The Bounty Hunters: The Marino Bros.: Box Set (94 page)

“At Mary’s.” she answered softly. Andreas had always been commanding and everyone jumped when he spoke.

“Nikko, go get him. Bring him to see his father, briefly,” he added when Lisa was about to protest. “He will worry unless he sees the both of you himself. Then if he wants to, he can come stay with us, or choose to stay with his aunt. It’ll be tight, but I want us to stay together until we figure this thing out.”

Everyone nodded. To Lisa he added, “It’s good to give the kid a choice, makes him feel like he has some control. Okay?”

Lisa respected him asking this time, and nodded her assent. He was right too. It was not fair to her son to keep him away in a crisis. He would only worry more.

They all settled in, and Blaze brought fresh coffees for everyone to wait for word that Gio was in a room. Lisa found herself able to choke down some of the vile brew, and it helped to revive her some. The wait was a little longer than they expected, and she felt Andreas tensing beside her every time a door swung open. He had always been hard wired, but having him here only soothed her frayed nerves. He was in control now, and that gave her confidence a boost. But by the time the nurse finally arrived to escort them to Gio’s room, she was on the verge of tears once more.

They followed the nurse to a bank of elevators, and up two floors to the burn unit. They were all made to scrub clean and put on scrubs, the nurse explaining that any contamination would hinder the healing. They all listened to the nurse’s instructions as she modeled what they were to do, and followed her directions precisely.

Then she led them down a maze of corridors to Gio’s private room. He was lying in bed, and there were several small bandages on his face, neck, and a larger one on his arm. The nurse then explained to Lisa that she would show her how to properly change them later on in the evening. Lisa nodded her appreciation and turned to the still figure on the bed. Gio was sleeping, still under sedation, but he looked good to her eyes. She felt the tears brimming, and wiped them with the back of her clean scrubs. She needed to suck it up.

The men were already gathered around Gio watching, but Andreas backed up and made room for her, so she too could stand vigil.

Andreas spoke. “Hey Gio. We are all here pretty boy.”

Gio smiled, and they knew he heard him although his eyes hadn’t flickered yet.

“Pretty boy?” Nikko chimed in. “Who the hell you looking at?”

They saw Gio’s hand move and then his middle finger lifted in response to his brother’s gibe, and faced in the direction of Nikko’s voice.

“Prettier than you, asswipe,” Gio croaked out as he tried to get rid of the fog that threatened to take him back under.

“That a boy,” Blaze spoke up.

“Aw, you’re all here.” Gio spoke the words and they came out like gravel to his parched throat. “You’d think I was in an explosion or something?”

Lisa couldn’t help but smile at the banter between these men. They had not changed at all.

Gio’s eyes cracked open and he caught a wisp of red hair. “Ah, my girl too. So sweet.”

“Johnny’s coming too,” Lisa whispered.

“Perfect,” he whispered and faded out once more. He slept for another fifteen minutes. Nikko and Blaze took off to take care of the list of things they needed to do, promising to return as soon as they could.

Andreas and Lisa held vigil.

*     *     *

It was dinner
time by the time Nikko returned with Johnny and fresh clothes for her.

Lisa had already showered and was wearing scrubs from one of the nurses, but after letting Johnny visit with his dad for twenty minutes, she thought it was best to have him not linger and dwell on his father’s injuries. She changed in the bathroom and took her son to dinner downstairs in the cafeteria. Johnny wanted to stay at the apartment Andreas had in the city. Proud of her brave boy, she promised him she would be home in the evening. She hated leaving Gio alone, but Andreas said he would spend the night, making her decision easier. Her son needed some time to grow accustomed to the new situation, and she was sure he would have questions. So many upheavals had been thrown in his way all at once. Just as they were leaving to go downstairs, her father arrived and he joined them for dinner.

Her father, to her surprise kept the conversation lively, filling in more gaps for Johnny by recounting stories of Gio and the trouble he caused in the neighborhood, but spoke proudly of his accomplishments as well. She thanked her father one more time, as they made their way upstairs for one more visit with Gio before they left.

