I scoot the chair back to get out of their way and watch with bated breath. Nevertheless, I’m ordered from the room.
“What’s going on?” I ask frantically, standing in the doorway.
The nurse attempts to close the door. “Sir, please, wait here. I’ll come get you as soon as possible.”
Desolate, I peek through the window, witnessing them running around Cam and issuing orders while she lies there with her eyes closed.
I don’t even notice people coming up to me, but then James and Luca question, “What happened?”
“She flatlined,” I mutter, disbelieving the words as the journey of waiting prolongs.
***
Twenty-eight fucking minutes later, Marc opens the door. That’s what my life is currently. Living from minute to minute, pleading and trusting that Cam and our baby will survive.
Without delay, Marc explains her condition, “She’s stabilized for now, but she went into cardiac arrest. She can’t have any visitors; it’s too dangerous, Adriano. I’m going to have to monitor her very closely.”
I peer over at Cam. “The baby?”
“Is fine,” Marc finishes.
Relief washes over me, but it’s only a fleeting sentiment. ”When can I access her room again?”
“I can’t say. As soon as she’s a bit more stabilized, she can have visitors again.”
“Let’s go for a while, Adriano,” Luca offers.
But I’m unable to leave. “I fucking hate going home, because she’s not there!”
“Staying here isn’t good for you, and it’s not helping her either. We could go to the club?” he tries to persuade me.
“Fuck! I have to call my parents. My mother has been blowing up my phone. Carmine can’t hold them off any longer; they know something’s wrong.”
“Then we’ll go to your parents’ and come back later?”
I study Cam, realizing that I must inform my family. “Okay, but I’m coming back immediately after I talk to my family in case she wakes up.”
***
My parents, sister, and Carmine are waiting for Luca and me in my parents’ living room in the Astoria Tower. I’m wearing my black dress shirt so that if my wound starts bleeding through the gauze, they won’t see it and discover that I was shot.
“Adriano, how are you? You look tired.” My mother comes up to me before I’ve reached the chesterfield.
“I’m fine.” I press a kiss to her forehead, then I greet my father and Mary, who takes my hand in hers.
“Buongiorno, Sophia.” Good morning. Luca kisses my mother’s cheek.
Mary brings my attention to her when she pinches my hand. “What happened? Carmine said Cam’s been in an accident.”
I catch Carmine’s gaze and dip my chin discreetly in gratitude that he covered for me; he’s being a good Consigliere. “Yes, we were in a car accident, and she was rushed into surgery. She has severe brain damage and has slipped into a coma.”
Mary’s eyes widen as my father stands up, and my mother just studies me curiously.
Then Mary flings her arms around me and whispers, “I’m so sorry.”
“What’s the prognosis, son?” My father asks and grips my shoulder in support.
I shrug lightly and flinch from the pain. This entire conversation is killing me, and I haven’t even gotten to the worst and best part yet.
“Are you hurt?” my mother demands to know.
“No,” I lie, and she sends me an incredulous look.
“What exactly happened? Is this about Cam? The accident? Are you in some kind of trouble, Adriano? You’ve been away so often, and you’ve barely visited us in the last three months, and now both of you are hurt.”
“Momma, don’t,” I warn in an icy tone.
This vendetta my mother has against Cam is unfounded. However, I can’t tell the truth and say that I’m the boss of the Mafia. My promotion, and the increased workload that came with it, just happened to coincide with when Cam became my girlfriend. My mother needs to let go of this belief that Cam doesn’t like my family and is pulling me away from them.
“Why do you love her when it destroys you?” she asks suddenly.
Even though I realize her outburst stems from a good place because she worries about me and I’ve always been close to my family in the past, I’m in a volatile state of mind and can’t handle this at the moment.
“Love doesn’t require an explanation,” I grind out. “She’s mine to protect, and I will keep fighting with my life so that she can keep hers.”
Our love is still strong and alive – ever-present and bleeding as a part of me that makes me whole.
