Page 125 of Forgotten Sacrifice

Reaching the boss’s office, I knock, and he beckons me to enter.

“Vince, I didn’t know you were in Newark. What do I owe this visit?” Romeo asks, motioning to the chair.

“Vince.” Sam nods at me in greeting.

I take a seat and get right to the point. “Sam, boss, I want out.”

“Out of what?” Romeo cocks his head in confusion.

“Out of the family.”

Sam spits out his coffee. “Excuse me. I must have heard that wrong.”

“Vince, what are you going on about?” Romeo asks, leaning back in his chair.

“I’ve paid off Luna’s debt. She’s no longer associated with the family, and I won’t have anyone saying otherwise.”

“Fine, so the girl’s out.” Romeo waves his hand. “Come up with another racket and get with Fabio for approval.”

“You’re not understanding me. I’m out too.”

Romeo laughs darkly. “Vince, you know the only way out’s a body bag.”

“That would be true, but my case is different. I was sponsored by Uncle Joseph, who never wanted me in the family. I lost my left eye because of him, and he pulled the wool over my right…”

Vince, eighteen-years old

“Vince, I wish you’d go to a doctor.” Mrs. Poloski worries when I drop off Aldo.

“A little fender bender. I’ll be fine,” I lie, the entire left side of my face swollen and bruised, my head throbbing. More concerning, though, is the random bursts of light in my left eye popping off like fireworks.

“Aldo, I’ll see you after my shift.” I kiss my brother on the top of his head before walking to the bus stop. Already sold my car, so that will pay the rent for a couple of months, but after that, I need a plan. Working minimum wage isn’t going to cut it.

A car pulls up to the curb jarring me from my thoughts, and all the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. “Vince, I need to talk to you. Get in.” Uncle Joseph calls.

I consider running, but it’s only a matter of time before he tracks me down. And odds are if he was going to kill me, he would’ve already finished the job.

Rising, I saunter over to the vehicle, trying to play it cool. “What’s left that needs to be said?” I lean in the window with my arms crossed.

“I’m not going to talk business on the street,” he counters. “Get in.”

My heart’s beating like a drum, but I ignore it as I open the door and slide into the passenger seat.

He moves the car, finding a spot on the street and putting it in park. Looking over to me, he says, “Vince, I’m not too proud to admit when I’ve made a mistake. I was too hard on you. I’m sorry.”

“Okay,” I say, my right eye going wide. Left eye can’t because it’s still too fucked up.

“I want you back. As head bookmaker and manager of operations. And in six months the family’s books open. Prove to me you’re as valuable as I think you are, and there’s a seat for you at the table.”

It’s everything I’ve ever wanted…there’s gotta be a catch. “What’ll it cost me? My other eye?”

“I’m sorry, my boy. We’ll have Doc Caruso take a look at you.”

“Here’s the thing: I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around this, because you were wrapping a baseball bat around my head three days ago.”

Uncle Joseph sighs. “Look, Rob’s out. He was skimming from the top, and I need someone I can trust. Dammit, Vince, I know you’ve got a heart and that’s why you didn’t do what I asked. Ioverreacted, alright? Come back, and I’ll make it worth your while. Bring your brother with you. We need another runner.” He holds up a thick envelope stuffed with hundreds.

“I never told you I had a brother.” There’s a nagging feeling in my gut, but I don’t know what it is.