Blaze returned and handed her the apartment key and the rental car key which had all their stuff inside. She promised to unpack for them when they told her to go ahead and decide the sleeping arrangements for them all. It was a three bedroom apartment, but had a pull out.

She’d put Johnny in with her tonight, and give Blaze and Nikko one room, and Andreas would keep his. When Gio was released she’d give him her room, and take up the living room with Johnny.

Nikko went with her to the apartment, and they had everything carted up in two trips. He left to buy some essentials, and she and Johnny settled in front of the television with a movie. Her son, exhausted from his long day, asked some questions which she was able to answer, and then fell asleep in her arms.

When Nikko returned, he carried the boy to his room, and he and Lisa fixed a meal together. They didn’t talk about what happened that day, as both of them were mentally and physically drained. Nikko headed to bed, and she did shortly after making sure to leave a note for Blaze that they had prepared plates for him and Andreas and they were in the refrigerator.

Crawling into bed beside her son, she pulled him to her, and wrapped her arms around him like she had done when he was small boy.

This morning had started out so hopeful. Gio believed today might have brought an end to this nightmare, but for Lisa, who was exhausted and still could not sleep, it seemed far from over. Albert’s evil knew no bounds, but she vowed one way or another she would put an end to it. He was determined to destroy her, and all the people she loved, but no more. No more, she repeated as she eventually faded off into a fitful sleep.

Always Have a Plan B

B
laze had come
and gone before Lisa had even gotten up. Nikko was still there, and he gave her a note when she emerged from the bedroom. It was from Andreas.

Lisa,

Wait for me to get there before you run over to the hospital. I’m just waiting on Blaze to relieve me here, and then I need to talk with both you and Nikko.

A

“What do you think he wants to talk about?” Lisa asked, starting breakfast for Johnny. Nikko or Blaze had already made coffee and he was pouring her a cup when she asked her question.

“Probably the explosion. Albert. What we know. I’ll take you and Johnny over to see Gio when he is done. I also got a text from your attorney. I let him know what happened yesterday, and he’ll be by around ten.”

Lisa pulled down a box of cereal Nikko purchased last night. She wasn’t hungry, but would eat something to keep up her strength. She put a half of a bagel in the toaster, offering the other half to Nikko.

“I already ate, thanks. Blaze left a half hour ago, so Andreas shouldn’t be much longer.”

Lisa looked at the clock, and it was just turning eight.

“Is Johnny up?” he asked.

Lisa nodded. “Yeah, he’s in the shower now.”

“He okay?” She heard the concern in his voice.

Again Lisa nodded. She filled a bowl for Johnny, and set it on the table along with the milk. She also poured him a glass of juice. “I think he is okay. Seeing Gio helped, although he asked if the scars would be permanent, like my legs.”

“Your legs?” Nikko asked.

Lisa pulled up the skirt she wore, revealing just a bit to Nikko.

“That bastard did that to you?” Nikko suspected Lisa had not been unscathed, but had no idea how badly she must have suffered at his hands.

“Yeah, they’re old though. He hasn’t touched me in years.”

“Oh God, if I could get my hands on him. Gio didn’t say anything about that, though I heard there was some abuse.”

“Please don’t mention it in front of Johnny. I told him it was from a car accident. That is something I never want him to know.”

“Understood.” Nikko agreed. Some things kids just never needed to know.

Johnny came out then. He saw the food on the table and went right to it. His uncle joined him at the table. “So what did you think of your other uncles?”

“Well, they seemed okay,” Johnny muttered while pouring milk into his bowl.

“Andreas is on the way. They were just worried yesterday. You’ll like them, though they are not as much of fun as me of course.” Nikko teased, then added, “Being old and all.”

