“Are you coming?” Her head tilts to the side as she studies me.
“Not this time. Daddy has to work.” Amee smiles as though she understands everything. If only that was true.
“You have to promise me to take care of mommy, ok? She is sad right now.” Amee glances over at Ava before coming back to rest on me.
“Ok.” I chuckle before pulling her back against my chest.
“I love you.” Whispering in her ear, she giggles.
“I love you, daddy.” I release her before she runs into Jordy’s arms. Those two have formed their own bond over the last few days. He’s taken his place as uncle seriously. Pushing myself up, I step into Ava’s space. I grab her around the back of her neck, pulling her sobbing body into me.
“I wish I could make you understand. I wish there was a way around this, but there isn’t. You both deserve so much more in life. A life that isn’t here. I can’t ruin anyone else, Ava. I’ve done so much of that in the past. Death is inevitable for me. It doesn’t have to be that way for you guys, though. I love you more than you will ever know.” Pressing my lips into her neck, her crying becomes uncontrollable.
I stood in the same place for nearly an hour debating what I’d done. I watched Jordy as he walked the two most important people away from me. It killed me. Inch by inch, it ripped out my heart. I know it needed to be done. I know it was the right choice. Sliding my phone out of my pocket, I do something I haven’t done in a very long time.
“Jameson, this is your cousin, Cordae. We need to meet.” I hang up, sliding the phone back into my pocket. Taking a deep breath, I head out of the hotel. I need to get back to the states and set my plans into motion. Some disturbingly shocking news has made its way to me and my insides hurt. I never thought I would have to deal with betrayal within my family. It kills me to know what I have to do to make amends for that betrayal as well.
You never think family could turn on you. You never want to believe that it’s the truth even when the evidence is set down right in front of you.
There is always a question as to why they did what they did. What did they hope to gain? Why to me?
Those are all questions that I have no answer to at the moment. One day, I will have them. I’m not sure if that settles the demon or awakens him. Climbing into the plane alone doesn’t settle me either. I wanted to climb on the other one with Ava and Amee. I wanted to hold my daughter and tell her how much I loved her. That was all a dream. It was a dream that I wasn’t allowed to have.
“Jordy will check in with me when they arrive.” Romero glares at me as I nod my head.
“And the rat? Is he on the way back?” I refuse to use his name right now, not when so much has come to light.
“He is. The plans are set in motion. Everything is playing out the way you’d like.” With another nod, I ready myself for the flight home.
Home isn’t even home anymore, not after the breach. Finding out where that breach came from was far worse than I could have imagined. It killed me. It stole my breath away.
“Good. I have a message out to Jameson. I’d like to know as soon as he arrives.” Romero nods his head before sliding his phone out.
He types out a few messages before I lose myself. I close my eyes, trying to force every image of Ava and Amee from my mind. That doesn’t work, and I should have already known it wouldn’t.
“Everything’s set.” Romero’s words fall on deaf ears.
This is going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.
Chapter 51
The flight was long. Longer than I’d ever imagined. It gave me too much time to think and that is never a good thing. My chest is tight. There’s a nagging voice eating at me. Nothing is going to ease the ache that this is going to leave. This is going to be an indescribable pain.
“Jameson has arrived at the safe house.” Romero looks at me from across the limo.
I nod my head, thankful that he’s still here. Sending Jordy with Ava and Amee was the right choice. If anyone can handle her, it’s him. Pulling into the driveway, my emotions are all over the place. As much as I’d like to think this was the best choice, it still haunts me. I climb out of the car in a daze. The world has a way of teaching us a lesson. Some are harder than others. This one is the hardest I’ve ever had to learn.
“Jameson. It’s good to see you.” Pulling the cousin that I haven’t seen in years, into a hug, I’m settled.
“You as well, Cord. I’m so sorry about the circumstances, though.” Nodding my head, I pull away to take him in. He looks a lot like me in many ways. There is no darkness in him, though.
“Our life is all about circumstances, isn’t it? I know Romero spoke to you about the position. What are your thoughts?” Motioning for him to follow me inside, I head toward the bar.
“I’m honored that you would offer it to me. It’s a big step. Although, I’m unsure as to why you feel the need to offer it to me.” His confusion is with good reason. I didn’t disclose much of my reason.
“There is a rat within the family. One that has long been trusted. It’s a matter that I must attend to myself. I’m sure you’ve heard of my problems over the years. It’s time for me to step away.” Shaking his head, I know he knows all about me. I’ve made sure of it.
“Why can’t you get a soldier to handle the rat?” A small smile crosses my features.
“It’s personal. A price must be paid. I fear that my time is coming to an end, and that this situation is going to be the end of me.” Jameson nods, fully understanding all of this. He wasn’t oblivious to this world.
He knows how we operate.
“I know what a great leader you are, Cordae. I know this decision didn’t come easily either. I will accept your proposal under the assumption that you are available to me.” Shaking my head, that isn’t an option anymore.
“You will accept as you are next in line to be Boss of the Vitale family. I will be dead, there won’t be any more from me.” I watch him suck in a breath. He doesn’t like this anymore than I do.
It was a decision that I had to make, though. I had to take matters into my own hands. I had to make this choice for my sanity, and my family's safety.
Jameson has been a quick study. I’ve introduced him to everyone that holds an importance to this family. He’s learned the ropes. He’s shown authority. When the time comes, I have no doubt that he will take over with an ease.
“Are you sure about all of this, Cord?” Nodding once, I refuse to rehash this with him.
“Juno will do as you say. Your gun worries are unwarranted with him around. He’s a great asset that given the protection will continue to be a great asset.” Changing the subject, I watch as Jameson takes a seat behind the desk I’ve sat behind so many times before.
I’ve had everything of importance moved to the new house so that Jameson has what he needs.
“I will see that it’s done. Is tonight the night?” I clasp my hands together in my lap before I nod.
“It is. The plan is set. You won’t have a worry after tonight. The Bratva has been paid off by Luciano. The other families have been taken care of as well.” Jameson nods before taking a deep breath.