Chapter 20
“I used to do well in school.” Donal half smiled. “Although you wouldn’t know it by the way I play this game.”
“It takes a lifetime to learn to play chess well unless you’re a prodigy.” Sean took a sip of tea.
“If you like, once Alexei gets your health straightened out, I can tutor you for your GED,” Kane offered.
“You’d do that for me?” Donal still had a hard time believing anything that came too easy.
“Of course, we’re going to be good friends, all five of us.” Kane assured him.
“How do you know that? I’m a whore, you’re a teacher.” Donal let another tear escape.
“You’re a former unwilling prostitute. There is a difference. And even if you were willing, it wouldn’t matter because you aren’t anymore.”
The elevator whirled and stopped. Donal turned to see who had arrived.
Alexei came in from the hallway. “You have a visitor who insists on seeing you before he leaves. I brought him up.”
Donal gaped at the visitor. “Julio, my God, how did you find me?”
“Yesterday when they came asking about you, I followed them back. I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Sean, Kane, Alexei, this is Julio Reyes, my friend. On nights when I was too beat up to make Apuso much money, Julio would give me some of his. Julio is an independent.”
“I’m saving to go to school to be a hair stylist. Then I’ll get off the street.”
Alexei spoke up, “You helped Donal. I’ll give you the money for your hair school.”
Julio’s eyes opened wide. “You’re not serious.”
“You made hell more bearable for him so that he was able to make it out the other side. Of course I’ll help you.” Alexei promised.
“You’ve got a posh setup here, Donal, don’t blow it.” Julio turned to Alexei. “I may take you up on that. Treat him right. I couldn’t help him as much as I wanted to. He’s been badly used.” Julio waved to Donal.
“You’re leaving already? Let me ask Katya to make you some food to take with you.”
Donal put on his new glasses and looked at his list. Y for Katya was number ten. He depressed the buttons for ten and Katya answered. “Katya, can we give my friend Julio some of the leftovers from lunch? He doesn’t have time to stay and eat.” He listened then turned to Julio. “Wait, Katya’s bringing something up.”
Katya came up with a large cloth grocery bag. “Grigory say you tell Rémy who Donal is. We owe you. You come back and I feed you right.”
“Thank you, guys, I never turn down free food. I’ve got to book. I need to get ready to go out. I’ll keep in touch and tell everyone you’re okay. There has been a big shake-up over at Apuso’s today. Ferone was there and his men dragged Apuso out of the building. Ferone left someone else in charge, called in a doctor, and they’ve delivered beds and clothing for all the boys. I know it had something to do with you. You did a good thing. Kiss, kiss.” Julio bussed Donal’s cheeks. “I’m off. Thanks for the food, Mr. Davidoff.”
“You know who I am?” Alexei asked, eyebrows raised.
“I made it my business to find out. You’re not the only one who knows how to ask questions.”
With that, Julio left the room. A few seconds later, the elevator whirled. Donal yawned.
“Sean, Kane, I’m sure Donal is grateful for your company, but I think he’s tired. He still has a touch of pneumonia and will until…”
“We know. We’ll see you soon, Donal, Alexei.” Kane and Sean kissed Donal and left him alone with Alexei.
“Why don’t you take a nap? I’ll wake you for dinner.” Alexei helped him up from the table.
“Okay.” Donal yawned again. He hobbled over to the bed.
“I see you limping. Do your feet hurt?” Alexei frowned as he hovered over Donal.
Donal’s cheeks grew hot. “The scar tissue pulls. It makes it difficult to walk sometimes. That’s why he did it so I couldn’t run. I tried, so many times.” Another sniffle. Donal couldn’t help it. The experience was still too raw.