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)
Zoe was right. Having someone other than myself to worry about has given me a sense of humanity. I’m slower to anger. I think things through more than I used to. Although now that Mary needs me less, I don’t know if it’s enough.
“Joshua,” Helios croons with his deep voice and Greece accent as I step off the plane.
I move to him and allow him to pull me into a tight hug. I’ve known Helios since I was a boy. We’re not that far apart in age. His father once worked for my grandfather.
When I’m in Crete, this is one person I can call a friend. I’ve been able to count on him throughout the years, so when I embrace him, it’s with warmth and genuine happiness to see him.
“It’s good to see you, my friend. Your pappoús has been anxious for your arrival. Let’s go.”
“Do you know what this is about?”
“Only that things have been changing for a while. I think you’re here for the final changes,” he replies.
“What was Constantine doing in Vander?”
Helios stops and turns to look at me in surprise. “He was in the States?”
“Yeah, what do you know?”
“I know nothing. However, I think I’m starting to understand what’s going on. Come, we’ll get you to the house for some answers.”
We climb into the car and ride in silence. I have a million things running through my head. Wanting to clear my thoughts, I pull out my phone and text Shawna.
I frown when the message says not delivered. I shrug, thinking it’s the reception. I close out of her contact and pull up Achilles’s to shoot him a text. I left on short notice. He’ll need to cover for me or move some things around.
I’m cool with either. My frown deepens as my text to him goes through right away. I back out to text Shawna again, not even bothering to pay attention to Achilles’s reply.
Me: Hey, I had to head out of town.
Me: Sorry. I’ll make it up to you before the summer is out.
Me: If you have time, I have a minute to talk.
All three messages post a red warning and say not delivered. “Did she block me?” I bite out. “What the fuck?”
Frustrated, I tuck the phone away as we pull up to the house. I push Shawna to the back of my mind so I can focus on what’s going on around me.
“Tzósoua,” Pappoús croons.
I lift a brow. I wasn’t expecting to arrive to such a jovial mood. From his call, I anticipated seeing a bit more fire and ire. My curiosity goes through the roof.
“Pappoús, what’s going on?”
“Ah, yes, there is much to discuss. My daughters and their sons, that father of yours, this business in Vander that is like an itch to my ass, the attempt on my life, and your awareness of those around you. Yes, much to discuss.”
My nostrils flare. “Wait. Attempt on your life? What the fuck?”
“Óloi éxo,” he barks. As everyone obeys and begins to exit the foyer, he waves for me to follow him.
“Pappoús, what’s going on? When was an attempt made on your life? Do you know who’s responsible?”
He moves out to the gardens in the back of the house. His stroll is thoughtful and leisurely. However, I know better. I can now see the restraint he’s holding.
“Relax, we will get there. Tzósoua, there are two things to know in this life. Who your true family is and who your real friends are. Titles do not bare truths. People just mask themselves behind them, giving a false sense of security and comfort.”
“What are you saying?”
“I want to ask you something and I need you to take the time to think about this. Do you know who your real friends are?”
I pause and think on his words. Skittles and Shawna are the first to come to mind. Then the assholes. I note Achilles and Jeff next. However, Achilles isn’t necessarily in the friend category.
“I think I can say I do,” I finally reply.
“Are you sure?”
Am I? Did Shawna really block me? That’s not sitting so well with me.
“My crew. I know I can trust them. I don’t give them all my secrets, but that’s to protect them, not because I don’t trust them.”
“Ah, here. This is where I’ll start. Tzósoua mou, listen to me closely.” He has my attention the moment he calls me his Joshua in Greek.
“I have spent your entire life placing people into your life who would mold you into the man I know you can be. Some have made their way to you by fate, others I handpicked to give them to you,” he goes on.
“What? Who have you placed in my life?”
“Blake isn’t your nonos by accident. I’m well aware that your father despises him. We will get to why. It’s time you know this too.