by Amy Cecil
“If it is all right with you, I would like to stay and see how he is. After all, he helped save me,” she replies.
I nod. I look toward Hawk and see Dr. Siegel has come totally prepared. Hawk is hooked up to several machines monitoring his heart, lungs, and hell, I have no idea what else.
“I know it’s not my place,” Dr. Siegel says, “but would someone like to tell me how this happened?”
Ice steps forward. “He fucking stepped in front of a bullet that was aimed at me. He saved my life.”
Dr. Siegel turns back toward Ice, astonished.
“It was so dark. They were hidden in the bushes. We didn’t see them because we were covering Michael as he was carrying Zaira out of the house. Then before I knew it, Hawk stepped in front of me and took the bullet.”
“So this one shot to the chest is the only wound?” Dr. Siegel asks.
“Yeah, as far as I know.”
I walk toward Ice. “Hey, man, I’m so sorry. Everything out there happened so fast.”
“We were both trying to cover you and Zaira when the gunfire erupted. He’s always told me he’s got my back, and he’s always covered me, but I never expected him to take a bullet for me. God, I can’t fucking stand this. He’s got to live, Doc.” Ice paces back and forth, and I know the waiting is killing him.
I stop him in his tracks and look him in the eye. “It’s called loyalty, Ice, and you know it. You’d take a bullet for any of your brothers, and each and every one of them are loyal to you, their president. Of course they will sacrifice themselves for you. You’re their leader.”
“I know, man, but fuck, I don’t know what I’m gonna do if he dies. He’s not only my VP. He’s my fucking best friend. I can’t lose him, Mikey. I can’t.”
Rebel walks up then and says, “You gotta have faith, Ice. He’s gonna make it.”
“Fuck faith. I just need to know he’s gonna live.”
Dr. Siegel walks toward us and says, “He needs to be in the hospital.”
Ice looks at me, and I reply to Doc, “Can you get him in anonymously?”
Dr. Siegel looks at me as if I have lost my mind, “Mikey, how long have I been helping your family?”
“I know, I know, I just don’t need to take any chances on this.”
He looks at Ice. “This is the deal. The bullet is still in there. He will need surgery to get it removed. I can’t do it here, and I have no way of knowing if any of his vital organs have been hit. He’s stable now. His heart rate is good but not great, and there can be internal bleeding I can’t see.”
“So his best chance is the hospital.”
“I’m afraid it is. Time is of the essence. We’ll bring him in as a John Doe, and I promise the gunshot wound won’t get reported.”
Ice nods.
“Do everything you can for him. If that means the hospital, then the hospital it is,” I tell him.
“Good, I’ll make the preparations.” His expression softens as he turns toward Ice. “I’ll do everything I can for him.” He squeezes his arm to reassure him. Dr. Siegel walks away and pulls out his phone. I hear him talking as he goes back to Hawk and the two orderlies who have been helping him.
“Try not to worry. Dr. Siegel is the best.”
He looks lost as he nods, then walks back to be with his boys. I hate that he’s going through this because of me, but we both know it’s always a possibility. There’s always a chance of losing a man, a friend, and a brother. It’s the life we have chosen, and it’s the life we live. It still doesn’t change the fact that it sucks when something like this happens.
“Come on,” I say, walking toward Ice and the boys. “Let’s let Dr. Siegel get him ready to transport.”
They nod, and I approach Zaira. “Still wanna stay?”
“Yes. This man risked his life to save mine,” she replies.
“Okay, we’re giving the doctor some space to get Hawk ready to take to the hospital. I’m probably gonna go to the hospital with them. You’re welcome to stay the night or you can arrange to have someone take you home tonight.” I don’t want to seem like I am kicking her out, but at the same time, I don’t want to have any false hopes that things have changed between us.
“I’d like to stay, Michael, if that is okay with you.” She offers me a small smile. “Perhaps we can talk in the morning?”
“I’d like that,” I reply, and the hope I didn’t want to have quickly surfaces. Right now, though, I need to ensure Ice and his men are tended to.
