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“Thanks. We’ll be there.”
Relief slips out as I breathe. At least one thing is going right. I turn to Adali, knowing she has to come with me.
“We’ll be going to the doctor’s office. I suggest you go upstairs and change. Don’t leave the house. We don’t know who else is lurking. Their boss won’t be happy I killed them. He’ll be looking for retaliation.”
Adali turns away then spins back, wrapping her arms around me. I hesitate before I put my arm around her. She’s shaking, which I don’t blame her. She went through a lot. Seeing people killed is traumatic. I need to make sure she’s going to be okay before I send her away.
Once she’s at arm’s length, I study her eyes. She doesn’t look like she’s in horrible shock, but it’s close. I cup her cheeks and lean in so I’m staring into her eyes.
“It’s going to be fine. I’ll take care of this down here. Take a warm shower and get dressed. We’ll be heading out in a bit.”
Adali nods and turns to leave. She heads for the stairs on the other side of the kitchen, and my eyes stay on her. We rarely used those stairs when we were younger because they dumped into the kitchen, and that wasn't my family's domain. It's weird how little my parents cooked. I only know how to handle myself in the kitchen because I hid here from time to time, and one of the many cooks my family employed took pity on me.
Once the cleaners come in and take care of the mess, I feel better. This hasn't happened in our house in forever. I can't remember the last time anything like this happened here. Growing up, I thought everyone had guards in their house. Now I know how oddly we lived.
Dad changed clothes though he didn’t want to. It’s difficult seeing his regression. He’s acting more and more like a toddler instead of an adult. No doubt he would be upset if he could see himself.
We need answers. His decline has been at a frightening speed. Last month he seemed fine, then over the period of three weeks, he nearly took us under.
Adali comes down a little after three. She still looks afraid, and her eyes keep flicking over to the kitchen. I don't blame her. Last she knew, there were four dead men in there.
Pain settles behind my eyes. I have to sell something to take care of this. We hardly ever make it to Italy. I’ll call an agent and get the house on Lake Como listed. We may get a million euros for it. Selling the house will help with the debt he racked up from the reckless mistakes he made in his confusion, but it won’t fix Dad.
“Is everything taken care of?” Adali asks.
“Yes. It’s all good. We’ll find something to eat after his appointment. I’m not sure how this will go.”
“Sure.” Adali gives a shallow nod before heading outside. She flinches when a bird caws loudly.
I reach out and place my hand on her arm, trying to give her some feeling of safety. She glances back, her eyes wide. I’m not the best choice for her. Someone else would have been better.
Right now, I don’t know if we are safe. Who is after us, and what do they want? The photos were taken and sent to me, so I suspect Dad has done something, but I've not received any request for money or favors.
The nurse at the doctor's office ushers us back to the exam room the second we enter. I hate doctor's offices. When I was seventeen, Dad took me to a meeting. It turned nasty, and I was shot. Luckily the bullet didn't do too much damage. I survived. I still don't like being here.
“So, what’s the issue?” Doctor Ansley asks as he steps into the room.
The Scorpio Society takes care of its own, but I can’t have this getting out. We’re at a doctor who isn’t a part of the society. I switched to Ansley a few years ago when I realized I needed to find someone who didn’t know me.
“He’s having issues remembering what’s going on.” I hate talking for Dad, but I feel like this is one of those times I have to.
"I know exactly what is happening," Dad rebuts. His frown is deep, like he thinks I'm lying.
“How about we schedule a few tests?” Doctor Ansley turns to his computer and starts typing. “This is magnificent. The imaging center has an opening tonight. Let’s get you in and see what’s going on.”
“Wow, that soon?” I say, unsure exactly how he’s able to get us in so quickly.
“I’ll tell insurance it was an emergency.”
I breathe out a sigh of relief. By tomorrow we’ll have answers. Adali and I leave the room so Doctor Ansley can ask Dad a few questions.
“He isn’t the same doctor as I go to.”
“No, I’m sure he isn’t.” I glance around, making sure we’re alone. “He’s outside of our circle.”
Her eyes grow wider before she gives me a sharp nod. “Meaning my father won’t know what goes on here.”
I shake my head. “No. Is that an issue?”
