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ChapterThree
“She needshoursof sleep, not a damn catnap,” Tony said to Rhys, just outside the doorway to the kitchen. He kept his voice low so that Aunt Berta and Jasper wouldn’t hear him.
“I know, but I think we’ve already pushed the limit on what we can get her to agree to. She was reluctant to come in and be examined. I’m fairly certain there’s no way we’ll talk her into staying longer.”
“Of course we can. We just take away her reason for leaving.” Tony pulled out his phone.
“Who are you calling?” Rhys asked, but Tony ignored him, knowing perfectly well his friend wouldn’t agree with what he was about to do.
He turned away from Rhys when Rocco answered on the third ring.
“Hey, Rocco,” he said. “This is Tony Moretti.”
He heard Rhys’s heavy sigh behind him. “Jesus, Tony.”
He didn’t bother turning around to acknowledge his friend’s disdain.
“Tony,” Rocco said, his voice thick and raspy, a dead giveaway that the old guy was a two-pack-a-day chain smoker and had been since birth. “How you doin’?”
“Doing good.”
“Your dad tell you about my big win last month?” Rocco asked. “I cleaned up.”
Tony chuckled. “He told me.”
“You finally gonna get in on the game?”
“Hell no,” Tony said. “You guys cheat.”
Rocco laughed, the mirthful sound dissolving into a wet cough that had Tony wondering if he should suggest the old guy pay Rhys a visit for a checkup.
“Not me,” Rocco declared after catching his breath. “But I wouldn’t put it past Harvey Mitchell to hide an ace or three up his sleeve. Competitive bastard.”
“Takes one to know one. Listen, Rocco,” Tony said, getting to the reason for his call. “I’m calling about Jess Monroe. She works for you as a housekeeper.”
“Jess? Is she okay?”
Tony took note of Rocco’s sudden change in demeanor, the joking tone replaced by one of concern.
“Yeah, she’s fine. She showed up here this morning,” Tony fibbed, “to see Rhys. She’s sick and needs some rest. I was wondering if you thought you could make do without her today.”
“Oh sure, sure. Got a couple a gals I can call in to take the shift. Is Jasper sick too?”
“No. He’s in the kitchen putting a dent in a stack of Aunt Berta’s pancakes.”
Rocco chuckled. “I bet he is. God bless that kid’s appetite. Tell Jess to take it easy and if she’s not better by tomorrow, just give me a call and I’ll get someone to cover her again.”
“Will do. And thanks, Rocco.”
“No problem. Hope you reconsider joining us for this month’s game—and bring your doctor friend. Be nice to have some new blood in the group.”
“You’re just looking for someone else to fleece.”
Rocco laughed. “That too. Gets boring stealing your dad’s money month after month. Give it some thought,” he said before disconnecting.
When Tony finally faced his friend, he saw exactly what he expected.
Rhys was annoyed. “Seriously, Tony? You barely know this woman, yet you think it’s okay to call in sick for her?”