We step out into the hallway where Ricco is waiting outside the door for us. “Got some info on Romeo for you,” he says, following us down to the parlor.
“Can it wait?” I ask.
“Yes, it will be days before we have to deal with him.”
I look at him curiously but let it go. If it were something I needed to know right away, Ricco would have told me.
“How’s Darius?” I ask.
Ricco chuckles. “He’s still strung up in the watershed. Augie and Benny are keeping an eye on him.”
“Good. Keep him hanging. I’ll deal with him when we get back from the hospital.” Fucking son of a bitch. “Let me ask you something. Now that we know Darius helped Gallardi, do you think he also helped with the hit on us at the pool house?”
“You know, I was thinking the same thing. We know it was someone on the inside. I would bet money on it.”
“I thought so. I’ve got plans for Darius. He will beg for death by the time I’m done with him.”
“I was hoping you’d say that,” Ricco replies.
“My only consolation right now is knowing the cocksucker is going to suffer.” Zaira looks at us curiously, and I swear if she fucking begs for his life…
“I want to be there,” Zaira says.
I look at her in disbelief. “You can’t save him, Zaira.”
“I know. I don’t want him saved. I want him to suffer for making me trust him and then putting me through all that. Promise me, Michael.”
“It’s not going to be pretty, darling.”
“I know. The uglier the better as far as I’m concerned.” Well, shit. That was the last thing I expected to hear from her.
“I promise.”
We sit and wait for the ambulance and further instructions from the doctor. It’s gonna be a long fucking night, and all I can think about is Zaira and our conversation tomorrow.
A few minutes later, Dr. Siegel comes out. “Ambulance should be here any minute. Are all of you going to the hospital?”
“All of us but Zaira.” I turn toward Ricco. “Ricco, have the Q7 brought out front. You drive.”
“Yes, sir,” he replies and walks away, pulling out his phone.
I take Zaira’s hand. “I’m glad you’re safe. Make yourself at home. After all, this was your home for a while. Get some rest, and we’ll talk in the morning.” I turn to follow the boys outside.
“Michael. Wait!” she calls before I make it very far. She walks toward me and wraps her arms around me to whisper in my ear. “Thank you.” And to my surprise, she kisses me on the cheek. She doesn’t give me a chance to speak before she turns and proceeds back toward the stairs.
“Car is ready, boss,” Ricco says, causing me to remove my focus from Zaira’s ass. “And the ambulance is here.”
We wait while Dr. Siegel wheels Hawk toward the ambulance. Ice follows, saying, “I’m gonna ride with him.”
I nod. The rest of us follow behind and make our way to the car.
Chapter 15
Michael
It’s another waiting game at the hospital. Ice and Rebel are pacing, and I can tell they are worried about Hawk. Hell, I’m worried about him. It’s been over an hour since we arrived, and the waiting is taking its toll on all of us.
Several minutes later, Dr. Siegel comes into the waiting room. “We’re taking him into surgery now to remove the bullet. I’m sorry for the delay, but we had to stabilize the bleeding. He’s got some internal bleeding, and once I get inside,
I can assess the damage.” He pauses and turns toward Ice. “I’m sorry, but he’s not out of the woods yet.”
“He’s gotta live. Whatever it takes. Please,” Ice says.
“I’ll do my best,” he replies and turns to leave.
Two hours later, Dr. Siegel returns. The look on his face is telling me the news is not good. Fuck! Everyone stands to hear what Dr. Siegel has to say as he begins. “Hawk is out of surgery and is still hanging on. We were able to remove the bullet, and thankfully, it bypassed his heart. Unfortunately, however, it punctured a lung. He’s currently on a breathing tube.”
“The prognosis?” Ice asks.
“I’m gonna be honest with you. It’s not good. He’s lost a lot of blood and has been breathing with limited oxygen. We’ve given him a blood transfusion, and we’re hoping he won’t need any more. The breathing machine is helping him breathe with full oxygen. The next forty-eight hours are critical. If he survives, then his chances are good, keeping in mind the healing process after that is gonna be long and uncomfortable for him. I’m sorry, but it’s all I can give you right now. We’ll just have to wait and see and pray he gets through the next couple of days.”
