AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You don’t get to do things on your own,” she said in a cool tone. “Wherever you go, I’m going with you.”
“The hell you are,” he snapped. “Get out of my car.”
Her response was to latch the seatbelt and leaned her head on the head rest, closing her eyes. “Take me out if you can.”
Reaching into the car, he grabbed for her but she swatted his hand away as though she was swatting a fly. White hot rage roiled within him at her audacity. He was Nazario DeLuca, and she dared treat him like an insect.
He reached in again, this time for her throat. But she was quick, grabbing his wrist like a vice and yanking. The haul threw him against the car, hitting his already sore forehead with the large bump, dizziness washed over him and he staggered back as soon as she released him. Shaking the fog from his brain, he lumbered forward leaning on the car to catch his breath.
“If you’re going out hunting on your own, you need to learn to fight,” she said.
“I don’t remember asking for your advice,” he hissed.
Neeky chuckled. “Do you even know what you’re up against? Have you sent out your street team to gather intel?”
“What are you gabbing about?” he asked, his head beating like a drum.
“Get in,” she ordered.
He was only obeying her because he was aching all over, especially his head which got quite a bang a few seconds ago. Limping around to the driver side he opened the door and reluctantly got behind the wheel without starting the ignition.
“What do you want?” he queried, exasperated.
“I want to find those responsible for Nino’s murder and I want to find your parents.”
Neo sneered. “And you don’t think I want the same thing? Who the fuck you think you are?”
“I am someone with a clear head, who’s mature enough to know I can’t do all this shit by myself. I tell you this Nazario DeLuca, if you don’t get with the team, you’re going to lose.”
“Fuck you and get the fuck outta my car!”
Neeky closed her eyes and pushed the backrest into a semi horizontal position with a sigh. “I’ll do that when you’ve calmed down.”
“I don’t have time for your games,” he replied, the fire within him extinguishing.
The headache was getting worse and his body ached. He was mentally drained from thinking, and internalizing everything that happened. Slumping over the steering wheel, he let out a howl. After a minute or two, he raised his head and glanced across at Neeky. She was watching him with her sharp brown eyes and a gleam of concern etch in her expression.
“I’m calm,” he said, his tone softening. “Will you please, leave me alone?”
“Are you packing?”
Neo stared at her. “No, I ain’t strapped.”
“How the hell you expect to go to war without a weapon?” she asked, her voice still calm. “I understand you haven’t been training in anything, so forgive me if I can’t allow you to do this on your own. Neo, you need your team.” He fell silent as he listened to her. “Think about it. The people who took your parents must have soldiers doing their dirty work. You can’t just bust into their camp alone without back-up.”
“Are you done?” he asked. “I need some fresh air. So, if you don’t mind....”
“Drive,” she interrupted. “I’m coming with you.”
He had no more energy to argue with her. All he needed was to clear the fog in his mind so he could think clearly. Neo knew what Neeky said was practical, but that part of his brain that hadn’t fully grasped the severity of the situation was still in control.
Without a word he started the car and pulled out of the carport. As he entered the roadway he accelerated. Images ran through his mind, those of his brother both dead and alive, along with images of his parents. He’d never been without his parents except when he was at University, and he and his mother spoke every day, whether it was face-time or a simple call. If someone had told him a week ago that his entire world would have turned upside down, he’d have laughed in their face. How was he to return everything the way it was?
“Am I really a coward?” he muttered, remembering his uncle’s words.
“You’re immature,” a woman’s soft voice echoed in his mind.
He’d almost forgotten that she was next to him. Whether he was immature or a pussy, he was responsible for taking care of business. He had to do a good job, otherwise he’d ruin his father’s good name. That was a heavy load on his shoulders. Neo accelerated, going at 120mph on the Autostrada A19. He had no idea where he was headed, but the soft purr of the engine, breeze rushing through the open windows of the car seemed to be soothing him somehow. He promised himself in that moment that he would do all that was necessary to hold the team together until his parents’ return.
“I’m a DeLuca,” he yelled into the void. “Nothing is beyond my abilities.”
