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“And with the help of…” his voice hesitated as he gave Catalina a sideways glance, “our mutual friend at the LAPD, I was able to view the hospital security footage. She was there and looked just as Catalina had described. Again, the head of staff confirmed they didn't recognize her or that she worked there.” He picked up an envelope beside him and took out a photo, holding it up to Catalina. “Is this your nurse Antonia?”
She nodded, “That's her.”
Atlas passed the image over to me. I didn't recognize her, nor were there any identifying features about her that would pen her to either mafia.
“While I was there, our friend at the LAPD said he had admired your artwork too. Both are… neat.”
Catalina looked over her coffee cup at me, “You paint?”
Atlas Chuckled, “Why yes. Yes, he does. You could say he paints the town red.”
Her eyes glowed, “Thats amazing. I'd love to see some. What style do you do?”
I glared at Atlas as he tried to look innocent and sipped from his cup. “Abstract,” I grunted.
Atlas stifled a laugh, choking on his coffee. Good. I was gonna kill him if the coffee didn't.
“What did Luca have to say about the woman?” I tossed the photo back to him, and he looked at me with confusion.
“Nothing. He hasn't seen it yet. I thought he was with you two.”
I shook my head, “No. He was gone before we woke up.”
“Must have had a last-minute meeting again. You know how he is.” Atlas shrugged.
I did indeed. He never missed a meeting, and he was always on time. If it was not that important, he'd handle it himself and fill us in later. Which was good, since me and Atlas were more men of action rather than talkers around a table.
“Distribute the photo. If anyone sees her, I want to know immediately.”
“Already on it.” Atlas stuffed the photo back in the envelope. “Oakey dokey. I’ll leave you two love birds to it,” he grinned. “Let Luca know I'm doing the rounds when you see him.”
I rolled my eyes, but let it slide. Let him have his fun. I didn't want to dampen his mood given the lineup of scum bags he had today, although God knows he's going to have more fun breaking someone's teeth today.
“What did you say?” Catalina whispered, her eyes distant.
Atlas looked confused, “Uh, I'm doing the rounds?”
“Okey dokey,” she whispered. “Oh my god.” Catalina put her palms to her temples and stood abruptly from the table, “I have to go.”
“What? Where are you going? You’re not going to get far on that leg.” I reached for another slice of toast.
“You’re going to take me home. Right now!” she reached over, putting an arm around my neck, and dropped into my lap. “Let’s go. There's somewhere I have to be.”
Whatever it was I could tell it was serious, and I'd never felt so needed by a woman. Truth be told, I kinda liked it, but the feeling didn't last long.
Ten minutes later we were in the car and Catalina seemed to be a woman on a mission.
"The night I left. Luca said he had spilled Rivera blood. Why?
I hesitated before answering, “I found out later what had happened Catalina. Your cousin's tried to kill me while I was in hospital. Luca was furious and he and Atty, well, they took care of them.”
She nodded silently, processing what I had told her before looking at me with slanted eyes.
“What do you mean by ‘took care of them’? And don't bullshit me Nico.’
Shit!
I knew the time would come when we'd need to tell her the truth, but I didn't think I'd be handling it solo without Luca and Atlas.
