“I think it was Mikhail Ivanov. He’s family and is nuts.”
Enzo nodded. “I considered that, but he’s really got no reason except for his crazy. From what I know, he’s doing wellenough for himself and giving Nico a hard time. Again, not our problem.”
“Right,” I said. “But I think it’s worth looking into.”
“I’ll put people on it.”
That’s all I wanted, so I nodded. “What are your thoughts on it?”
“I think she has millions of fans, and one or two are bound to be insane.”
He had a point, so I said so.
“If we get any hits on anything, I’ll be sure to reach out to Anson and let him know,” he finished. “It’s all we can do.”
“Good,” I said, agreeing with him. “Do you… talk to Anson often?”
I never asked, but I knew he had his number, or what had once been his number. I assumed Enzo likely reached out over the years, but I was never positive. I didn’t want to ask because I didn’t want to dredge up old feelings like Cole tended to do. Enzo already had enough on his plate. He didn’t need my ass adding to it. I suppose I had Anson’s number, too, but there was no way in hell that I’d reach out to him. I didn’t want to get told to go fuck myself. I’d likely lose it and tell him to kiss my ass. I didn’t want bad blood.
“No,” Enzo muttered. “Haven’t spoken to him since that last phone call he made, telling us he was taking her away.”
I nodded. I suppose I expected him to tell me yes, so I was slightly surprised Enzo hadn’t even tried once. It said a lot more than any words could. He’d let her go a long time ago.
“Plans for the day?” he asked, plowing on with the conversation and changing the subject.
“Toy store. Work,” I said. “Ann will be here in about two hours. I’m taking Laz out to pick up a new Ninja Turtle. I’ll be heading to the warehouse once I get back.”
“Perfect. How’s the new strain coming?”
“I’ll likely be ready to roll it out in about a week,” I said.
He cradled my cheek. “You work too much.”
“So do you,” I replied.
He smiled sadly at that. He didn’t need to say anything. I knew he did it as a means to ignore the world on fire around him. It was the same reason I did, too.
“Dom is coming over tonight for dinner with the kids,” I continued. “And so the boys can play.”
“I’ll be here,” Enzo said, letting his hand fall away. “If I’m late, I’ll call.”
I nodded and stepped aside for him. He walked past me to his door, and I followed.
Before he could leave, Laz met him.
“Dad, look at my shoes!” He pointed to a snow boot on one foot and a sandal on the other.
Enzo knelt in front of him and ruffled his hair.
“Those are mighty fine-looking shoes, little man, but I think maybe you should pick one or the other so you match.”
Laz frowned and looked at his feet. “I like them both,” he rasped.
“Which do you like more?”
“The boots. They have the Turtles on them.”
“Then wear the boots. Go grab the other one so Daddy can take you to get some toys, OK? I’ll see you when I get home tonight.” He reached out and pulled Laz in for a hug.
