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“I want to say that—”
He placed his hand on my shoulder and squeezed it affectionately. “Save it, Hawk. You don’t owe me anything.”
“This whole time I thought you and Pop were—”
“Nah. I’ve never betrayed you since you became boss. Sure, I took it hard when my little brother ended up behind bars, but you’re a better boss than he ever was. A better one than I ever could be.”
He sat on the bed, his knees cracking. “Christ, I’m old.” He rubbed his legs. “These past few years have hit me hard. They made me realize what’s really important. Wasn’t right the way your pop raised ya. I love my brother, but he’s one cruel, heartless bastard.”
Leo looked up at me with a warm expression. “I’m proud of you, Hawk.”
I wasn’t expecting those words or the way they made me feel. It was like the acknowledgment I’d been yearning for from my father disappeared, finally fulfilled by my uncle.
“You didn’t follow in his footsteps. You kept a piece of your soul alive somehow. Your father lost that a long time ago. Hell, I don’t think he ever had one, to begin with.
“After he went to prison, I figured I owed it to you to help you be the man you wanted to be, the leader I knew you could be. So, I did my best as your right-hand man.”
I’d never doubt Uncle Leo again. And I would treat him better than family.