“Who’s old?” they heard from the doorway. Andreas walked in and gave everyone, including his nephew, a big smile. He had introduced himself yesterday but the kid had eyes only for his mother and father. He had let the kid lead the way yesterday not wanting to overwhelm him. It had also hit him like a ton of bricks. The kid was Marino through and through. It made him think of the son he’d almost had. But he pushed that thought out of his mind. Johnny was a sight to behold. He was family, and looked just like Gio had at his age. But other than introductions, they hadn’t gotten to talk. He wanted to rectify that today.

He joined them, and asked Lisa if she wouldn’t mind getting him a cup of coffee.

Seeing how exhausted he looked, Lisa got up right away. “Want breakfast?” she asked.

“I’ll have what Johnny’s eating.” He indicated the bowl.

“You sure?” she asked eyeballing him. Johnny was eating Coco Puffs.

“I’m cuckoo for cocoa puffs,” he chimed the old commercial jingle, and everyone laughed including Johnny who was way too young to remember the old advertisement.

“O-k-a-y,” Lisa drew out the word, but got him a bowl and then set it and the coffee down in front of him.

“Talked to the doctor just before I left. He will release Gio this afternoon.” He ruffled the kid’s hair before he picked up the box to fill his bowl.

“Oh thank goodness, it’s about time we got some good news.” It was Johnny who spoke the words before anyone else had a chance to utter anything.

Nikko smiled and laughed. “Dang straight. I’m with you on that.”

Andreas dug in and began to eat the cereal as Johnny watched him between bites of his own cereal. “Good stuff, right, Johnny.”

“I like it.” Johnny shrugged.

“So, I’m going to need to talk to your mom, but after that Nikko will take you guys to see your dad. Sound good?”

“Yes sir. Sure does.” Johnny slurped from his spoon.

“Please call me Uncle Andy. I’d love it if you would.”

“Sure thing, boss,” Johnny piped up and winked at Nikko who burst out laughing. He’d told the kid that Andreas was the bossy one. Everyone laughed. Andreas’ eyes crinkled in the corners.

“So, you are Marino. Perfect,” Andreas laughed. The kid had their sense of humor too. Gio was a lucky SOB.

Once the laughter had recessed some, Lisa piped in. “Actually, my lawyer is coming so we might need to push it off a bit, but we will call him. Okay? Let him know we are on our way.”

“How long?” Johnny asked, looking in his mother’s direction.

“Couple hours. We’ll be there before lunch. We can bring him something special. Why don’t you call him for me while I’m talking to Andreas,” she suggested. Johnny gave her a big smile.

“Absolutely. Where is your phone, Mom? In your purse?”

“Yes,” she smiled. “And the number to the hospital and his room is already programmed inside.”

“Cool.” He began to eat faster anxious to call his dad.

“Hey, until he gets here. The lawyer. We can teach you how to play poker. Andreas loves the game.” Nikko suggested.

“Cool, poker. I already know how. Mom taught me and we play at school.”

“You’re kidding right?” Andreas muttered around the last bite of his cereal. “Are you a shark?”

“I’m good, sir. I mean Uncle Andy. I have to warn you so it’s fair.” Everyone was smiling.

“Oh, well, we’ll see about that. I think I have a poker set under the bed in my room. It’s on. I want to grab a shower first okay?”

“Absolutely. I’ll go call my Dad, then I’ll get the poker chips, and set up in the living room. That will give you guys a chance to talk.”

“Good thinking. We won’t be long.” Andreas winked at the kid.

Johnny carried his bowl and juice glass to the sink before speeding towards the bedrooms to make his call and find the poker set.

“What’s up?” Lisa asked, joining them at the table. She carried the coffee pot, and refilled both of their cups before she sat.

“I just wanted to know if you heard anything that night.” Andreas had spoken to Nikko yesterday and he wanted to get to the bottom of who had put the explosives under his brother’s car. From talking with Dan’s guys, Albert and Connie hadn’t left their apartments.

“Not a thing. The house was quiet. Gio got in late, came up to bed, and then nothing.”