The Mafia's Babies by Kaycee Romano (howl and other poems txt) 📗

She had missed rounds. And it was already six in the evening. So much for that.

She took off the surgical cap, mask and gloves and put on her coat over the scrubs and normal shoes.

Her phone had twelve missed calls and twice as many texts from her mom's number.

'My baby monkeys.'

She sighed, opting to video call them as she walked towards her cabin.

"Hey River?"

Yet again, PIPE-d.

'Great. Valerie is rubbing off on me.'

But wait, was this just a coincidence or did him turning up again had something to do with Susan's new case?

River cautiously turned around, aware of the eyes on her wondering how she knew a heavily tattooed shady hunk. As much as she hated the judging looks, she was glad that they were there because all of a sudden, she was less creeped out and more paranoid about Eric.

She didn't want any trouble. She wanted to stay low and invisible.

Because no matter what a brave front she put forward, the fact remained that she was still as scared of such a situation as she was back then.

In fact, now she was even more scared because she had two midgets to take care of and protect. She didn't want to make any mistake that would put their lives in danger and that was the only reason she had talked patiently with him earlier.

"Where are you off to?" He grinned, showing off his crooked teeth with that one gap that she had personally given him.

"Just going into my cabin to make a call and then grab my purse so that I can get some coffee before I resume my rounds."

"I will wait here. Let's go to the cafeteria together."

She nodded and walked in. What was the whacko plotting?

She quickly fished out her phone and video-called her monkeys.

"Hii Mommy!!" They sang in unison.

"Hey my sweethearts, what's up?" River asked, plastering a huge grin on her face.

"We are helping Grandma make Choco fudge cake!" Kiara squealed.

"Wow, Mommy will be back in like two hours and we can have that!" She said.

"Don't worry Mommy, we will keep some aside in case you got late and past our bedtime." Lucas said, whipping the cream.

River was lucky; her children were angels.

"Thanks honey. But Mommy will try to be there on time."

They said their good-byes and hung up, River completely forgetting to ask the children why they had called her in the first place.

She opened her drawer and pocketed her wallet and made her way out. To a catch-up she could not avoid.

.

.

.

"And why would I believe you?" River laughed more, choking on her coffee.

"Because it's the truth. I swear on Lily and my son Luke." He pinched his throat like a child.

"Okay, I believe you. But why are you telling me all this?" She asked, tossing the last piece of her croissant into her mouth and patting the crumbs off.

"I feel that you will need my help soon, given whom your mother is messing with these days."

He had her full attention now and he knew it, but for once in my life, River did not see any sort of evil glint or threat in his eyes. He almost looked worried.

"I know what my child means to me, River, and I think that after all that you did, I am willing to help because one, you were the first to ever dare to oppose me and I respect that and second, five years in jail did more good than harm. Flushed out all the fakes from my life. And I am grateful." He said sincerely. "If it wasn't for you, I will still be a trafficker. But thanks to you, I am a tattoo artist."

She raised her eyebrows. Wow. Okay.

"Call me if you need me. Anytime. Any place. I still have my men, more loyal than ever." And with that, his chair scraped backward and he got up, placing his card on the table.

And I felt it again. The feeling of being watched. If it wasn't him, then who was it?

And now she knew also knew that the threat was real, and that her mother wasn't just being paranoid.

"Sit back down. I have one more question."