Page 4 of Mob Queen

The basin reddens with all the blood washing off of my hands. I know I should cry, but I can’t. I squeeze my eyes closed but that dreadful moment keeps replaying. “He’s gone.”

“He is.” G’s arms envelop me and I turn to nuzzle into him. I stay in G’s arms for a long time as I calm my frantic mind.

I pull back and lean against the wall in the bathroom. “This now makes me the don,” I say.

“It does.”

I nod as I grind my teeth together trying to process what I need to do next. “Where’s Dad?”

“He’s downstairs in the basement.”

I lift my chin and stare at nothing. “I-I need to call Rome and let him know.” I’m not even sure I’m processing Dad’s death. What is happening?

“Whatever you need from me, Frank.”

I push off the wall and meet G’s hard eyes. “You’ve always been good to us.” I hesitantly head back into the office. I sit at the desk where my father made a lot of his decisions, and stare at my cell for a moment. I dial Rome’s number and put it on speaker.

He answers nearly immediately. “If it’s not my favorite sister.”

“I’m your only sister,” I say with a voice crack.

“What’s wrong, Frankie? Is everything alright?”

I lean back on the chair and rub at the tension across my forehead. “Dad’s dead.” There’s a long pause. “Rome?” I check the call is still connected. “Rome?”

“Dad’s ? ” He intakes a sharp breath. “Dad’s dead?”

“Yeah.”

“What happened?”

“We were coming out of the restaurant, and he was shot.” Again, I’m met with silence. “Did you hear me?”

“I’m processing. When? Who? What?”

“It happened nearly two hours ago. I don’t know who yet.”

“Frankie,” Rome says. “You were there?”

“Yeah.” I swallow the hurt in my throat. “I was walking ahead of him, and I heard the shot. By the time I turned around, he was already down.” I shake my head in denial. I still can’t believe my father is gone. “I need you here, Rome.” My voice trembles as I hold in the tears.

“I’m already making arrangements. I’m booking my ticket now; I should be there by noon tomorrow.”

“I’ll send Dario to pick you up from the airport.”

“Thanks. Hey, how are you doing?”

“I’m still trying to process what I saw. But I’ll be okay. It’s not like this lifestyle is full of bows and pretty pictures. We know what the consequences are. I will say though, I know if Dad had to pick between being killed and going to jail, he’d rather the bullet. At least that’s something. Right?”

“Sure,” Rome replies with a tense voice. “Do me a favor, Frank.”

“What?”

“Go upstairs, take a shower and get some sleep.”

I snort and shake my head. “Easier said than done.”

“Yeah, I know. I’ll see you tomorrow.”