Page 88 of Forgotten Sacrifice

“I don’t know, but it’s not uncommon for a GM to switch coaches if they’re looking to switch up their strategy.”

“Luna, we need to go.” Aldo appears at our table.

I shake my head in confusion. “Vince is going to pick me up.”

It’s his turn to shake his head. “He wants us to meet him back in Jersey.”

“Okay, but I’m not ready to?—”

He grabs my arm and jerks me up. “Bridget, sorry to run. Family emergency,” Aldo tells her as he practically drags me to the door.

“Bridget, I’ll talk to you later,” I call over my shoulder.

He holds open the door for me, and before I can bitch at him, he whispers, “Vince ran into some trouble. We need to get the hell out of New York.”

“Is he okay?” I say in a panic as we hurry to his car.

“Yeah, I think so. He’s good enough to drive. Wants us out of the city to be safe.”

We reach Aldo’s car, and I slide into the passenger seat as he takes off.

“Aldo, how did Vince lose his eye?” I ask.

“By trying to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.”

“You and your brother speak in platitudes instead of answering simple questions.” I cross my arms. “It’s beyond annoying.”

Aldo shrugs. “Omertà. It’s the family way.”

“But you’re not part of the family, I’m guessing.” Aldo doesn’t give off “family man” vibe.

“Nope,” he says. “Vince didn’t want me to join, which was fine by me.”

“We’re both in this world, but not of it,” I muse. “Any advice?”

He locks eyes with me. “Yeah, don’t break my brother’s heart.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say dismissively.

“Exactly my point.”

Vince

I deliver the message to Romeo and Sam while holding an ice pack against my ribs.

Sam’s so worked up he’s nearly foaming at the mouth. “They want a fucking war, let’s go!”

“Sit down,” Romeo says in a no-nonsense tone, and Sam plops down in his chair.

“Vince, you get your chess club in AC,” Romeo tells me, and I smile, but that smile quickly turns into a grimace. If a few ribs aren’t broken, they’re bruised all to hell. “Sam, put the word out to the capos: no one steps foot in New York until I can have a chat with the Commission.”

“Fuck the Commission!” Sam hops up again.

“Sit down before I tie you to the damn chair,” Romeo barks, and Sam sits down, arms crossed.

“Boss, I was wondering if I could ask a favor?” Having taken one for the team, I like my odds as I put in my request.

Romeo waves his hand. “Done.”