Page 85 of Legal Returns
My relationship with Sammy is a bit different. Not because of his birth mother or because of his place on the spectrum. To be honest, Tasha and I are starting to believe many of his behaviors have formed as a result of his gift.
My son has never fit neatly into any box. Either way, we are here to support and love him. However, I won’t say that our connection has nothing to do with his gift.
I believe what he sees has caused a deeper bond between us because he seeks me out to lighten my load when he can. Just the other day, I had been about to forget my favorite fountain pen. I had meetings all day and a ton of contracts to sign.
I would have been highly annoyed had I left the pen behind in my rush. However, there my boy was in his pajamas, standing in the foyer, holding my pen up for me to see. I smiled and took the pen from his hand.
“Thank you,” I said before ruffling his hair.
“You’re welcome. You would have been angry once you noticed you forgot it. I’m happy I saw it and was able to prevent your annoyance for the day.” He had smiled.
In that moment, I had thought of how he’s always trying to keep me levelheaded. If he can keep me from being angry, he will. Sammy is always mindful of my and Tasha’s moods.
“Thank you, Dad,” Sammy says, bringing me back from my thoughts. “I will remember that. I am best when I am me. I like that.”
“Would you like to play your video games?”
“Do you mean with you?”
“Yes. I’d like to play with you. Is that okay?”
“Yes, sir. I would like that very much. You will miss me, and I will miss you. I think this will be good.”
“Miss you?” I question.
He sighs. “I shouldn’t have said that. Never mind.”
“Sammy,” I drag out in warning.
“Father. This is one of those times to let it go. I will be fine. If I elaborate, you will only get in my way. Forget I said anything.”
I sigh and shake my head. “Come, son. Let’s go play.”
“Oh God,” he groans and rolls his eyes. “Just so you know, Paulie is going to lie on me because he wants you to play with him instead. I didn’t do anything.”
I laugh. “Want to teach him a lesson?”
His eyes go distant for a moment. I give him time as I realize he’s seeing what I plan. Then a smile comes to his lips as his eyes light up. “That’s going to be funny. Yeah, come on.”
I pat him on the back as we both walk on, laughing. Paulie is going to learn one of these days. I plan to turn his lies on him, but I’d never harm him.
Well, his little feelings might get hurt, but the lying is going to stop one way or another. I don’t like it and he’s going to learn I mean what I say. Locatellis don’t lie.
CHAPTER 32
Unacceptable
Elizaveta
I have splitting headache.Furious, I lie in bed contemplating if I should use emergency phone to dial Miroslav for update. I grow impatient with each day I wait for him to come to me.
“I have had enough,” I growl and sit up.
Room begins to spin as head thumps. With groan, I climb from bed. Then stumble for door to head to kitchen for glass of water and something to calm ache in head.
As I down glass of water, sound of footsteps outside catches my ear. I reach for hidden gun and narrow eyes at door. Places still dark, so I can hide in shadows for now.
Door opens and Miroslav steps inside. I relax and place glass and gun down on countertop. Finally, he here with news.
