Ezra 27.
I remove my cufflinks and place them in my pants pocket. Unbuttoning my shirt, I remove it completely, place it on the hanger, and hang it in the wardrobe. Slipping my shoes off, I tuck my socks into them, and slide them under the wooden structure. Pants are next, placing them on a hangar next to my shirt. I crack my neck, twist to pop my spine, lift each leg up and back to stretch my muscles then don the swishy material meant to protect me from blood splatter.
In the bowels of the Mishpocheh Consortium , I stand against the tiled wall, my arms crossed over my chest as I wait. Normally, I’d be in the peanut gallery, watching The Pharaoh do his thing. But this is personal. This is mine alone to see through. Hiram Goldman fucked around and he’s going to find out what happens when you sell your daughter and a piece of your soul for a slice of the pie. I’m going to make him choke on it.
A beep alerts myself, Zeppo, Moshe, and my dad that someone is at the door. It opens slowly, revealing Anton, behind him Matteo Russo and his men Dino, Cam, and Baz escort a struggling but blindfolded and zip tied Hiram Goldman. I nod toward the long medical table in the room. With some effort, they place him on his back and secure his limbs to the restraints. He continues to struggle, but his cries are muffled due to the ball-gag in his mouth. I snort when I get a good look at it.
“A cheeseburger?”
Matteo lifts his shoulder with a smirk. “In case he got hungry on the ride up here.”
With a shake of my head, I step away from the wall and circle the table. “Any trouble?”
Dino chuckles, “Nah. Old arrogant fuck barely brought anyone with him to meet with Diaz.”
I eye Dino, then Matteo. “Diaz going to be a problem?” They both clench their jaws in response.
“Ezra. How long we fucking known each other?” I exhale loudly, propping my hands on my hips and dropping my chin to my chest.
“Too long, Matteo. I know. It’s just—”
“You got yourself a woman and it’s fucked you all up. I know. I’ve seen it several times now between Rico, Zach, and Luca. I get it.” He lays his hand on my shoulder. “No blowback, I promise.”
“Thank you.” I look into his eyes, “And the rest of Goldman’s men?” Matteo grins broadly with a genuine laugh.
“Consider our Cuban friend an exterminator. He’ll rid Miami of any of Goldman’s vermin. And do it with a smile.”
Dino washes his hands in the basin sink in the corner of the room. “What are you going to do with him?”
“My future father-in-law and I are going to get acquainted.” Hiram stops fighting, his head twisting to find where I am since he can’t see. I clasp his hand in mine and try to shake it, but the restraints limit the movement. “Hiram. Good to meet you. I’m Ezra. And I’m in love with your beautiful daughter Dorothy.” I lean in closer, grinning when his entire body stills, he holds his breath. “You’ve missed quite a lot of what’s happened with your daughter, being estranged and all. So, I thought I’d personally guide you through every tear she’s shed, every scar she’s gained, every ounce of pain she’s experienced since you last saw her. How does that sound?”
The ball gag prevents him from speaking, but his screams are loud and clear.
“Uh…Ez?” I glance at Matteo over my shoulder. “He ain’t got any tits to cut off?” He points out the obvious, reading where my thoughts were heading.
I chuckle humorlessly, “He doesn’t. But he will by the time I’m done with him.” Clapping my hands, I spin around and walk to the table laid out with various surgical instruments. “I’m not a trained professional, so my work won’t be anything pretty. But I think he’ll get the point I’m trying to make.”
Matteo and Dino wish me luck and head out with the promise that they’ll head to the family compound for some food before getting back on the road. The Four Families and the Kosher Nostra have a long and twisted history. Aunt Esther will welcome them with open arms and send them off with full stomachs.
Dad steps to my side, donning a protective suit as well. He uses his gloved hands to adjust the nurse’s cap he has sitting on the top of his head, and I can’t help but laugh at his antics.
In a simpering tone, he says, “I’m ready, doctor.”