Page 24 of Dark Angel
Teddy smiled down at him. “You doing okay?”
“Three got away.”
“A revenge hit,” Teddy said. “We should never have taken out all those Russians at the restaurant last month.”
“Take ‘em out, don’t take ‘em out. They woulda come after me anyway.”
“Did you get a good look at ‘em?”
“No, but that won’t stop me.” Despite the discomfort, a smile lifted Gabriel’s lips. “Once I’m outta here, I’m going after all of ‘em.”
“Can’t leave it alone, can you G?” Teddy asked.
“They’re squeezing my turf in Italy. They’re going after our businesses?—”
“Are you talking about the clothing and the winery?”
“No, I’m talking about the business Grandpa built from nothing. I’m talking about Cosa Nostra. I know you three have gone legit, but this is who I am. It’s in my blood. They followed me here and they’re coming for me.”
“We’ll get you some security,” Teddy said.
“What happened to my CANiK?”
“I got it.”
“You’re a good brother. You really are the glue of the fam.”
Teddy smiled, the pride shining in his eyes. “Grazie.” After a beat, he said, “I popped the question tonight. This time,withthe ring. I’m sorry you missed it. Sydney really wanted you there.”
“Did she say yes?”
Teddy chuffed out a laugh.
“Seriously,” Gabriel said. “I’m happy for you guys.”
“I know you two are close, so I want you to be my best man. Will you do it?”
Teddy had surprised him into silence.
The door opened, the nurse appeared at his side. “We’re all set.”
“Just a second,” Gabriel shifted toward his brother. “Hell yeah, I’ll be your best man. He lifted his uninjured arm and Teddy clasped it. “Thank you, Theodore. I love you, brother.”
“Love you too, G.”
The nurse wheeled him into the surgery center. Bright lights, a sterile environment. A masked and gloved Dr. Joyce smiled down with kind eyes while the nurse got busy with the IV.
“Gabriel, what do you do?” the doctor asked.
He felt drowsy. “I run Santini International Euro, Santini Spirits, our Tuscan winery.… and Cosa Nostra.”
“You’re a busy man,” said the nurse.
“Revenge is a full-time business,” Gabriel muttered as his eyes fluttered closed.
HALSTON
At just pastthree in the afternoon, the jet touched down at Dulles. Halston swiped the tears from her eyes. Rarely did she get emotional, but she could not contain her joy. Being back in the US felt like the best gift she could ever receive.
