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“What does that mean?”
“That means that I’m not perfect nor am I a good man. That’s something you sensed from the very beginning. You are a brilliant surgeon, your instincts almost always right. However, don’t take what I’m offering you as a choice. You now belong to me whether you choose to believe it or not. What you heard is a bit unlike anything that occurs inside other families. We all have secrets, tell ourselves lies. The difference between my family and yours is that we accept the fact we walk that thin line between right and wrong, using the mistakes of others for our benefit. We don’t lie about who we are whereas your father pretends as if he’s the city’s salvation.”
“What do you have on him? I heard what you said, Gabriel. You think he’s dirty.”
“And you don’t?”
She looked away briefly. “I don’t know any longer.”
“I think you do, which is why you push against him and his wishes.”
“Then tell me the truth.”
I thought about the information I’d gathered, adding to what both my brother and father had collected over the years and sighed. “Often the truth won’t set you free. It’ll only devastate what little hope you had for believing in a fairytale. Besides, there’s no reason to burst your bubble. If you want to believe your father is still a decent human being, then so be it.”
“I’m no fool, Gabriel, which is also something you figured out about me. I also won’t be used as a pawn. Do what you need to do but keep me out of it.”
“If only I could.” I wrapped my fingers around her neck, the action possessive. She wanted to allow her last defenses to fall but refused to trust me. How could I blame her? “Unfortunately, karma made you a part of a vicious game.”
“One you’re going to extort.”
“As I already told you. I take care of my family and will use any means necessary to do so. Now, you’re a part of my family. I care for you deeply. That’s something else you can choose to believe or not.”
“Mr. Giordano,” Dillon interrupted again. “You’re going to want to see this. I think I found what you’re looking for.” Dillon held out his phone. This time, his expression was one of rage.
Proof that we had a leak. Things were heating up.
After I nodded, he backed away, giving me privacy.
“I’m sorry about another interruption,” I said quietly.
“What’s this about going shopping?”
I cocked my head, lifting an eyebrow. “I was right. You overheard everything.”
“Yes. I need answers and when I heard angry voices, I thought I might learn something.”
“And I’ve given you all the answers I’m comfortable with. My father seems to think he can control my life through you. Unfortunately, you will not be going out today. I will take you at a later time.”
“That’s not fair. I’m going to be with your family.”
She was testing me as she enjoyed doing. “You’re in far too much danger at this point. However, I’ll consider it at a later time.”
“Of course you will.”
“We’ll continue this conversation later,” I told her.
“There’s no need. You’re right. I don’t want to hear anything that might disparage my father. He already sullied our relationship a long time ago. I also realize there’s no need to talk to you about anything.”
“I’m sorry, Sarah. Life isn’t always what you hoped it would be.”
“You know what I want. And the truth is I know exactly what you need. I only hope you can find it one day.”
With you, I will.I couldn’t say the words. All I could do was nod.
She started to turn away then stopped, crowding my space. When she placed her hand on my heart, a significant portion of the anger against my father faded away. “Neither one of us is to blame for your brother’s death. I learned a valuable lesson more than once being a surgeon. I believed I could fix anyone with the right skills. I realized during my second surgery how wrong I’d been. A young man who had his entire life ahead of him was in a freak accident. I was certain I could become his savior, but I was wrong. From that day forward, I had to face the fact I wasn’t God. Neither are you. Live your life to the fullest, Gabriel. You’re a wonderful man who did what he could to escape this life of darkness. That’s the only piece of advice I’ll give you. Thank you for saving my life. You were my savior, my hero.”
As soon as she walked out, I realized I’d been holding my breath. Then I felt a crushing ache in my chest. She had awakened my soul as well as my heart.
