"I'm saying that you need to take this very seriously. Your brother could die."
I was kicked in the gut, uncertain of how to react. I ran my shaking hand through my hair, muttering something to her before finally collecting myself. "Okay. Fine." I was blinded, saddened to the point I was tossed back into memories of our childhood, the various images vivid and full of laughter. This wasn't happening. My resolve to hunt the fucker down kicked into high gear. The images shifted into all the horrific things I would do to the fucking Russian.
"It's wait and see right now. I'm so sorry." She smiled in a conciliatory manner, her eyes falling to the weapon positioned in the holster, her lower lip quivering.
I backed away, finally offering a single nod before dashing toward the stairwell. Two floors up. I took the stairs two at a time, slamming my hands on the door, the force almost knocking a patient to the floor. I heard the man exclaim as I ran down the hallway, searching for signs. Goddamn it, where the fuck were the signs? Operating. I pulled the gun into my hand, moving sideways in an effort to avoid the various doctors and nurses.
I heard commotion as they scuttled out of the way. I was almost blinded from anger as I moved around the last corridor. At first, I couldn't see anyone but the group of people heading in my direction. I tried to slow down, knowing that firing the gun would be at a last resort.
But the asshole would die if...
No. I wasn't going to think that way.
I made a hard shove, finally making my way through. Three of my soldiers were standing by two doors, side by side, all three immediately jerking to full attention. One of the men happened to be Vincenzo. He moved closer, his face pinched. I could tell he was in pain, but he was fully dressed as well as armed.
"Boss. I had them moved. I'm sorry I didn't call you, but after Dante gave me the heads up, I thought it was prudent."
I twisted my head to the side, taking several deep breaths. "Fuck. Yeah, you did a good thing. Any issues?" I scanned the hallway before allowing myself to shove the weapon in my holster.
"None, but I'm staying right here," Vincenzo said, giving me a respectful nod. "Right here."
I had no idea what to say, but I finally issued the words that rarely left my mouth. "Thank you."
He beamed, backing away. "They're both doing well. Stefan is in there."
I gave him as much of a smile as possible before walking into my brother's room. I stood just inside the doorway watching him. I'd been his big brother, the one he'd looked up to, the one he'd wanted to be like. I'd protected him from bullies until he'd grown large enough to handle himself. I'd even helped him with his homework given our father was always far too busy. To see him lying in the hospital bed, weak and frail in appearance was almost too much to bear.
I walked closer, studying the various apparatuses he was hooked up to, at least grateful that he was breathing on his own. As I reached down, taking his hand into mine, I regretted the fact that we'd lost touch. I'd never told him I was so proud of him for graduating top of his class from Princeton or that I was thrilled he'd never wanted to be a part of the business.
Even though we'd shared special times watching games and drinking beer, we'd skipped having real conversations. Hell, if I had to admit the truth to myself, I was slightly intimidated by him. His good nature. His kindness. His lust for life completely devoid of violence. Maybe it was time to change all that.
"Hey there. I heard you're getting better." I don't know if I expected him to open his eyes or not, but I felt he heard me. "Everything is going to be all right. Just know that I have my best men protecting you."
All I heard were the various clicks of the machines. Damn it.
I swallowed hard, knowing that I couldn't take as much time as I'd like. I squeezed his hand as a single tear rolled down my face. What had our family become? "Anyway, I can't stay long but I'll be back. Okay?"
There was no answer, no acknowledgement of any kind.
"Stefan. Know that I love you, brother." I squeezed his hand one more time, finally breaking the connection. For some crazy reason, I walked softly toward the door, my heart heavy.
"Be careful, brother," he whispered.
I twisted my head, hoping for his eyes to be open. They weren't. But he'd heard me. And I knew he loved me as well. That was all I needed.
At least for now.
I took a moment collecting myself before walking into the hallway, giving Vincenzo a respectful nod. "Keep him safe."
"With my life, boss. With my life."
I headed to my father's room, my emotions totally shifting to another direction. I fingered the drive one last time before walking in. As I would have expected, he was barking orders to someone on the phone.
"Just get me the fuck out of here," he snapped, tilting his head when he noticed my entrance. "I don't care how you do it. Just fucking do it! That's what I pay you for." He ended the call, dropping the phone and giving me a dirty look.
"You're not going anywhere. You're safer here." I kept my tone even.
"There's nothing wrong with me. And it's obvious you need help."
"Armando called you."
"He came to see me. He said you were... concerned. Accusatory about his loyalty."
I was surprised his tone had shifted entirely. I walked closer. "He's a traitor."
My father was never reserved, at least with his reactions to his son. When he took his time before answering, I couldn't have been more surprised. "There are some things you need to know, son, but not while I'm in here. I'm well aware of what's going on, which is another reason I need to be released. I assure you that Armando is not a traitor. In fact, he is much more loyal than you are aware."
"And the blackmail? The senator?" He had a look of surprise.
"Did Armando explain?"
"Nope. He said you should."
He looked away, huffing. "That's for another time."
Jesus Christ. While I was intrigued, I didn't have time for any additional games. "If you are aware of what's going on, you also know what's at stake. We are at war with the Russian Bratva."
Another smile crossed his lips and he motioned me closer. "And you've come to tell me something. Haven't you?"