Chapter 22
CHAPTER 22
V alencia
“Thank you for your assistance, Dr. Laurant. You made a call I didn’t see.”
Dr. Drakos was a highly qualified cardiac surgeon, but he would have made a costly mistake had I not been in the operating room. That wouldn’t have occurred if Christos hadn’t pulled some weight he had with the hospital.
“I’m just glad I could help.” I yanked off my gloves and surgical cap, also thankful they’d allowed me to borrow scrubs and operating gear. “Any news on Dimitrios Nomikos?”
“I just checked since I knew you’d ask. He’s out of surgery as well and in recovery. He should be fine.”
“The bullet?”
“He was lucky it went straight through without damaging his lungs. You can certainly check on him yourself at any point.”
“Thank you.”
We both glanced over at Apollo as the nurse began rolling him toward the recovery room. “Tonight is going to be touch and go with the patriarch. I’m certain the family will want me to stay.”
Dr. Drakos scowled. “I’m certain they will insist. They tend to get what they want around here. I’ll have one of the nurses show you to the doctors’ lounge and make certain you have a change of scrubs. You can take a shower as well and of course use of the lounge.”
“Thank you, Doctor. Would you like me to talk with the family?” He was completely agitated by the family’s interference. Correction, Christos and his demands. At least in this case, Christos had been right.
“If that’s alright with you. I don’t enjoy being pushed.”
I laughed, but the sound was as hollow as I felt. “I can understand that.”
“Be careful around the family, Dr. Laurant. From what I’ve heard, they eat their young.” Dr. Drakos didn’t wait for my response, storming away from me, smashing his hand on a set of swinging doors.
After taking a deep breath, I shook my head.
I pulled my hair free and headed out of the room down the corridor. A significant part of me was numb inside. Christos had saved my life at a risk to his own. For that I’d be eternally grateful.
However, hearing the screams and the loud popping of gunfire had been a horrible reminder that Christos’ life was enveloped in danger. A beautiful wedding had been ruined, lives lost, and terror shoved into the minds of a hundred guests.
Myself included.
I wasn’t certain how to feel any longer except for numb.
After reaching the doors leading to the main portion of the floor, I hesitated. At least I had decent news, although I had serious doubts Apollo would make it. One thing that had been detected during the surgery was a heart condition he hadn’t been aware of. He was lucky he hadn’t experienced a massive heart attack, one that would have been unrecoverable.
That much I had repaired in addition to locating the bullet fragment. I took a deep breath and pushed my way through the doors, my legs heavy as I walked down the nearly empty corridor.
It was well after one in the morning, the hospital quieter than when we’d arrived. I’d been forced to argue with the paramedics on the way to the hospital, both the language barrier and my pushy ways off-putting to them. Because of that, Apollo had flatlined once.
I dared not tell Christos that. He’d undoubtedly make their lives miserable.
When I noticed Christos standing with one hand placed on the wall, his head down, I took another deep breath. I cared about his family, every one of them. They’d managed to make me feel as if I belonged in a short period of time.
I stood right where I was, surveying the somber scene. There were at least eight of the family’s soldiers in the room and I guessed there were more guards outside. I couldn’t imagine what was going on at the house.
There was a crackle of electricity from this far away and that was the moment Christos lifted his head, turning it toward me. The instant look of relief in his sullen expression created a flutter of butterflies. He took long strides toward me, jogging the last few yards.
“My God. You’re okay.” He pulled me into a hug, holding me tightly against him for several seconds. When he pulled away, he cupped my face, kissing me on the lips. The rush of desire was there, but I was still so numb I couldn’t react.
He sensed my discord, pulling away. “I’m fine, Christos. I’ve just been a little busy.”
Havros and Willow immediately noticed us, walking in our direction. When Cora didn’t follow them, I headed toward the group, continuing until their mother could hear me as well.
Christos kept his hand on the small of my back as he always did. A flash of almost being killed entered my mind and it took almost everything I had to shove it away.
I couldn’t think about me when this family was suffering.
“I’ve just gotten out of surgery. I was allowed to assist.”
Christos moved beside me. I noticed such venom in his eyes. “And?”
“And I found a bullet fragment that was life threatening. Fortunately, I successfully removed it. Now he’s in stable condition in recovery, but it’s going to be touch and go. If he makes it through the night, he should make a full recovery.”
“Are you saying the doctor was about to close him up without catching the fragment?” Havros accused.
“I’m saying I found it. We both had our hands full. Okay? In addition, I also found an unknown heart condition, which I successfully corrected. In a way, your father was lucky. I know that isn’t something you want to hear, but the anomaly would have eventually caused a heart attack I doubt he would have survived.”
“So you’re a hero all over again,” Christos said and I was uncertain by the tone of his voice if he was angry with me.
“I’m no hero. Right place at the right time under the worst circumstances. It’s going to be touch and go for a little while. If you pray, I’d consider doing that.”
“Yes, you were here at the right time. I’m curious how fate brought us such good will.”
Why did his words trouble me? No, not his words exactly, but the way he said them, the tone of his voice and the faraway look in his eyes. What was he thinking?
