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After the building is cleared, paramedics are allowed in. Luca was right. Anyone not injured is escorted to one of the many police cars parked outside. I’m forced to part from Noah, but they almost have to drag me away. I hold on to his hand until the last second, needing to feel his pulse, because his face looks so gaunt and I’m afraid he won’t make it.
As I’m taken to the nearest vehicle, I spot Sylvia on the sidewalk. Though her face is blocked by someone taking photographs of the scene, I can clearly see her broken, lifeless body. Her legs twisted at an unnatural angle and her black stilettos thrown somewhere unseen.
She was the only mother Noah ever had. Even though she brought this on herself, I can’t help the sadness it brings me. Under different circumstances, I would have loved to befriend her. We could have done things together. Been a family with Noah. Then again, that was probably never in the cards. Not when she seemed to be under the impression that I was involved with Leonardo.
And she was crazy.
Briefly, I wonder what I would have preferred. A crazy mother who was around? Or like mine, one who left.
I’m questioned at the station for hours. The lead detectives ask the same things over and over. Did I know who Noah was? How did his mother die? How did Gideon get in the building? How much information has Noah given me? Etcetera, etcetera.
The interview was repetitive and mechanically, as if it was protocol and not truly meant to get any new information.
It occurred to me then that perhaps that was exactly right. The mafia controls everything. It would stand to reason they’d have people here as well.
When I’m finally released, my dad is waiting for me outside. He offers me a tired smile, one that says,You win. I’m just happy you’re safe and alive, and I’m exhausted and can we please go home.
I smile back and dive into his embrace. “I’m sorry, Dad.”
“Me too. I am so sorry, Em.”
We go home, and after I get cleaned up, Dad drives me to the hospital, surprising me when he also steps out of the car.
“You’re coming in?”
“I’m not going to lie, Em, I don’t like the guy. But I love you and never want to be excluded from your life again. So if you insist on him being a part of us, then so be it.”
I grin. “I love you, Dad.”
He throws his arm over my shoulder and we enter the hospital. We’re directed to the private rooms on the fourth floor. Alex and another man are flanking the door.
“Miss Emily,” Alex greets. “Glad to see you made it through the interrogation.”
“How is he?” I ask.
“Still out of it. They gave him some really good shit.”
I shift my attention to the other guy. “Are you one of Noah’s men?”
He smirks. “Fuck no. I’m a freelancer.”
“Is that so?” Luca asks as he steps out of the room. “Last I heard, I’m your boss.”
“Just because I call you that doesn’t make it true. Boss!” He laughs and walks away. “Later, bitches.”
“Who was that?” I ask.
“Gunn Sinclair. Good guy. Pain in the ass.” Luca opens the door wide. “He’s awake and asking for you.”
“I’ll be in the waiting room,” Dad says.
I nod and walk in, and the sight of Noah so broken almost undoes me. He’s on the bed, hooked up to monitors with wires and hoses and has bandages over all his wounds.
A little sob escapes me and I cover my mouth to stop it, but not before he hears.
Turning to me, he opens his eyes but just barely. “Hey.” He coughs and reaches out a hand. “I thought you didn’t cry.”
“It seems you’ve made a liar out of me.” I go to him, standing by the bed, unsure if I should take his hand. Afraid I’ll hurt him if I do.
