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I don’t dare ask him if I’m free, because a part of me doesn’t want to know. It would ruin the fantasy.
Donny falls into his seat and his presence overwhelms the car. In a den full of wolves, the pack leader caters to me – there’s a visceral security in that.
Our ride to the warehouse section of the Bronx is pleasant. While I observe shady back alleys and tall abandoned buildings, he talks of luxury suites and champagne. I’m looking forward to feeling free tonight. A vacation from the safe house.
I’m a spoiled prisoner.
We pull around the block to a street of garages – one of which is open. There’s a lot of activity around it. Mobsters getting out of limos and buttoning their suits, others walking down the street with very serious expressions.
I recognize some of them. But, to my surprise, I don’t see anyone from the Rigiano family. My brother really has isolated himself with his antics.
Patty the Bone Parvisio, Jay Stones Veccio, Raya Pantangelo. All mid-level mobsters from what I remember. Judging by the looks of it, the fallout is more serious than Donny’s been letting on.
I get tense. Their energy is transferring to me. Thank God the tints are almost black… this way no one will be able to even know I’m here.
“Donny…” My nerves get the better of me. There’s a rock forming in my gut that I just can’t shake.
He grabs my hand and smiles. “It’ll be quick. They’re all here out of respect to get a deal done and put this behind us. Then we celebrate.” He squeezes my hand comfortingly before exiting the car.
The doors lock.
I guess I still am a prisoner.
Being stuck in a box with so many killers around me is an uneasy feeling. I wonder if I’d be able to escape if I needed. Knowing Donny, probably not.
I could wind up a trapped rabbit because of his overconfidence. What if things turn sour in there?
I don’t like it. It sullies my mood and makes me remember what I am – boxed cattle.
He dangles a carrot, but it’s only so I stay subservient.
I stew, and stew, and stew in the long hour that the meeting goes on.
He’s going to hear a mouthful when he comes back. I’ve decided I’m finally going to address my position in this family. Am I part of it, or am I not? That will determine if we’re sipping champagne later. Otherwise… I don’t want to play pretend any longer.
The garage gears churn halfway up the block, grabbing my attention, and a group of mobsters wait to exit. The mood is less tense. That’s good, at least. Maybe it went well after all.
I notice some hug and double-kiss one another goodbye. And my heart skips a beat when I see Donny in his fitted Armani suit and Ferragamo loafers strutting toward me. He has a shadow of a grin. Things went his way.
He’s talented and fucking gorgeous… and he’s mine.
Stay strong, I tell myself. The splinter in my mind has to be picked. Am I free… or not?
The car unclicks so he can get in.
My gatekeeper returns.
He opens the door and peeks in at me. “The hard part is done. Another win for us.” He takes off his blazer and folds it carefully in the back seat before heading toward the front. “What’s the matter?” he asks, holding onto the doorframe. “Why so quie—”
Bang!
An explosive noise makes me jump in my seat.
Bang!
Donny’s body clomps against the seat, and then he falls to his knees with a sea of red spilling onto the driver’s side.
“Donny!” I scream with panic and tears in my eyes.