She shakes her head. “Something is wrong...”
“Mother, enough!” I shout, and everyone rears back from the sharpness in my voice. “You know why I came by? To tell you that we’re pregnant. To tell you that she’s carrying your grandchild. You will treat her with respect.” With untainted frustration, I cast a hand through my hair, but then a pang of remorse fills me when I observe my mother’s shocked face. “I’ve fought so hard to be with her.”
“It shouldn’t be this difficult,” she says softly. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to upset you.”
“Loving her isn’t difficult,” I defend. “Fate has just been working against us relentlessly.” I take a calming breath. “I know you mean well, but it isn’t Cam’s fault that I’ve been so busy. Let that go and be there for me. I’m always here for you, and I always will be.”
“We know,” my father interrupts. “Your mother is just overly concerned.” He braces my neck. “Congratulations, my son. Let us know when you want us to come visit Cam in the hospital.”
“Thank you, Dad.” I rub my forehead. “She can’t have visitors until she’s stabilized more. I’ll call you later.”
To avoid a lengthy and emotional goodbye, because I can tell that they all have a million more questions, I motion to Luca to head out, back to the one place I ache to be.
***
I’ve been away from Cam for over an hour. Although I know it’s probably too soon, I was secretly hoping for good news when I returned, yet her condition is unchanged and I’m still not even allowed to touch her. I can only watch over her from afar.
Downright lost, I find myself wandering into the chapel on the first floor of the hospital. After lighting a candle, I sit down on a mahogany bench. My parents are religious people. I’m not. I’ve seen too much death and decay to believe in a God that I can’t see or touch. If there is a God, then I’m going to Hell. But I’ll gladly walk through the fires of Hell to ensure Cam’s place on earth, so I sit there and try to convince God to help this sinner in his time of need.
Then I return upstairs, and Marc, who recognizes that I’m scarcely holding it together, informs me that he’s arranged for me to sleep in Cam’s room.
“But you can’t slide the bed next to her,” he warns. “You may stay in the room with Cam. But go in sterilized and do not touch her.”
“Okay. Yes.” Anything just to not leave her alone.
I sit down on the edge of Cam’s bed. She’s in the exact same position, hooked up to monitors, an IV, and a breathing machine.
“Cam, you gave me quite a scare today,” is all I say because even talking is too much for me, so I press my fingers against my temples.
Then I proceed to cope the only way I know how, by grasping on to the hope that she’s going to recover fully and wake any day. I will not let her go.
Nevertheless, every day remains the same. I stay at the hospital and watch over Cam constantly, but nothing changes.
CHAPTER 36
Adriano
After two weeks, Cam’s head injury has healed and the bandage can be removed. They shaved a section of her head, and I focus on Cam’s face as Marc examines her.
“The wound has healed nicely.” He lets her head rest back on the pillow.
“What are the predictions the longer someone stays in a coma, Marc?” I’ve been dreading the a
nswer to this question.
“It’s difficult to say, but I’ve seen her brain activity spike whenever you enter or leave the room. I just have to ensure she doesn’t get any infections or pneumonia from lying in bed in one position, so a nurse will turn her from side to side every three hours now that her injuries have healed.” Marc moves to the foot of her bed and grabs her chart.
“And our baby? What happens if she stays like this...” I take a deep breath, praying these words don’t come true. “...until June, the due date?”
“Then we’ll have to operate on her, but that’s risky. Adriano, I want to be honest with you. The longer she stays in a coma, the worse the prognosis. After four months of being in a coma caused by brain damage, the chance of partial recovery is less than fifteen percent, and the chance of full recovery is very low.”
“She’ll wake up long before that,” I state with confidence.
“It’s good to be optimistic. And talking to Cam also helps. By the way, did you get examined too?”
“Yes, Kirsten said there will only be a small scar on my shoulder from the bullet wound.”
