Can't Walk Away (The Thomas Family Chronicles #1)

by Ashlee Taylor

  “Dad, call Antony Balducci. Let him know the situation, this is going to end now.”

  Nodding, he left the room.

  “Jonathan, you have my word as a man who loves those two up there. I will move heaven and earth to fix this mess.”

  “Can I ask why you’re moving Balducci in so quickly?”

  “Your daughter told me she loved me. They need to be with me. Since they can’t be with me because of some asshole, war is inevitable.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Christianna

  Hearing Nicholas’ revelations, I knew it was wrong of me to blame him for what happened. Coming back into my life wasn’t the reason why some clown decided to play this game. Regardless of what was going on, the issues lay solely on the person behind this mess, not Nicholas. It was easy to blame him because he was there, but I didn’t have anyone else to shift the blame of my problem to.

  When he said he was willing to give us up to make sure we remained safe, I couldn’t stand by and just let him go without letting him know that we’d get through this together. If he could keep up what I asked of him, I could stand by his side, even if the outside world didn’t know that I was.

  I loved him, I knew I did. I loved him for so many reasons. Specifically I loved him for giving me Layla. I needed him to know that if something happened to me, he needed to know how I felt so he wouldn’t ever have to wonder for the rest of his life if I felt as strongly as he did for me.

  I needed a lawyer, a lawyer who didn’t know the situation, someone outside of the family. I knew one through my publisher that specialized in different types of law. I wondered if he could help me out. As much as I worried for my safety, I also worried for the safety of our daughter.

  More importantly, I worried about the future. A future there was a chance I wouldn’t get to see. I made a mental note to contact my publisher to get the name of the lawyer.

  Telling Nicholas I loved him before he left was something I needed; I didn’t expect him to say anything in return or get all mushy with me and say let’s run away, even though I wanted to run away so badly and never look back.

  At some point I drifted off into a dreamless slumber. The last thing I remembered was seeing Nicholas’ face when I told him I loved him.

  The next morning when I woke up, the house was filled with people. Some I recognized, but most I didn’t. I saw Ethan over in the corner of the living room on the phone. When he looked up at me he waved. Weaving through the people, I made my way into the kitchen where my mom, Alex, and Evelyn, Nicholas’ mom, were sitting around the table feeding Layla.

  “Hello darling, how are you feeling?” Mom asked, standing up and giving me a hug before directing me to a chair at the island and making me sit down. She pulled a plate of food from the warmer and placed it before me.

  “I’m just tired.”

  “Eat up, we’ll talk about everything later.”

  I started eating the food, not wanting to upset my mom, but more importantly, I didn’t want to have to answer any more questions.

  They were talking amongst themselves. I was flipping back through thoughts of last night with Nicholas. Remembering that we weren’t supposed to act like we’re together anymore. So to everyone we’re supposed to look like we’re broken up, to the outside world I’m supposed to look devastated. The truth is that I am. I am completely and utterly devastated, saddened that it’s come down to this. Someone, whoever it is, doesn’t want us to be together, doesn’t want us to be happy.

  Someone wants to end my life; I am torn and gutted. Torn, because I finally have the family I always dreamed for Layla and now her daddy has to be away from her. Gutted because if he were to stay with her and not be out there trying to find whoever wanted to harm me, I’d probably end up dead and Layla probably would too.

  Even if I had to sacrifice my happiness to ensure that Layla remained safe, I would do just that no matter what the cost. I could do that. I went through sixteen months alone. As long as I have Layla I wouldn’t have to worry about anything else.

  “Look, Mommy, I finished all my breakfast,” Alex said as I turned to see a smiling Layla staring back at me.

  “I wonder if she’s looking for Nicholas. They’ve been having breakfast together most mornings. She likes to watch him eat.”

  “Da,” Layla yells out and I’ve forgotten my breakfast.

  “Say that again, baby.” I jumped up, almost pushing everyone out of the way to get to her.

  “Da,” she repeated, flailing her arms and legs and laughing.

  “You miss Daddy. I know you do, sweet girl,” I answered, tears were starting to drip from my eyes.

  I took off the highchair tray and unbuckled her. I picked her up and carried her out. I didn’t care about anyone in that room, I just needed Nicholas to hear those sweet words, her first real word that she’s ever spoken. I didn’t even care one bit that she didn’t say my name first.

  Upstairs in my room, I found my phone. I didn’t care if people found out I needed him. Dialing his number with shaky hands, he picked up halfway during the first ring.

  “Sweetheart, are you okay?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Baby, why are you crying?”

  “Well, you need to hear it.”

  “Layla,” I called her name and she looked up. “Layla, where’s Daddy?”

  “Da,” she said again, clapping her hands. “da da da da dada,” she said in succession.

  “You hear that, Daddy? Her first words were for you.”

  Nicholas didn’t say anything. I checked the phone to see if it was still connected. Not understanding why he wasn’t talking, I called out to him.

  “Nicholas?” Nothing. I just hit end on the phone and went back to sit with Layla as she strung a bunch of sounds together.

