Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
“You always have the answers. Why do you need me for this?”
He pulls a hand down his face. “Because this one has been coming from outside of my reach. The more we dig, the more the strings tangle, but there’s always one common thread.”
“Oh really, and what would that be?”
“You. You and your friends. I can’t leave them out of this because they’re already involved. Come with me to Italy. Let’s figure this out.”
“What does this mean to my freedom?”
“My main goal is to cover you boys. We find answers and I’ll cover you. If you find the answers and feel you need to take this into your own hands, I’ll cover you. My job is always to cover you and that’s what I’ll do, no matter what.” He shrugs. “Come with me to Italy, Joshua.”
“Does he not own a phone?”
“Some things can’t be said over a phone or within the parameters of Vander or Bridge Lake. Some things you need to see.”
Frustrated, I run a hand through my hair. It feels like Blake is siding with that monster, ignoring that he’s the problem. However, something tells me I should get to the bottom of this.
“Fine, but just me. Leave Pit and Ox out. When do we leave?”
“I can be ready within the hour. Meet me at my hangar.”
Blake’s car pulls up and he turns and climbs into it. I stand with my brows pinched. After all my father has done, I don’t believe he’s innocent.
If he could dig for information in Crete, he could have gotten to Linus and turned him. He’s been pulling bullshit for years.
But would he really kill your mother?
For the power, I think he would. If he did, I’m not letting him off the hook. I pull out my phone and dial Shawna.
I’m not ready to drag her into this. It’s best she stays here. I work my jaw while I wait for her to answer. She picks up on the second ring.
“Hey, is everything okay?”
“I need to take a trip. I’m headed to Italy.”
“Oh, do you want us to come?”
“No. I don’t want to pull them from school for this. When I get back, you and I are going on that anniversary trip. Greece is calling my name.”
“Oh, okay, I love you. Call me when you get there.”
“I love you too. I’m going to the condo to pack. Helios will stay behind with you guys.”
“Be safe, Joshua.”
“Always.”
Chapter 68
Yannis Knight
Kelex
“Blake, it’s good to see you,” the gray-haired man says as he enters the study we’ve been waiting in, followed by Pappoús.
“Hello, Father. You look very well,” Blake says.
“I try. This must be Joshua.” He cups the sides of my face and kisses both my cheeks. “Basil, you have a reason to be so very proud. He’s grown into a fine young man.”
“Yes, that he has,” Pappoús says with a broad smile.
“Do you remember me?”
I narrow my eyes at this man. “Sorry, not really.”
“Ah, don’t worry about it.” He pats my cheek. “I’m Yannis Knight. You were very young the last time I saw you, but I’m not who you came to see. Have a seat.”
I unbutton my blazer and sit. I’m thoroughly confused. Blake said we needed to come see his father and Pappoús. Who am I here to see if not him?
The door opens again and in walks a Black man. I look between Pappoús and Yannis for answers. I sit back in my seat and steeple my fingers in front of my mouth, losing my patience.
“Hello, Joshua. My name is Lester Smith.”
“Wait, you’re the guy who committed suicide on the Bridge Lake Bridge. Lex’s father.”
“Yes, that I am.”
“What do you have to do with my mother’s death?”
“My wife was in the car with your mother. It was a hit. A hit that was sanctioned by the corrupt families we pushed out.”
I hold up a hand. “Hold on. What?”
“Ah, yes. Let me fill you in. When you didn’t want to take my place, I didn’t bother you with these details.” My grandfather interrupts. “Bridge Lake was founded by our family. Vander was founded by the Knights. After we came together, the other families joined us soon after to form the syndicate to protect our investments.
“There were five families when Bridge Lake and Vander united. The Nikolaous, Knights, Gatakis, Georgious, and Jennings. When the syndicate formed, eight others joined. The Novacks, Pudduses, Ravens, Bradshaws, Vespuccis, Castros, Harringtons, and Harrises.
“Orion Kylix was the last to join the table—although his seat wasn’t one of any power. However, he was a worthy addition in other ways. I knew his family from home. I vouched for him,” Pappoús says. “I couldn’t know then who his son would become.”
“Your father has a habit of making poor decisions. There had been a little buzz of a coup being staged once Yannis and Basil decided to return to their home countries. We ignored it for the most part,” Lester begins again.