My phone is buzzing in my pocket, and I didn’t realize how long it had been because I have five missed calls from Vince. I pick up his current call, and before I say anything, he begins talking.
“I sent the boys over! Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. A little late with the boys.” I look up as they bust inside guns-a-blazing.
“You’re a little late,” I call as they do a full inspection of the house. “I need to speak with you and Pops. You got time tonight?”
“Yeah. Meet me at Pops’ in half an hour?”
“Okay.” I hang up and exit the house, head straight to the car, where Barker is jogging after me.
“I’ll come with you.” He demands more than suggests.
“Fine, but I’m driving.” I enter the driver’s side, and he hops in the passenger’s side. Even with traffic, I make it to Pops’ house in twenty minutes, and I don’t wait for Barker to escort me as I run inside. I head up the stairs to Pops’ office and wait outside on the chairs against the wall. Sitting here always reminds me of being in trouble because that’s really the only time I’m asked to wait outside.
I take deep breaths until I hear Vince open the front door and jog up the steps.
“Hey.” I stand to my feet.
“Hey. Ready?” He nods to the door, and I nod back. We make our way to the office and open the doors to see Pops working at his desk. This is a core memory of him ingrained in my brain. Even though he’s retired, he’s been helping Vince with drafting up contracts for the New Era. To help everyone get on the same page and prevent fights from breaking out.
We take our seats in front of him, and he drops his pen, looking at us expectantly.
“What’s going on?” Vince and he both look at me, and I feel pressure to convey the urgency of the issue.
“Well, I got a visit from the Russians tonight.” Pops scowls at the mention of them.
“What did they want?” He gruffly asks.
“They want me to meet with them.”
“When?” Vince leans in.
“Over the weekend.”
“Why?” Pops asks.
“It’s a little complicated, but—“ Vince interrupts.
“We have a deal with the FBI that will benefit them and us. They probably heard about it and want to talk.”
“Interesting.” Pops narrows his eyes thoughtfully. “Where do they want to have this little meeting?” He shifts his eyes to me.
“Maui.” I know it sounds ridiculous. He scoffs and shakes his head before sighing.
“Well, you should take Stella with you. We can’t leave her vulnerable. Vince has already made that mistake.” I eye Vince, who just slowly blinks. Pops doesn’t read the news, and Vince apparently is decent enough to not say a word, as I agree. He dismisses us soon after, and we stand in unison to exit. When we’re out of the office, Vince pulls me close to him, fist tight around my shirt.
“Work it the fuck out with Stella. This family needs you. You don’t get to pussy out at the last second.”
“She isn’t talking to me.”
“The fuck I care. Work it out. Now.” He shoves me against the wall as he lets go and stomps down the hall in a rage so furious that it can only be classified as his signature temper. I let out a breath and recollect myself, then pull out my phone to call Stella. Just as I unlock my phone, Tito pops his head out of his doorway at the end of the hall and calls my name.
“I gotta show you something!” I slide my phone back into my pocket and walk over to him.
“I’m kinda busy, bro. Can this wait?”
“I just heard the classic Vince threats.”