“That should be me fucking lying in that bed, not him!” Ice yells.
Rebel steps up and grabs Ice’s arm. “No, it shouldn’t. Get a hold of yourself. He did what any of us would have done in a similar situation. He did what you would’ve done. Don’t start this shit. He needs you right now to be strong for him. Hell, he fucking needs all of us.” He waits for Ice to calm down a bit. “If anyone can get through this, it’s Hawk. You gotta have faith, man.”
“Fuck! I feel like shit!”
“I know, but we can’t change what’s happened. We just have to deal with it.” Rebel pulls out his phone. “Do you want me to call the girls?”
“Yeah, they need to know.”
“What if they want to come back to New York?”
“As much as I don’t want them here, we can’t keep them away. Emma would have my head, and Honey—oh fuck, Honey.” Ice rakes his hands through his hair. “Get them here as fast as you can. Have Sainte drive them.”
“No,” I say, interrupting. “They can’t wait the eight-hour drive. They can use the jet. Just give me a time, and I will have it at the airport ready for them.”
Ice and Rebel both look at me, and Ice says, “Thanks, Michael.”
Rebel walks away, his phone in his hand ready to make the call. “Is he awake?” Ice asks Dr. Siegel.
“No, he’s still out. It’ll be several hours before he wakes up. Keep in mind his body has suffered a major trauma. He may not wake up even after the anesthesia wears off. It’s nothing to be alarmed about at first. It’s just his body’s way of preserving it to help him heal. You gotta be patient.”
“Patience is something I don’t have, Doc. I gotta see him.”
“You’ll be able to see him tomorrow. Right now, he needs rest.” Dr. Siegel turns to leave but turns back. “You boys should go back to the Vitalis’, get some rest, and hopefully you’ll be able to see him first thing in the morning.”
Ice shakes his head and whispers, “I can’t fucking believe this.”
“Doc, just let him see him for a minute. He needs to see him,” I say.
Reluctantly, Dr. Siegel agrees. “Fine, but just a minute. Then you need to promise to let him rest.”
Ice nods.
Dr. Siegel waves him on and says, “Come with me.” Ice follows just as Rebel comes back.
“Well, Michael, you better get that jet ready. The girls wanna come back, just need to know when they need to be at the airport.”
“Let me make a call. Hang on and I’ll let you know.” I pull out my phone and call Eric, our pilot. He answers on the first ring. “Hey Eric, how long will it take you to get the jet ready to fly to Erie? I’ve got some people I need you to pick up and bring back here.”
“I’ll need to check with the airport tower and fuel the jet and submit a flight plan. Provided the plan is approved, I could be in Erie in about five hours.”
“Hang on a sec,” I say into the phone before looking at Rebel. “Can the girls be at the airport in five hours?”
“They’ll be ready,” he says.
“Eric, that’ll work. Message me when you leave Erie with an ETA. I’ll have Ricco send you the details on who you are picking up.”
“Got it, boss.”
“Thanks.” I disconnect the call. “Rebel, you and Ricco handle the details. Eric will need to know who he is picking up. You got that?”
“I can do that. Let me call them first and find out who is coming and who is staying.” Rebel walks away. I motion for Ricco to go with him, and I trust the two of them will handle all the details to get the girls to New York. That’s one less thing Ice needs to worry about.
A few minutes later, Ice returns. “Did you see him?” I ask.
“Yeah, he looks like shit,” Ice replies.
I can’t help but laugh. “Well hell, he’s been shot. What did you expect?”
“I know, I just fucking hate seeing him like this, and I feel so fucking helpless.”
“I know. The only thing you can do for him is be strong for him and have faith.” I pause and then say, “By the way, Rebel and Ricco are working together, along with my pilot, to get your girls here.”
“Thank you,” Ice says.
“We got you.”
Rebel and Ricco return, and Ricco says, “Everything is set. The girls should be here around eight a.m. tomorrow morning. I’ve also arranged for Gio to pick them up at the airport.”
“Good. Now let’s get these boys home.”