I was still staring at Christos after his odd comment when Cora grabbed my hand. “Thank you. Thank you for saving my husband. You are a true angel.”
“Let’s make sure he gets through the night. I’m staying right here,” I told them.
“There will be soldiers posted in and out of the hospital all night,” Christos added. He exchanged a look with Havros I couldn’t read.
“What about Dimitrios?” Willow asked, her lower lip quivering.
I touched her arm in my attempt to offer reassurance. “The bullet went clean through and missed any major arteries and his lung. He’s in recovery and I’m certain he would love to see you, but…” I stopped and looked at all of them. “He needs his rest so one at a time briefly.”
I could sense relief in each of them, yet I felt another vibration. Another concern that I couldn’t wrap my head around.
Havros patted my arm. “You are a hero, Valencia. Thank you for being there for my family. I assure you that it will be remembered.”
I nodded, but words stuck in my throat; there was so much I wanted to say, but not now. I had to keep reminding myself none of this was about me.
As I backed away, Christos wrapped his fingers around my arm, leading me away from the entire group. I leaned against the wall, staring up into his eyes. I’d watched him kill several people, all of whom had worn masks. I’d felt secure then, maybe even cheering on how protective he was. However, the adrenaline was wearing off, the uncertainty returning.
“How are you really?” he asked. His voice was low so that no one else could hear us.
“I’m fine. Not a scratch.’’
“That’s not what I meant and you know it.”
I laughed nervously. “I don’t know how to feel right now. How could I? I’ve never been through anything like this. I don’t know how you stand it.”
He sighed and his eyes darted back and forth as he stared at the wall. “I know you’re upset and you have every right to be, but I will find the person or entity responsible.”
“Then what? You’ll kill them?”
“I’ll do what I need to do.”
“That’s not the answer. They attack you. You attack them. People die. What if there’d been children who were hurt or worse? Did you ever think of that?”
“I told you I’d protect you.”
I was growing frustrated. “That’s not the point. You can’t be with me twenty-four hours a day. That just can’t happen. I’m going to stay here with your father tonight. After he’s out of harm’s way, I’m going home. That’s the only thing that I can do at this point. I hope you understand. And if you don’t, I don’t know what to say to you except for I adore you, but not enough to manage to live with your life. It’s just not mine.”
Perhaps because we were in a hospital, he chose to be silent. I wasn’t certain but I could tell by the look on his face the conversation wasn’t over.
But for me it was. I’d made up my mind. No matter how I felt about him, both the desire and a stronger emotion I wasn’t ready to face, this wasn’t the life I wanted.
After everything that had occurred, I had the feeling I wouldn’t be given the choice.
Christos
Valencia was finally resting, her body slumped in a chair near my father’s bed. I’d stood staring at the monitors for some time, basking in just how beautiful she was even after such a tragedy. I’d left them alone, barely acknowledging the two men standing guard by his hospital room.
I stared down at my fingertips, still able to feel the light touch as I’d brushed my fingers across her face while she was sleeping. I fisted them, bringing my hand to my mouth. I hated what I was thinking, the doubts fighting to crowd out everything else.
“How is he doing?” Havros asked as he appeared behind me.
“Aren’t you supposed to be on your honeymoon?” I’d spent a sleepless night, making phone calls and pacing the hospital’s floor.
He handed me a steaming cup of coffee and leaned his back against the window where I was standing. “Under the circumstances, we’ve postponed our plans.”
I nodded and pulled off the lid, taking a sip. The bitter taste wasn’t what I needed at this point. I had the taste of blood in my mouth, where it would remain until the asshole responsible was found. “How’s Mother?” We’d all insisted she go home for the night. The police hadn’t been called and I’d managed to instruct my men to clear the debris. Although the packages around where the initial bomb had been set off had been taken to one of our warehouses for inspection.
Not that what was left would positively identify anyone. However, I was itching to have a long discussion with Davit Ajernian. I didn’t give a shit if he had hundreds of soldiers in his employ. I’d almost lost my brother, my father, and the woman I… Fuck. The coincidences with her appearance were mounting.
“She managed to get some sleep. Both Willow and Kara are with her. Willow will be coming to the hospital in a couple of hours. What is Dimitrios’ condition?”
“He had a good night. I just checked on him and he was asleep. If all goes well, he’ll be released later today or tomorrow.”
“There are already rumblings on the street, rumors that we lost two members of our family. You know the cockroaches and snakes will be crawling all over our territory soon.”
“Yes, and we can’t allow that to happen. We need to find the person responsible.”
“What was that look on your face last night? During the discussion about Valencia being a heroine?”
“I don’t know. Just thoughts.”
Havros huffed. “You think she’s somehow involved.”
“I don’t know what to think.” And I didn’t. The last thing I wanted to believe was that she could have anything to do with the horror that had occurred. I couldn’t fathom how that would be possible. However, I sensed Don Coppola had tossed me clues on purpose. Why would the man do that?
Should we not consider him an ally?
Or did he have direct knowledge our shipment into New York would be met with pirates?
“Don’t jump to any conclusions. I checked on her father. He has some direct influence on some committees that might be of interest. He’s also the committee chair for a task force regarding organized crime in the entire country, not just New York.”
