Chapter 12 – Dangerous Lure
A few days later, Michael was in a meeting with Chucky "Cee" Milano and Johnny trying to make sure that Cee is handling business on the Eastside. He is a big guy and even though his soldiers are scared of him, he makes sure that he takes care of every one of them. Cee has been a capo for five years and is well respected. The challenge for Michael is making sure people that were loyal to Sonny will be loyal to him.
"Michael, we had a twenty percent profit this last month. The people who were slacking on payment terms are forking it over cause they heard about the knife incident. They think you have something to prove which can work in our favor," he said before munching on his sandwich. He wasn't going to say it, but there was also a rumor that Michael had put Kristina six feet under.
Michael was pleased, but the sight of him eating took away his appetite. Johnny chucked under his breath because he knew what Michael was thinking. Before Cee came in, they were joking about having to widen the door.
"Hold on a minute," Cee said grabbing the phone. "Vinny, what's the problem? I'm in a meeting with the boss."
Michael and Johnny watched him closely.
"What the fuck Vinny? I told you not to hire that little prick. I told you he was trouble. Take care of it!" He slammed the phone on the table and then picked up the hoagie and before he took a bite, he said, "Fucking Marco. I hate that fucking name; pisses me off just thinking about it. If your name is Marco, they should take you out back and put a bullet in your head. Bang," he said shooting an imaginary gun and then burying his mouth into the giant hoagie roll.
Michael and Johnny couldn't hold it in and just started laughing.
"What?" he said with a mouth full of food.
That response, made them laugh even more. They finally got themselves together and finished the meeting. As Cee walked out, sideways, Michael held his breath until the door closed and they both exploded with laughter. Thank God he got the room soundproofed after the Kristina incident.
"Get that freaking sandwich out of here."
Johnny looked at him like he was crazy. "I'm not touching that shit." He started laughing again.
'I'm the boss, you handle it," Michael said trying to look serious.
"Michael, I'd do just about anything for you, but that—you're just pushing your authority."
With that, Johnny dialed the secretary. "Valerie, get in here and clean this shit up."
"Yes sir," an annoyed Valerie said.
They started laughing again. Life is good.
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Liz sat in the nurse's lounge. No one else was around, so she finally had some peace and quiet. Epiphany was in a foul mood and rode her all day. She closed her eyes and laid back. Just as she settled down, Felix ran through the doorway.
"Hey, there mob wife. I hope you don't mind that I submitted you for the show."
Liz opened her eyes and stared at him. "I don't have time for reality."
"Make time. I'm going to make you a star."
"You're crazy, you know that right?" she said before relaxing again.
"All you need is a little more drama. You got the cougar thing down."
"Felix!"
He laughed. "So, what's going on in mob central?"
"I'm in packing hell, Cameron sprained his finger, and Aidan's nose hasn't stopped running for the last two days. You know, must-see tv."
Felix rolled his eyes. "You need to take me over to the compound so I can see what I need to do to it to Lizify it."
She laughed. "Lizify it, huh? I could probably use your skills. I haven't had time to figure out what I'm going to do."
"You had me at skills. What time do I need to be there?" He stood.
"Tonight at 8:00 p.m."
"Is Milo going to be there?"
"Milo?" She gave him a funny look.
"What, have you seen those abs and that butt?"
"Eww. I don't want to talk about Milo's butt." She got off the couch.
"What it's firm—"
Liz yelped. "I can't hear you, I can't hear you," she said walking out of the room.
"I'll be there at 8:00!"
Liz moved into the hallway almost crashing into Tomas Santi.
"Nurse Webber…"
Liz froze. "Mr. Santi."
"Tomas…"
She smiled politely. "How is your leg?"
"Oh, it's getting better every day. I'm off to my physical therapy session. You wouldn't mind walking me, would you?"
She glanced at the two men who are shadowing him and he noticed, he turned to look at them.
"Give us a little space, will you guys?"
They nodded and held back a little.
Liz walked next to him making sure he got to the therapy room noting that he is moving slowly on purpose.
"I know I probably make you uncomfortable."
"It's just that I know who you are and that is a little intimidating."
He stopped. "Can we rest for a minute?" He glanced at some chairs.
"Of course," she said steering them over there.
They sat and Tomas said, "Much better, I was getting tired. I don't want you to feel that way around me. I have no intention of harming you."
"I appreciate that. " She wished to God that Epiphany would come around the corner and tell her she was needed elsewhere. Unfortunately, her guard is in the lobby because he's not allowed to follow her everywhere.
"I know this is forward, but I would like you to come to dinner with me."
Suddenly, Johnny came out of nowhere. The two men that were shadowing Tomas moved forward and drew their guns, but Johnny held his hands up and moved towards them. Liz could feel Tomas tense.
"Mr. Zacchara, to what do I owe this visit?"
Johnny grabbed Liz's hand and pulled her next to him. Tomas watched, amused.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Santi, but Liz is not allowed to associate with you."
Liz grimaced. She didn't want any trouble but was relieved to see Johnny. Now, she is petrified of the outcome of the conversation.
"I believe that Ms. Webber is a single adult. Are you speaking for her now?"
Johnny clenched his jaw and said, "Ms. Webber is spoken for. I would appreciate it if you would stay away from her."
Tomas glanced at Liz, who even scared, looks so beautiful. When he saw her hand shake, he decided to back off.
"I meant no disrespect, Johnny. If Ms. Webber is spoken for and does not want to speak with me then I will honor her wishes." He stood and then bowed slightly. "Another day," he said winking at her.
Liz smiled and looked away. At this point, she was trembling. Johnny could feel her shaking and put his arm around her more tightly to steady her. They watched as Tomas left and then Johnny pulled her over to the chairs and they sat.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I was just scared all hell was going to break loose." She nervously laughing.
"Why were you talking to him again?"
"Johnny, I'm a nurse and I don't want to offend the man or have him come after me. He scares me." She suddenly began to tear.
"I'm sorry. I'm not mad at you, but I just want to make sure you are safe."
She nodded, took a deep breath, and said, "Johnny, I'm off work right now and Michael won't be home for a while, so can you take me to the shooting range?"
"Yeah, I think we can fit in an hour."
"Follow me," she said leading him towards the locker room. She ran inside and quickly changed and then got her purse and headed out. After the encounter with Tomas, she was very excited.
