“Nik…” Dad gasps, and my entire body’s submerged in ice.
No.
“I’m… sorry… son.”
No.
Jesus.
No.
My eyes lock with Athina’s, and she must see the fear in mine because she darts to my side and tries to take the phone from me. I quickly put the call on speaker. It’s just in time to hear Dad breathe, “Look… after… Athina.”
I stagger back from the invisible blow to the core of my entire being as my father’s final breath drifts over the line.
Athina drops to the floor with a harrowing cry.
Tess takes the phone from me, and cutting the call, she dials a number for emergency services, then rambles, “There’s been a shooting.” She gives the address, urging them to hurry, then makes another call, whispering, “Answer, Mamá. Please… Answer…”
Her other hand covers her mouth as she dials the number again and again until I take the phone from her. Wrapping my arm around her, I hold her to my chest, unable to find words right now.
The darkness of the day creeps out of the shadows and surrounds us all. Sorrow dulls the shine from the light spilling through the windows.
Somehow I manage to move, forcing Tess to sit on the couch. I take hold of Athina, and pulling her up, I make her sit next to Tess, who quickly grabs hold of her hand.
Standing in front of my wife and sister, the full impact of the day hits.
The Sicilians hit where I would feel it most. They killed my father and probably Helena as well. They killed my men, most of them good friends I’ve known all my life.
Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath, using all my strength to force the grief and shock down.
I’m the head of the mafia.
There’s no time to weep. No time to mourn.
There’s only avenging my fallen loved ones.
I will bring hell to Manno’s doorstep.
Clearing my throat, I look at Tess and Athina. “Pack a bag, Tess. You and Athina are leaving in two hours for Switzerland.”
Tess shakes her head, still dazed by all that’s happened. “W-what?” she sobs.
Athina just starts shaking her head.
“You will both leave for St. Monarch’s. Basil will meet you there,” I order, already bringing up the number for Carson Koslov, who’s in charge of St. Monarch’s.
“Koslov,” he answers.
“It’s Nikolas Stathoulis. My wife, sister, and brother-in-law will be arriving within the next twelve hours for safekeeping.”
“Payment is expected before they arrive,” Carson advises me, his tone professional as always.
I end the call, and opening my banking app, I quickly transfer one point five million euros to St. Monarch’s bank account.
A minute later, my phone vibrates with a message from Carson.
Payment received.
Tess stares at me, then blinks. A frown forms on her forehead, and rising to her feet, she shakes her head. “I’m not leaving your side.”
“I need you safe.” My voice is low, with zero tolerance for negotiations. “You will pack a bag.”
Her eyebrows draw together. “Come with us. Please.”
Lifting a hand, I caress her cheek before pulling her against my chest. I press a kiss to her forehead, filling my lungs with her scent. “I have to finish this war. Don’t defy me on this, Theresa.”
Athina stands up, tears still spilling over her cheeks. I wrap my other arm around my sister’s shoulders and pull her closer. “I need the two of you safe, so I can focus on my job. Okay?”
They nod, and I hold them as tight as I can.
The elevator doors open, and Andreas comes in, followed by Elias and Craig.
“The men are loading the weapons,” Andreas advises me. “And James is out of surgery. I had to threaten him with death to get him to stay in the hospital.”
Pulling away from the women, I say, “If he’s okay to check out, let him. He can escort Tess and Athina to Switzerland.” I’m aware of how close James and Tess are, and having her friend with her might help keep her calm.
“Please,” Tess blurts out, a little color returning to her face.
Andreas nods and makes the call.
I turn my attention to Elias and Craig. “You’re my best men.”
They nod, their eyes filled with the need for vengeance.
“You have to go with Tess and Athina.”
Elias instantly starts to frown.
“It’s an order.”
Reluctantly they nod, not happy missing out on the action.
“James is on his way,” Andreas informs me.
“Thank God,” Tess murmurs, wiping a tear from her cheek.
I lean closer to her and press a kiss to her temple. “Go pack a bag, baby.”
I watch as Athina goes with Tess, and once they’re out of hearing distance, I look at Elias and Craig. “If I don’t make it back, it’s up to you to protect Tess and Athina.” When they nod their understanding, I add, “Andreas’ uncle will reach out to you with further instructions.”
Because if I fall, it means Andreas falls too.