25. Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Five
OF COURSE, I CAN
Aaliyah
Alongside Abel, Luca, Franco, and a few others, I anxiously sat in the hospital waiting room, anticipating any news about my husband. I was concerned about him and also about the attention this hospital stay would bring to the Family. Despite Luca and Doctor Romero’s attempts to reassure me, I still worried about the police storming the hospital to investigate why my husband’s body was riddled with bullet wounds. Definitely something we don’t need right now.
Doctor Romero was only concerned about one of the five bullet wounds. The bullet lodged close to Tony’s spine. All the other bullets were taken out, and the damage fixed, except for that one. Despite the significant blood loss, Tony managed to stay stable despite being in critical condition. Right now, Doctor Romero was in consultation with another surgeon to see what the best course of action was for Tony’s care. No doubt he would go through another round of surgeries, but only when his body could handle it. A very delicate surgery. I was sure Doctor Romero was reluctant because it could lead to Tony being paralyzed, but did he have any other choice?
I reached out to Alessandro and Chantal. They were both on the way. The trip would take a while, so I wasn’t expecting him or her until the early hours. Alessandro stated his need to ensure all bases were covered in the States, execute Tony’s instructions, and join us as soon as possible. I didn’t know when Chantal would make it, but I hoped both would be here just in case everything went in the opposite direction we all were hoping for.
“Mrs. Rizzo?”
I looked up from where I was sitting and jumped to my feet. “Any changes, Doctor Romero?”
“Unfortunately, not,” he said with a solemn tone. “He’s still in critical but stable condition. I’ve consulted with one of my colleagues and we both agree it would be beneficial for Mr. Rizzo to undergo surgery. The last bullet is lodged dangerously close to his spine, but we think the benefits outweigh the risk.”
“What if the surgery isn’t done?” I asked. “What are the risks?”
“If it’s not done, it’s possible that over time the bullet can shift and cause permanent paralysis,” Doctor Romero said.
“And if it doesn’t shift?”
“He will live a regular life, but he will need regular check-ups to ensure the bullet hasn’t shifted.”
“What are the odds of him being paralyzed because of the surgery?”
I didn’t care whether he’d be paralyzed or not, however, I knew that he would care.
“There’s a risk, Mrs. Rizzo. Like I said that bullet is lodged dangerously close to his spine and when dealing with surgeries like this, anything is possible. However, in my professional opinion, surgery will provide Mr. Rizzo with the best option to avoid paralysis. Not removing that bullet leaves a very real chance I wouldn’t take if I were in your position.”
“Okay. Do the surgery.”
Once I heard that, I knew my decision didn’t require much time to think about it. Tony would want me to do whatever I needed to do to give him the best outcome.
“I will schedule it immediately.”
“Thank you, Doctor Romero. When can I see him?”
“Right now, he’s in the ICU under sedation. I wouldn’t recommend any visitors until we’ve removed that last bullet.”
My heart plummeted, and a wave of sadness washed over me, causing tears to well up in my eyes. I wanted to see my husband. I wanted to let him know that I was by his side, ready to support him, and he needed to fight to stay with me. However, if it was best for me to stay away, I wouldn’t put up a fight. Whatever was in his best interest that was what I would do.
“Thank you, Doctor.”
“If there are any changes, I will let you know,” he said. “My suggestion is that everyone return home, get something to eat and get some rest because it will be a while before the surgery can happen.”
“I can’t leave him.”
He looked at me with a smile full of empathy. “I understand. If there’s anything the staff can do to make you more comfortable let them know,” he said before walking away.
Wiping the tears from my eyes, I let out a heavy sigh before facing the Rizzo soldiers, who stood in silence, waiting for news on their Don’s condition.
“Your Don remains in critical, but stable condition, which is good news considering the situation. All bullets have been removed except one.”
“Why wasn’t that one removed, Donna?” Franco asked with a deep frown on his face.
I took a deep breath then released it. “It’s dangerously close to his spine,” I explained. “Doctor Romero has recommended he undergo another surgery but had to let me make that decision. So, it’s being scheduled as we speak. When I hear any more, I will let you know.”
I shared all the information, carefully avoiding any mention of the possibility of Tony ending up paralyzed. I didn’t care, but for this organization that would only show weakness. Something I’d be damned I’d let happen. They all seemed to accept the information I had given them, which was good.
“Donna?” I directed all my concentration towards Luca. “What do you need from the estate?” he asked. “I’ll send a couple of men.”
As frustration set in, I pinched the bridge of my nose, hoping to find some relief. “I will need clothes, Luca.”
“I’ll have Avia pack you a bag and cook you some food.”
“Thank you.”
With a nod, he made his way towards a cluster of men, their footsteps echoing as they walked out of the room together. Restless, I began to pace, the sound of my footsteps filling the silence. I didn’t know what else I could do. I felt so helpless sitting here while he was alone in some room hooked to machines.
“Come sit,” Abel said, interrupting my restless pacing.
I took the seat in the corner away from everyone. It wasn’t that I wasn’t appreciative of the men in this room. All had put their lives on the line for this Family, but I didn’t want any company. I wanted to be alone to process everything.
I got the sense that Abel understood. While he had ushered me to my seat, he didn’t sit alongside of me, but on the opposite side of the room where the other men were sitting.
***
As I slowly regained consciousness, I felt someone shaking me, jolting me back to reality. As soon as my eyes met Alessandro’s, a fresh wave of tears welled up. He pulled me into his arms and once again I couldn’t stop the tears from falling. I didn’t know how many hours had passed but I had to be asleep for a long time if he was here.
“He’s going to be fine,” he said, trying to calm me down.
I chose not to voice my thoughts or opinions. I prayed that he’d pull through, but I wasn’t so sure. “They’ve done surgery and repaired the damage, but one bullet is close to his spine.”
“Is he paralyzed?” he asked, his voice filled with concern and worry.
“No, but if he doesn’t have this surgery, the doctor says the bullet may shift later which could cause paralysis. I’ve agreed to let them do the surgery.”
He let out a deep sigh. “I agree with your decision. When’s the surgery?”
“I haven’t been giving any information on that yet.”
“Okay. Well, you focus on everything here. His wishes were that you remain in power, which I’ve already announced. Of course, there are those who aren’t happy, but they’ll get over it.”
I expected people not to be happy with that decision. Often the Underboss would take the Don’s place.
“As of right now, Cisero is handling everything,” Alessandro said. “You need to meet with the other Families as soon as possible but you have to be prepared for the pushback. They don’t want you leading. Do you think you can handle it?”
Of course, I knew they didn’t want me to lead, but none of that mattered. I was the Donna of this family and while my husband couldn’t lead, I sure as hell would. I’d make him proud to call me his wife, and I’d make all of them pay for underestimating how cruel I could be.
“Of course, I can.”