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My hands shot to his face, cupping his soft wrinkled skin. It was cool but…I slipped my fingers to his neck and pressed down.
One.
Two.
I counted through the trembles that coursed through my fingertips, and as I stared at his closed eyes, calm features, and slouched shoulders without the feel of his heartbeat, mine drummed loudly, raging inside its cage.
“Come on, you bastard!” I cupped his face and shook him.
Breathe.
I took a deep breath, balled my fingers, and tried again.
One.
Two.
Three.
I laughed.
It was faint, subtle, and yet, it meant life. I pressed my fingers deeper to count each beat and pulled his head onto my chest. I reached for the air tube on the floor and maneuvered the tangled cord to place it under his nose and around his head.
My fingers fell, knowing his heart rate was low and weak, and I sat with him for a minute longer, trying to calm the dread that wouldn’t dull even through relief. I needed to carry him to his bed, but the urine smell filled my lungs. Sal soiled himself. Angered by the thought of how long he had been alone weighed me down. I helped him back against the bed to find a fresh pair of silk sleep pants.
I moved swiftly, changing him, and once I pooled his old clothes on the floor, I picked him up and carried him over to the bed. My phone rang as I stared at him as he slept, and I answered while covering him with a blanket.
“Yes.” I scratched my throat.
“The plane will land shortly,” Arlo’s voice broke through the receiver.
“I’m aware.” Sal shifted his head. “Bring Mrs. Greco to Sal’s and call Marissa.”
“Lucca.”
“Do it.” I hung up.
I watched the rise and fall of Sal’s chest. It grew stronger as the minutes drifted by and all I did was stare at the man who once took me from hell while I couldn’t take him away from his.
Tires cruised loudly outside, and I stood over him. I placed my hand on his forehead, feeling the warmth returning, and slid my palm over the peach fuzz on his head back.
“I never feared you, but I feared for you.”
I looked at him one last time and stood. Every step I took away from him felt wrong. However, I couldn’t stay, his pride wouldn’t allow anything more, and the Mafia in his blood wouldn’t appreciate me if I stepped away from my duties.
It was our way of life.
Arlo and Mrs. Greco exited the car and rushed under the rain to meet me on the covered front porch. Her face was stricken in worry as her hands clenched together to her chest. Arlo held her elbow as she walked up the stairs.
“Marissa will be here shortly,” Arlo said without emotion, and I tipped my chin with gratitude knowing the nurse would be staying with him along with Mrs. Greco.
“Is he alright?” Mrs. Greco rushed. “I stopped by early this morning, but he was still sleeping, and with tonight’s dinner, and the wedding tomorrow, and all the preparations, and—”
“He’s stubborn, Mrs. Greco,” I cut off her panicked rambling. “Sal is now in bed. Please make sure he eats something.”
“Of course.” The dull blue hue of her eyes stewed over his well-being.
“One last thing,” I added. “Youchanged his clothing, understood?”