“That has nothing to do with us.”
“That’s not the interesting part,” he said with a grin on his face.
“What is?”
“Jeff Stern’s father serves on the same committee.”
A smile instantly crossed my face. “That’s definitely not a coincidence.”
“No.”
“Havros. Christos. Your brother is asking for you.”
We both tipped our heads toward the nurse standing in the mouth of the corridor.
“Let’s talk this out with Dimitrios,” I suggested as we both headed toward her.
“Only a few minutes. He still needs his rest,” she told us.
Nodding, I breezed by her. We’d take as much time as necessary to develop a plan of action. That was vital at this point. I headed into his room first, loathing the goddamn monitors he was hooked up to.
Heartrate. Blood pressure. An IV drip.
“About time,” he said gruffly and shifted on the bed.
We walked closer, Havros taking the chair while I remained standing. The last time I’d felt this anxious had been when Leandro had been killed.
“How are you feeling?” Havros asked.
Dimitrios snuffled. “As good as can be expected. What about Pops?”
“Heroic efforts were made by Valencia. He made it through the night, which means he should make it.”
Dimitrios took a deep breath, wincing as soon as he did. “Thank God. Mother?”
“Fine. We lost two good men,” I told him.
“To be expected during a fucking massacre.”
My oldest brother was attempting to take everything in stride. But I also sensed his increasing anger. We were all hot-blooded men who couldn’t handle disruptions. When something happened to our family? We reacted and usually without asking any questions.
“The bomb?” he asked.
“Could be from a gift brought by the Armenian leader. He left the party before he got out of his car.” Havros laughed bitterly. “What are the odds?”
“I don’t like this shit,” I admitted. “We need to establish a plan.”
Dimitrios shifted again. “Yes, we do. I’ll be out of here today. Comb the streets. I need to hear all the chatter before we decide. We need to go in with our eyes wide open.”
“I need to have a discussion with Davit,” I told both of them. Whether or not the man had helped execute part of the attack or was behind it I would discover.
If he was, the man would die.
“Find whatever information you can,” Dimitrios said again. “Talk to Davit. I need to know what he has to say.”
“We’ll take care of it, but we can’t allow this to linger. Our reputations and our fortunes are on the line,” I told him.
My older brother smirked. “You’ve certainly come into your own as my Enforcer. It’s good to see you expand your talents.”
“Don Coppola alluded to the issues in New York. Stern’s father as well as Valencia’s father are both working on a task force against crime syndicates.”
“I doubt that’s anything new.”
“What if Stern and Baker knew about the diamond shipment? Perhaps they’re considering expanding their businesses.” I was rolling through the suggestions in full realization none of them were adding up.
“I’ll put a temporary hold on the shipment into New York, but I don’t want anyone outside of the family knowing. We’ll need to draw the persons responsible into the open.” At least Dimitrios was fully prepared to return to business.
“I’ll be the point person for questions the captain and crew have,” Havros stated.
“You’re right. Returning to New York appears to be on the horizon,” I added.
“Another few days will determine the next steps. Thank Valencia for me.”
I wasn’t in the mood to tell my older brother I was having trust issues. “I will. Get some rest.”
Havros patted him on the arm and trailed behind me into the corridor. We remained silent as we walked toward the nurses’ station. My mind was still going over every detail of the attack. Once the desk was in view, I noticed a courier talking with one of the nurses. Our approach must have caught her eye. She pointed in our direction.
The courier moved quickly, holding out the manila envelope in his hand. “Is one of you Christos Nomikos?” he asked in greeting.
“I am.”
“Package for you, sir. No need for a signature.”
I took it from his hand, realizing the contents were flat. I waited until after he’d left before yanking the tape from the flap, jerking it open.
As I pulled out the contents, I half laughed.
“What are they?” Havros asked.
“Photographs of the wedding. Including ones with Valencia in my arms.”
“A threat?”
“Likely. Or a simple reminder her identity has been out in the public eye.” There were others including close-ups of every family member. I was instantly on edge, glancing after the young man as he headed for the elevator. I could grill him, but would get nothing. The package had no return address, but my thoughts drifted to the photographer. He’d been vetted, but how well? “You know what’s interesting? The man hired to take the pictures wasn’t our usual man.”
Havros snorted. “You’ve very observant. I hadn’t noticed.”
“You had other things on your mind. We need to find the goddamn photographer. I need to have a discussion with him.”
When I shook the envelope in my anger, a slip of paper fell to the floor.
Havros grabbed it before I had a chance. His laugh was dark. “Be careful what you wish for. All good things come to men who perform evil.”
“What the fuck does that mean?” I snatched the piece of paper from his hand, eyeing the words that held no real meaning.
Other than a threat.
They were written in bold ink, block lettering that if run under a fingerprint scan would likely not detect a single goddamn thing. For over a year we’d been embroiled in riddles, games being played to try to destroy our family. Maybe I hadn’t taken it seriously before.
Now, I did.
“Fuck this. Fuck the asshole responsible. This means war,” I snarked.
“Easy, brother. As the note states. Be careful what you wish for.”