Mercedes Renee Francis. Contrary to popular belief, it's respect that gets you into the circle. I am Mercedes Renee 'Tiny' Francis. I am a big deal in Staten Island, New York. I didn't choose this lifestyle this lifestyle chose me. Beneath this hard shell is just another broken little girl searching for something worth loving on in this World. "I am like any other man. All I do is supply a demand." -Al Capone. came || gone
Involved: Mercedes D’onofrio, Nicholas D’onofrio, and Freddie D’Angelo
Location: New York City, New York
Time Frame:
Notes: Intercepting on Nicholas behalf, Freddie finally gets Mercedes and the man in the same room.
Mercedes slid her glasses down from her face slightly looking over them. She looked out the window of the vehicle they were in before she slid them back up with her red manicured nail. “Hm” she said as she sat back pulling her bag in her lap. Freddie had been holding her up all day for what reason she didn’t know but it was starting to get on her nerves. As he joined everyone inside the truck she looked towards him through her dark sunglasses. “I am going to be late,” she said bitterly.
Freddie looked at Mercedes and said defensively “just trying to protect you, cover all bases. You won’t be late” he told her thoroughly. “We will make it to the appointment right on time”.
“I hope so,” Mercedes countered. “Seems like to me you are so preoccupied lately, I wonder why that is?” she asked him.
Looking straight ahead Freddie said “no, not more than usual” he told her, before he turned to look out the window himself.
Mercedes chuckled at that, turning her head away from him. When she dealt with him finally his punishment would be swift. “Well, you have 12 minutes to get us to my appointment. Or else…”
Freddie bit his lip for a moment before he knocked on the partition and said “step on it” easily.
Nicholas sat, fingers steepled, looking across the desk at the doctor. After finding out this was an OB-GYN's office, he’d gotten concerned. There had to be something wrong with Red. No wonder she’d been acting so crazy. He had arrived hours before his wife's appointment and staked out the office. Now he sat, fingers steepled as he sat across from the doctor. Actually, he was fixated on the file laying on the desk. Freddie thought it was important and he trusted the man. And while he could take the file and find out why his “wife” was coming to visit the doctor, too much of him was afraid it was news he didn’t want to hear. Inhaling he took a deep breath and looked up at the clock, ‘Red should be here by now.’ He thought, shifting in his seat.
Pushing red hair out of her face, a thought crossed her mind. But she pushed it away. There were so many thoughts dancing around in her head she could hardly concentrate. She had no time to ponder on Freddie’s affairs. Pulling her eyes away from the window she looked down, she’d got a tan on the hand her ring once adorn. An absence that pained her as much as Michael’s. The thought caused her face to harden and she was reminded why she shouldn’t give a fuck about the missing red diamond at all.
“See, we are here. We weren’t far. I got you” Freddie said happily as he moved to open the door and climb out the truck. “You two stay down here, keep the car running. You stand outside” he ordered. “Here you go,” he said, offering his hand to her after opening her door.
Mercedes looked up at Freddie and then out the window. She looked up at the building and moved to wiggle her way out of the truck. Once her feet hit the ground she looked around them. She hadn’t seen the light of day in days, smelling the fresh air relieved her a bit. She held Freddie’s hand as he escorted her into the building, four other soldiers accompanying them inside.
So far so good, Freddie thought as he let them into the building. Now he wondered if Nicholas would actually show. He moved to an elevator and pressed the up button. When it arrived he let her on and then they piled in, surrounding her. When it reached their floor and the door opened, he let the men climb off and stand guard one at each corner. He took a look around for himself, remaining discreet so that she didn’t catch on to him looking for Nicholas. He grabbed Mercedes hand again and moved her towards the front. “D’onofrio, Dr. Sawyer, I’m going back.”
Mercedes pushed her glasses up on her nose a bit. When Freddie walked her out of the elevator a hand instinctively moved for her rounded belly and she rubbed it absently. She raised a brow at Freddie as he took the lead, she tossed red and black hair out of her face before she slid her sunglasses down slowly and tucked them away in her purse comfortable with showing herself.