  Using my arms, she pulled herself up and started talking directly to my face. Mostly gibberish, but the occasional ‘da” added in as if she was trying to talk to me about him. I humored her and responded with things like ‘really” and “tell me more,” which just seemed to motivate her a little more to continue her conversation.

  The bedroom door flew open and a startled Layla fell back on her bottom as she looked to see who had entered.

  “Da,” she called out.

  Nicholas stood in the doorway, his eyes red and filled with tears and a huge smile on his face. Layla held out her arms for him. He was on her in seconds, grabbing her up. Layla made kissy faces, slobbering all over his cheek while he just held her there.

  “Say it again, baby girl.” His words came out less of a demand and more of a plea.

  “Da da da da dada,” she said, smacking both hands against his cheeks.

  “That’s right, I’m your Daddy,” he said, hugging her tight against him.

  I didn’t realize I was crying until my tears dripped down on my arms. I wiped them away as quickly as I could.

  “Thank you for this,” he said as Layla laid her head on her daddy’s chest. “I’m sorry I didn’t respond, I needed to get to her; get to you both. I needed to be here with her. I needed to know that my reason for what’s about to happen is justified. This,” he said, looking down at Layla, who was beginning to nod off. “This right here is the justification I needed. You both are the justification I needed to know what I was doing was right.”

  “What are you doing?”

  “Righting a ton of wrongs; more importantly, making sure you both remain safe. I officially accepted the position of head of the family as soon as my dad steps down.”

  “Oh.”

  “Nothing illegal. We’re going to keep all of the businesses the same, even invest in some more. I spoke with Antony Balducci this morning. He’s been looking to go legit himself. This is the way we can do both—fix this problem then we can help his family.”

  “I trust you.”

  “I know you do, sweetheart. Then it will be over. I want to say soon, but I’m not a hundred percent sure of when it will be. All I can tell you for
sure is that all parties involved will be dealt with.

  “Good.”

  We sat there in silence, staring at each other. There were so many things I wanted to say, but the words remained unspoken. I looked over to check on Layla, who was fast asleep sucking on her hand.

  “She missed you.”

  “I missed her too. I missed you both. Last night I slept in her room because I wanted to be close to her.

  “I’m glad you’re here.”

  “There’s no place I’d rather be.”

  “I love you, Nicholas.”

  “I love you too, more than anything. You know what would make today more special for me?”

  “What’s that?”

  “If you’ll tell me you’ll marry me.”

  I gasped, unable to form a coherent thought. Did he really just ask me that question out of love or another motive?

  “Before you say anything, I am dead serious about you marrying me. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I know it’s soon, and no, it’s not because of Layla. It’s because of you. I just want you to know that no matter what I’m going to show you exactly how serious I am. Once this is all over, we’re going to go somewhere nice and quiet. Just you, me, and Layla, and we’re going to live a fucking fairy tale because I’ve been told ladies love the fairy tale.”

  “I don’t want the fairy tale. I want you and Layla.”

  “What about more babies? Would you want to have more babies with me?” Nicholas asked, his eyes seemed to sparkle.

  “Yes, I would love to have more babies with you. Maybe a little boy?”

  “Anything you want.” Leaning forward, his hand stretched out to caress my cheek. He leaned in and followed it up with a kiss.

  We sat in silence for the longest time. He was holding Layla and my hand. I wished that we could sit in this little bubble forever, but I knew he had to go. After he went to put Layla down, we shared a romantic kiss against the wall as I tried to keep him with me for a little while longer.

  He left the room and wouldn’t let me follow him. He knew that he wouldn’t be able to leave if he had to see my face as he left. I agreed, I didn’t want to let him see me break down and ruin the chance that someone may see. Plus I couldn’t even go near the door, I couldn’t risk it.

  Climbing back into bed with Layla, today was a milestone that I’d have to make a note of. I’m so glad that Nicholas got to hear it, also that he got to hold her. He really loves his daughter, it’s evident.

  Not that I had any doubts.

  ***

  Nicholas

  I slipped back into the car where Luke and Bobby were waiting. “Sorry it took me so long, I just couldn’t leave.”

  “Everything all right, Nico?” Luke asked.

  “Layla said “da.” She called me her “da.” I got to hear my girl call me “da” and had to leave her.”

  “Once we take care of all of this, man, you’ll get to hear all of it.”

  “I know, but I wanted to hear it now. You know, I never thought that I’d ever want kids. Having her has changed every perspective in my life. I want to do everything for the both of them.”

  “That sounds like a true dad thing to say.”

  I laughed, I guess it did.

  “Okay, so we’re going to meet with Balducci today, he’s eager to find out what’s going on.”

  “Who’s going to be there?”

  “Your dad, Balducci, and the three of us.”

  “Good.”

  Luke took the road downtown to one of the apartment buildings. We parked beneath one and then started walking. These buildings used to house speakeasies back in the day. They had secret passages and tunnels that led to several different properties that we owned. When we found out they existed, we bought all of the connected buildings, shored them up, then repaired all of the tunnels. Now we’re able to move beneath the city, with none the wiser. This was beneficial for us because they couldn’t see where we were going or who we were meeting with.

