except his cousin and me. Now you.”
“Really? Why would you tell me then?”
“If he has captured your attention, then you should go for it. He would get you out of here. This house is not safe for anyone, least of all you.” She shudders.
I look at her, really look at her and I see the fear and fatigue. She shouldn’t be working this hard while this far along. I’ll have to talk to Killian or Kai and see if they could help her.
“Thank you, Rosa.” I smile as I slip past her, rushing back to my room.
I don’t run into anyone on my way upstairs. Once in my room I reach for my phone.
Cleo: We need to talk. I may have some info on you know who.
I squeeze my phone waiting for a text back.
The sound of car tires crunching on the gravel of the driveway catches my attention. I walk toward the window and peek out so I can’t be seen.
Uncle Romeo steps out of a car, making me curse.
Father never handles business here anymore. Something is going on.
As soon as I hear the doorbell ring, I sneak out of my room.
I saw my father’s right-hand man, Julian, pull up to the house. I knew that him coming here meant shit was going down.
It’s stupid, but I really want to know what’s happening.
Kai told me not to do anything stupid, but I couldn’t help myself. If my father was doing anything to mess with his operation, I would do whatever I could to stop him.
Whatever loyalty I had to my father vanished the moment he slapped my face. He’s no longer the man I used to love. Now he’s a monster.
I can hear their voices in the foyer as father leads him farther into the house.
“Come in. Let’s go to the office.” My father’s voice echoes in the empty halls.
Once the door closes, I press closer, my ear to the wood.
“What seems to be the problem?”
I’ve never been happier that my father doesn’t seem to know how to keep his voice low. His voice travels through the door easily.
Romeo is lighter though. I have to strain to hear his words.
“The Yakuza found our inside man. Johnny wants to go into hiding.”
“Then hide him for good. Dead men can’t tell secrets.”
“He’s a loyal man. Are you sure we should off him?” Romeo presses.
“Are you questioning my authority? We don’t keep around men who are liabilities. Weak men have no place in our outfit. Survival of the fittest.”
“If you’re sure.”
“What’s our next step? Did they plant enough surveillance for us?”
“They were able to tag some elevators and bathrooms, but so far nothing has come of it. We will keep monitoring it.”
He nods. “That rat bastard Haruaki is pursuing my daughter. I refuse to let her spread her legs for a filthy Jap, but maybe I can convince her to slip something on him. If she can get close enough, he might not notice a bug in his pocket or something.”