Nicholas looked down at this watch. The irony that he was waiting on Red’s arrival was not lost on him. He rubbed at his eyes, breathing deeply. “Turnabout is fair play.” He mumbled, crossing one long leg over the other. He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket, he pulled it out and reviewed the message, “She on her way up.” Was all it said, nodding he sat up a little straighter in his seat.
Freddie turned when given the correct room number, he nodded and made sure he led her in that direction. Underneath all of his confidence was a man shaking in his boots. He was so thankful to Nicholas and the help he had provided. His wife and children were tucked away safely, now all he had to do was watch his own back at every turn. He opened the door to the room and allowed her in before he shut it behind her and stood guard by the door, his back resting against the wall as he slowed his nervous breathing.
In her heels she managed to keep up with Freddie’s fast paced walking. He was holding her hand tightly while her other held her large purse. Once they made it to the room, she’d opened her mouth to ask him why he was in such a rush now but before she had the opportunity to do so he had pushed her into the room and shut the door. Her green eyes squinted at him before she turned to none other than Nicholas. Her hazel eyes glowed with shock. Too stunned to speak she stood at the door gazing at him. When she found her voice she asked “what” pausing as she swallowed down her fear “are you doing here?”
The hair on the back of Nicholas’ neck stood up as he heard the door open. For the first time he actually began to think this was a bad idea. What the hell, he was here now. Rising to his feet he stood to greet Red. Green eyes meeting each other for the first time in weeks… Hell months. He stumbled back a step, grabbing the corn of the desk with his hands, he took in every inch of his wife. His eyes drifted away from and returned to her stomach over and over again. “How many months?” He asked in a horse whisper, that mingled in the air with her question.
She was going to kill Freddie, she had to there was no one else who’d planned this but him. She pinched the bridge of her nose as her blood began to boil. She was so angry she could rip his head off of his body. Turning her back to Nicholas she closed her eyes as she inhaled and exhaled slowly. Freddie was ruining everything for her, all of the work she’d done to avoid this and he brought her straight to him. “Six months” she said moving towards the counter she gripped the sides of it, the corner digging into the palm of her hand as her teeth grind against themselves. Freddie was dead.
Six whole months and she wasn’t going to tell him. He quieted that voice and shook his head somberly. “You have got to be kidding me.” He moved to stand just at her back, as he looked down on her shorter frame. “You were pregnant this whole time. Damnit, Red, why didn’t you tell me?”
Releasing the corner she looked down at her hand before she bawled her fist. She turned to look at him, was he serious right now? She chuckled lightly, her hand moving to rest on her head now as she shook it at him. “As if you care,” she said honestly. “What, you want to take this kid from me too now?” she said as she slid past him, moving to the other side of the room. Being close to him made her feel too many things she would rather not feel.
Nicholas stared down into her face. So close he could almost make out the freckles that she worked so hard to conceal. He missed her so damn much. He managed to get his hand up to slide across her tummy as she all but ran away from him. “How are you? Are you taking care of yourself?” He asked, turning to look at Red where she now stood across the room. “Is everything with Mercedes and the baby healthy?” He was addressing the doctor now, though his eyes stayed trained on his wife.
She tilted her head at him, it was so easy for him to turn it on and off. Like magic, the very snap of her fingers now he wanted to be attentive. Mercedes guessed if she stayed pregnant all the time she might actually feel worthy enough to carry his last name. To be loved by him even if it were just for a while.
Dr. Sawyer looked between the man and woman, she’d learned during the woman’s pregnancy with Michael that it was best to not speak unless spoken to. “Yes, for the most part. I had a concern with potential hypertension… but I think I have an idea what that is all about now” she said back to him. “I would say despite the weight loss, all in all baby D’onofrio has been measuring as she should.”
Nicholas mirrored his wife's movements, raising an eyebrow as he tilted his head holding her eyes. “You’re so damn stubborn” He mouthed, before turning to look at Dr. Sawyer fully. He didn’t like the doctor’s little remark and his eyes said so. “How about you keep the extra commentary and tell me what we can do to correct those issues.” He strolled across the room and took Red fingers in his hands, looking past her beautiful costume, he hated that he could see, except for the bump, she was thinner. Yet, worse was the unsettled look in her eyes. He looked away from her face and then closed his hand around hers, pulling her to the chairs in front of the Doctor’s desk, “Is that everything you need for the day?” He asked Dr. Sawyer, clutching Mercedes hand.