I’ve healed completely, yet I’m a mess, and I know that’s the reason for Marc’s concerned face. I haven’t shaved in weeks, and I caught my reflection earlier and noticed dark circles around my eyes from worrying all the time about Cam.
“Adriano, staying here day and night isn’t good for you.” He deposits the chart back into place. “I understand that it’s difficult to leave her side, but your life has been at a complete standstill. This will wear you out, and when she comes out of the coma, you need to be strong enough to help her recover.”
I scratch my beard that I really need to trim again, but before I can answer, Luca interrupts when he enters the room.
“Think about what I said,” Marc comments before he continues his shift.
Luca’s brows snap together. “What was that about?”
I turn my attention back to Cam and trace my knuckles down her cheek. “He says that I should continue on with my life.”
It takes a minute for Luca to reply, “He’s right. It’s been two weeks, and you live here with Cam in this room. She wouldn’t want you to slack off on your work – work she also helped build. Perhaps the distraction would do you good? We have a warehouse full of Ukrainians you wanted us to capture. We haven’t killed all of them because we have no lead on Medlov. And we also have an influx of influential politicians who were regulars at the Ukrainian sex club that now want a membership with us.”
“I’m just afraid that I’ll leave, and then she’ll wake up and she’ll be alone,” I confess honestly. “Or even worse, something will happen and I won’t be here.”
“She’s been stable for two weeks, and everyone knows they need to contact you the second there’s any change in her condition. I truly think getting out of this hospital will do you good. You’re still on edge, yet you’re suppressing it because you’re trying to hold it all together. Let it out. Let’s get you back to work.”
With much reluctance, I agree that Marc and Luca are correct.
“I’ll meet you downstairs in five,” I say to Luca, and he nods.
I take the chair and scoot close to Cam, caressing her hair. “I’m going to work now, but I’ll be back tonight.” I lick my lips, finding courage to keep my tone uplifted. “I’ll think of you and our little baby every second. Take care of her or him.” Then I press kisses to her forehead and her stomach and steal one final glance before I head out for the first time in two weeks.
In the hallway, I run into Marc. “Call me the second there’s any change with her.”
“I will, Adriano,” he sets me at ease, slightly.
***
The wind howls outside the Syndicate’s warehouse, which is located along the North Shore of Chicago, as I stand opposite a dozen of cuffed Ukrainians.
Luca and Wade are updating me on all business activity of the last two weeks, and I have to admit that they’ve done a great job, which pleases me because I crave vengeance. I’m out for blood. We’ve been dismantling the Ukrainian sex slave operation from the top, but we still haven’t captured Medlov. Although Chicago P.D. did open an investigation due to all the deaths and kidnapped foreign girls they discovered on Medlov’s estate. And in turn, Chicago P.D. has contacted the FBI, and the FBI has already claimed Santino’s body. Wade’s trying to uncover more information via the CIA regarding the FBI’s plans for Santino’s corpse.
“If one of you gives up Medlov’s hiding place, then we’ll spare all of you.” I’m walking down the line of men with my gun dangling from my hand as no one utters a word. My harsh sigh echoes through the warehouse. “If no one’s going to talk, then let’s commence with the eliminating because, gentlemen, patience is one thing I no longer have.”
I stop in front of the last man and tilt my head to the side. “Where’s Medlov?”
I get silence in return, accompanied by a glare, so I cock my weapon and pull the trigger. His body falls backward, and the others stare at him in shock.
“We work fast.” Wade strolls to the middle of the line and Luca to the front.
The three of us each aim our piece at one of the men and repeat, “Where’s Medlov?”
Luca’s guy snarls, “Why should we talk? We’re dead anyway.”
“You want to take that risk?” I click off the safety, and three shots ring out in the vast expanse of the brick warehouse.
“I-I know,” one of them stutters, so Wade turns to him as I level my gun at my next target: Maxim, Medlov’s underboss, who ordered his soldier to assault Cam when they held her captive in Santino’s cell on Halloween night.
