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“I know, and you’ll be taking a team of guards with you. You know that, right?”

“Yes. I understand, but they’ll have to stay at a distance. When they finally accept me back, I doubt they’ll allow the guards in the hospital, following me around like guard dogs.”

I pause, thinking about what she’s saying. I can’t process what she’s saying because it’s a bit overwhelming. “Maybe we need to pause going back to med school until we find and deal with him.”

“Are you serious?” she huffs, twisting her face in pure anger.

“I am. Look at what he did to me, Calista.” She stares at me and nods, tears welling in her eyes. “I don’t want to hold you back. I know this isn’t what you want. Please don’t cry.”

She swipes away the tears with the back of her hand. “I’m not crying about that. He tried to kill you. His own son.”

“I’m not his son.”

“Yes, but he raised you, and he felt nothing. He had no problem taking you out. I’ll do my best to wait for you.”

“I love you, Calista.”

“I love you, too. I love you so much, Ian.” I carry her up to our bedroom and show her how much I appreciate her understanding and devotion.

****

Three days of bliss in our home, and I’m back to business. There is no more hanging around, pleasing my woman. I have to handle issues both for the family and in Vegas. I spend the morning on calls with Callahan at the hotel. “The numbers look good. We’re up twenty-one million dollars, and there are no problems. How is the recovery?”

“I’m moving along smoothly. I’m getting married soon.”

“Do you plan on having the ceremony here?”

“I’ll have to check with my bride, but that might be fun. We spoke to her parents about a date, but she’s planning it with her mother. The location is up to them. We’re still hunting that bastard father of mine.”

“Yeah, no sight of him here. Our people definitely have been looking for him. Trust me when I say if he crosses any of our borders, he’ll be caught.”

“I want him found.”

“Have you considered tossing him some bait?”

“No, he’s not above killing the bait.”

“True.”

“When do you need me there?”

“I’m holding a budget and security meeting in two weeks.”

“Mark it on my calendar, and I’ll be there.”

“Good. I’d like you to be there to go over the changes Montenegro has in mind.”

“No problem. He and I have already been discussing his ideas, but I’d like to see them in action before approving them.”

“Excellent. I need to get back on the floor. I’ll see you in two weeks.”

“Great talking to you.” I end the call and then get out of my chair. It’s time to meet with Jack.

“How is it?”

“How is what?” I ask him as I step into his house.

“Leaving her for the day.”