Page 18 of Crowned In Blood
"No. I’ll be out for the rest of the day."
"Please let me know if you need anything else, Doña."
Olivia slipped out the door and I sat back in my plush leather chair. So much had changed in the last six months.
My body no longer felt weak. Thanks to the nutritionist and personal trainer I'd worked with, I was no longer malnourished.
I'd thrown myself into kickboxing, judo, karate. Learned to become proficient with guns, archery, and throwing weapons under a Navy SEAL. I was a competent fighter who could beat most of my men in hand-to-hand combat.
I'd also legitimized myself in The Underground repairing some of the damage Fernando caused to the Salazar Familia's reputation.
There was still trouble, though. Many mafia heads believed as a woman, I couldn't lead alone and would do better married, preferably to one of them.
But I simply fielded their calls through Olivia unless they stepped out of line. Then I spoke to them in the only language they could understand—violence.
I’d castrated several men and mailed their ball sacs to their bosses with a note they’d be next. I’d even sent a mafia boss the severed fingers of six of his capos last week.
Internally, I'd had to kill a few of my own men as well, but the rest had begun to respect me. I'd fostered those relationships by investing time in getting to know their loved ones, hosting recurring meetings with wives, mothers, and whoever else they cared about until I had their trust and support.
It was a lot. I worked excessively, always stayed busy. I had to. It was the only way I could calm my mind and keep my past from overwhelming me.
A knock on my door interrupted my thoughts.
Olivia poked her head inside. "Your car is ready whenever you are."
"Thank you, Olivia. Please let Ruth know I'll be there within the hour."
Olivia nodded and closed the door behind her.
Grabbing my purse, I made my way downstairs, where my driver awaited me.
At my approach, he opened the door. "Doña."
One day, I'll get used to people calling me that
"Thank you."
The driver gave a curt nod, and I slid into the backseat. Then I began working, skimming over emails, and scanning our surroundings every time we came to a full stop.
As the towncar approached Ruth's modest single-story home, I took in the well-kept lawn and vibrant flower beds lining the walkway.
A smile tugged at my lips. Even at eighty-four years old and a grandmother to six, Ruth refused to let age slow her down.
The driver opened my door, and I made my way up the paved steps.
Before I could knock, the front door flung open. "Catalina, mi amor, it's so good to see you!" Ruth took my hands in hers, a warm smile brightening her face.
I squeezed the silver-haired woman's hands with a chuckle. "It's good to see you, too."
"Come in, come in." Ruth guided me to the kitchen and I took a seat at the table while she prepared two mugs of fresh tea.
When Ruth settled beside me, she launched into everything that had happened since my last visit a month ago—her granddaughter's first steps, a new Telenovela she'd become obsessed with, the latest neighborhood gossip, and finally, information about her son Joseph.
Joseph was one of my capos and an obedient but quiet man. He was the first to follow me and I was grateful, but still cautious. I was considering bringing him in on some of my more important dealings, but I needed to speak with Ruth first, to gain more background on him. And no one knew Joseph like his mother.
"Joseph tells me you're doing well, that this familia is better now because of you, and I agree."
Even though her words were kind, something was off. She seemed nervous, and that wasn't like Ruth.