“Hello, there.” I lean in close to Maxim. “You, I’m keeping alive for a long time. I’m going to keep you on the edge of death until you pray for its sweet release.”
Maxim’s pale face drains of blood even more, so I grin.
“Speak.” Wade pries his fingers into the Ukrainian’s cheeks while pushing the end of his weapon against his temple.
“H-he’s probably with the senator.” Sweat drips from the man’s filthy blond hair.
“Which senator? A Chicago senator?” Wade prompts.
“I...don’t know, but a senator. He has a connection high up who could hide him.”
Wade arches a brow at me. “Could be true.”
Stashing my gun as other members of the Syndicate guard our captives, I turn back toward the front entrance of the warehouse with Luca and Wade on my trail.
“Find out who that politician is, Wade, after you kill all of them except Maxim and Serena. Bury the bodies in the woods. And if you capture any more of them, kill them as well. Luca comes with me to the club. We’ll plan to meet there later, but call me before you head over because I might be back at the hospital by then. I’m going to Cam at seven p.m. at the latest. I don’t want her to be alone at night.”
“Okay. I’ll keep in touch,” Wade comments as I get into my car, and Luca and I drive back to the Loop.
***
In my office at the club, I’m bombarding Luca and Tez with questions as I check a list full of names of senators and other politicians from in an around Chicago. “How did they contact you?”
“Via a judge that’s a regular. They used to be clients of the Ukrainian sex club and all want to become members here now,” Tez answers.
I address Luca, “These are powerful men, some of them even from outside of Illinois. It could be very lucrative to have them as clients since I have plans for Yakiv Medlov, and one of them might be able to help me. Screen each and every one of them – contact Henry to help. They can be clients of Club 7, but it’ll cost them. Now, are there enough escorts to meet this demand?”
“All of Serena’s girls signed with us since they believe she abandoned them. Where is she, by the way?” Tez asks.
“She’s being held at the warehouse until I figure out what to do. I’m pleased all our effort in securing those girls paid off.”
�
�About that, those girls also want to bring in their own regulars,” Tez announces.
“As a show of goodwill, oblige them. Then clients can bid against one another; it’ll make us a fortune.”
“I have a meeting with them tonight, so I’ll tell them then. Also, Jeffrey hired new staff this week for the dance club because, since Halloween, attendance has tripled on the weekends. A few movie stars are here every weekend now.”
“At the dance club or the sex club?” I throw the stack of papers onto the surface of my desk.
“Both, but the public is unaware of the sex club, of course,” Tez replies.
“Well, the actors are giving me free publicity, so ensure their privacy at all times.” I check my watch. “I’m going back to the hospital. Tez, I’m pleased with how business has been handled.”
“Luca and Wade helped me. But thank you. How’s Camilla, Adriano?”
“Her condition hasn’t changed, but her injuries are healing.”
“Let me know if you need anything else.”
“I will.” And he takes the new direct passageway to the underground floor, pressing the button on the right wall that opens into the elevator and descending toward the first floor and underground.
“Satisfied about business?” Luca asks.
“I am. I guess in all my fury, I didn’t even realize how much we could benefit from Medlov’s crumbling empire. By the way, how’s Carmine been doing? Are you happy with him as Consigliere?”
“He’s good and discreet. It’s obvious he’s learned more from you than you realized.”
“Is it?” I always kept my siblings and parents out of any Syndicate business.
Luca nods and walks me out through the club where the DJ is sound checking right before we open.
Luca smiles widely as he sees Fallon at the bar. A twinge of sadness pierces my soul because Cam would usually accompany Fallon. Only, the reality is that my Cam is fighting for her life in a hospital bed.
Fallon hugs me and whispers, “You okay?”
Inconspicuously, I dip my chin. “Luca was right; the distraction of work did help kill the time.”
For Cam (Chicago Syndicate Book 4) Page 22