Chapter 16
Zaira
I’m sitting in my old room waiting for the guys to return. I can’t sleep. There’s too much on my mind. I’m worried for Hawk. He didn’t look good, and I’m so afraid he’s not going to make it. I’ve been praying for him.
I was surprised to find some of my things hanging in the closet and even some underwear in the drawer, along with a nightie. I thought Darius had gotten all my things when I moved out, but obviously he didn’t. I’m glad. At least I have a change of clothes. I need a shower, but I’m too nervous to do anything but pace and think.
I’ve been practicing what I am going to say to Michael. Tonight has been a real eye-opener for me. It made me realize life is short. We may never know what will happen from one day to the next. Despite everything Michael has done, despite all the lies and deceit, one thing is first and foremost in my mind. I love him. I have always loved him, and I know now that I always will. I just hope I have not driven such a wedge between us that it’s too late.
Dina brought me some soup and hot tea. I didn’t touch the soup, but I did drink the tea. My stomach is in knots, and I can’t eat, not even soup. I’ve been pacing in my room waiting for Michael to return, waiting on word about Hawk… simply waiting. It’s been several hours and no word. I’m about to lose my mind.
A soft knock on my door jolts me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I say.
To my surprise, it’s Michael who steps into the room. “Hey, I saw your light on and wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“I haven’t been able to sleep. How’s Hawk?”
“He’s in critical condition right now. Dr. Siegel says the next forty-eight hours are crucial to his recovery.”
I deflate at the news because I feel responsible. “I’m so sorry, Michael. If I hadn’t trusted Darius, if I hadn’t pulled away, if I had just stayed with you, none of this would have happened.”
“First of all, ‘ifs’ get us nowhere. We can spend a lifetime saying ‘what if.’ It will never change anything. The important thing is how we deal with the here and now. You are not to blame. I truly believe that even if Gallardi didn’t have an in with Darius, they would have gotten to you one way or another. At least Darius’s involvement may have kept you from getting killed.”
“Michael, I—”
“Get some res
t, Zaira. We’ll talk in the morning.” He turns to leave. When he gets to the door, he hesitates and without turning around, he says, “It’s been a long day, and I am more than relieved you are safe. Let’s leave it at that for now.” He opens the door and leaves, closing the door behind him.
But, Michael, I wanted to tell you I love you. Obviously he isn’t ready to hear it tonight. I guess he’s right, I need to get some rest. Tomorrow is gonna be another long day, and worrying about the outcome of our conversation isn’t going to help any.
I get myself into bed and will myself to sleep, lying here for what seems like an eternity.
***
I wake the next morning a little disoriented, but then I realize I am back in my old room at the Vitali mansion. I stay under the covers for several minutes, finally feeling at peace because I am back where I belong. Well, not technically where I belong. I should be in Michael’s room and in Michael’s bed, but hey, it’s a start. I am hoping our talk today will change things for us.
I get up and head toward the closet to find something to wear today. After picking out a white button-down blouse and a pair of jeans, I proceed to the shower.
Once I am showered and dressed, I run my fingers through my wet hair. I don’t have a blow-dryer or any makeup here, so I make do with what I got. Before all is said and done, I’m gonna have wild and crazy curls. I chuckle to myself. Michael has never seen the wild curls. Oh boy, he’s in for a real treat. Not.
I make my way downstairs and I walk toward Michael’s office. I’m dying to see him and talk, but Jude stops me just outside his door.
“Sorry, Zaira, he’s in a meeting right now. Can’t be disturbed,” he says. Why is Jude inside? I wonder. He is always the gatekeeper. I shake my head. I’m sure Michael has his reasons, and they are not mine to question.
“Oh, I see. Is Ricco around?” I ask.
“He’s in the meeting as well. When they are done, I’ll let Michael know you want to see him.”
“Thanks, Jude,” I reply and turn away.
I’m so disappointed. I was really looking forward to seeing him, but I know he is busy and has many things to attend to, especially after all that has happened in the last few days. Walking out to the back patio, I am amazed by all the construction workers and landscapers working. The area has been destroyed, but how? I make a note to ask Michael about it when we talk.