  The only person outside of the very few of us that knew the truth was Christianna. I don’t know why I told her about this place and the secrets it held but she seemed so intrigued by the stories I told her. When she asked me if it was a Mafia thing, I laughed. It kind of was, in this life you had to be prepared for everything. We needed to be prepared in case someone was after you and you had to get away quickly or find a place to hide out.

  Knowing that these hidden gems weren’t written on any maps or how any of them remained connected would prove useful to all of us one day, or so we hoped. My mom said they’d work in the winter time—you know, the ability to get from point A to point B without feeling the elements.

  Walking through the hidden corridors, I knew each one like the back of my hand. We came upon the door that led to Murphy’s Bar. We walked up the stairs and emerged inside a store room. As soon as Luke opened the door, we were hit by the delicious food smells, I didn’t need to be distracted by anything. I needed to get this finished quickly.

  We came into the opening. The long table had been set up, it was covered with the food we smelled. Sitting at the end of the table was Antony Balducci, flanking him was my father.

  Shaking hands, we all sat down. Antony gestured for us to eat, but I explained to him I couldn’t. Folding his hands before him, he asked me to explain the story in my own words. I told them everything, from the moment I met her, to going to her house and finding out about my daughter. He smiled when I mentioned Layla. As if instinct was guiding me, I pulled out my phone and showed him the photos. I told him that she called me “da” and I started to get sidetracked from my objective. I went back and told him everything, from the threat to her, to her house burning down. I told him how scared she was.

  Then he stopped me and gestured to the guy behind him. He was handed a folder and shook his head.

  “As soon as your father called me and told me what was going on, and Jon’s little girl was involved, I put my best people on this.” He slid the folder over to me and I opened it. Inside there were several pictures of Anderson Michelino and his daughter Anise.

  “It seems that Anderson wasn’t very happy when he found out the arrangement with his daughter wasn’t going to go through. It seemed his daughter spilled the beans and told him everything. The guy that he hired for the next set of photos,” I continued to flip through until I saw them. There were pictures of Christianna in various states, some when we were together and then some holding our daughter. “It seems that Anise convinced your father that this child was a lie, that she’s not yours.”

  “She is, we did DNA testing.”

  “Son, I believe you. There are things that daughters have the ability to do, and it seems that Anise has convinced him that you left her to be with this woman who’s lying about having your child. More importantly, he needs her out of the way. He needs you and Anise to be together to join families because he’s broke.”

  “Broke?” I question.

  “Yeah, broke. The man is borrowing from one family under the guise of it going to drugs and borrowing from another to cover the first. He’s got this elaborate shell game happening and it’s about to catch up with him.”

  “Fuck.”

  “He contacted my people before you did, tried to lay the groundwork, trying to imply that you’ve gotten yourself messed up with this chick whose father is deep in the government. Even hinted that he was looking to take down all the families. As soon as it was brought to me, I looked into it. When I saw who she was, I squashed the intent within my family because I know Jonathan, and I know he wouldn’t have done that. It would be like him outing himself. We may not have been there but we’ve always been tight.”

  “So what does this mean, are there other families that want to get to her?”

  “There were two, I spoke with them personally this morning. I didn’t know all the details so I sort of elaborated and just happened to be right. I’ve spoken to your father and we’ve both spoken to them. They know that
the woman belongs to you, that little girl is indeed your daughter. Marc was even willing to give them whatever information they needed to be assured that what we were saying was true.”

  “What if they believe Michelino?”

  “They won’t, Michelino has burned his last bridge. Out of respect for your father and me, along with your future position, they won’t make any moves unless it’s for us. Plus, Anderson is half a million under with them both.”

  “Fuck.”

  “So right now, there’s a group of Antony’s family that will watch over things. They’re going to be able to blend in better, seeing as how no one knows them. This also helps because we don’t know if Anderson has been able to infiltrate us with his people,” Dad said.

  “Tomorrow, Anderson is set to meet with Jerry Lanza from the west coast. Lanza called me because he doesn’t do business with the east coast unless I’m involved. We’ve been friends for a long time so he realized it was weird to have Anderson calling him directly. So when he called me I was able to fill him in on what was going on. Needless to say he’s ready to help in whatever way he can. He’d even be willing to string him along to see how far he’s willing to go in his pursuit.”

  “Lanza’s coming here?”

  “Yes, he’s flying in as a favor to me. Anderson originally wanted to meet there, but we didn’t want him to leave the state for fear if he does he could leave the country and we’re not going to chance it. So here’s the plan.”

  Luke and I sat back and listened as Antony went over the plan that he, my dad, and Lanza came up with. Antony and Lanza were going to hear him out. Even grease his palms if that motivated him. They were going to look impartial but motivated. Then we’d move in and Anderson would start having to answer to the bullshit he was pulling.

  “I’m still confused about one thing. If Michelino is broke, why would he want to merge the families if he doesn’t have any of the things he was bringing into the arrangement? Why continue the farce?”

  “Because, son, you’re a Prescotti. Old family, old money, being associated with our family gives anyone the ability to write their own checks. Meaning, if you were married to or about to be married to Anise, the money Anderson borrowed would have been forgiven.”