Mercedes looked away from him, dismissing his comment to her instantly. She wasn’t stubborn and she wouldn’t allow him to reduce her feelings to such a trivial emotion, stubbornness? No, this happened to be beyond that. However, as he reached for her and tugged her closer to his side she moved, her feet not showing any hesitation at all.
The doctor looked down at her file for Mercedes and then back up again, she wanted to examine Mercedes but she guessed she wouldn’t be allowed to? His comment was more of an order than a question she felt so she injected. “I had Mercedes evaluated by a psychiatrist. I wanted to know what drove her to the point that she was refusing to eat, sleep, leave the house… she's manic depressive. Probably always had been, just undiagnosed. I don’t think her blood pressure will be an issue. And so far I don’t see any concern with the weight loss either, each pregnancy is different in its own right anyway. And she promised to actually eat and sleep more when she was here two weeks ago.” The woman looked to Mercedes before she said “we do have a prescription for Lithium, it would help with the manic depression” she said looking back at Nicholas again. “It is a mood stabilizer and it won’t harm the baby.”
Nicholas ground his teeth, anger building like a storm on the open water in his stomach. This bitch really didn’t know when to stop. They all knew why his wife was upset, right or wrong it was him. He sucked his teeth, he prepared to leave, tugging Mercedes towards the door. Mentally, setting a price on the doctor’s head. The true diagnosis gave him pause, “She is fine. I’ll make sure she rests and eats. It can’t be something like depression.” He said, looking at Red, sure this woman was wrong.
Dr. Sawyer looked at Nicholas with raised brows, he was in denial and this was a very serious topic sadly. She watched him and said “Mr. D’onofrio, this is a very serious matter. If you don’t trust the judgment of me and my colleague, at least get a second opinion and evaluation. Bipolar Disorder is not something that’s taken lightly in the mental health community” she told him.
Mercedes looked at the woman with a raised brow, mentally she was in tip top shape the lady was crazy. She chuckled and told her “I am far from crazy…” with a head shake. She wasn’t bipolar, she was just misunderstood, sometimes erratic, a little sad here and there, quick to anger, up and down. But who wasn’t?
“The psychiatrist thinks she could even be diagnosed with Bipolar 1 disorder. He fears potentially psychosis… mania. Mercedes made a significant impression on him” Dr. Sawyer breathed.
Nicholas’ mind raced. There was nothing wrong with Red, that being a crime boss didn’t cause. All of their perspectives were skewed. It was power, money, and lack of compassion that ruled their lives. This was something the doctor would never understand. “We have stressful careers. I know it weighs on my wife heavily.” Nicholas traced the spot Red’s wedding band should have been. “I’ll be more attentive and you’ll see everything will be fine.” He let the woman finish, then nodded. “Consider your concerns noted. Is there anything else?”
Her body tensed at first as he brushed his fingers against hers, her ring should have been on. She knew that. But she was quickly brought out of that thought bubble, Mercedes tilted her head gazing at the woman, did she just call her a potential maniac? She didn’t like the way in which the woman was talking about her, while she was standing right there in the room. “How dare you insult me to my fucking face” she told her voice low as she tightened her hand around her purse. She looked over at Nicholas as he spoke, they were treating her like a child. Speaking about her and not directly to her. She squeezed his hand wickedly, her eyes narrowing at him. “More attentive?” she asked in shock. They took her for a joke, her husband leading the pack.
Dr. Sawyer eyes snapped towards Mercedes, her point was proven in the moment but she was sure that would go over everyone’s head. “Okay” she said to the man “I understand” she added, wanting no confrontation with them both. “That is all that I have,” she said. She moved to stand up and excuse herself before she could get herself into more trouble.
Nicholas raised his eyebrow as Mercedes spoke, feeling the increased pressure she put on his hand. “Yes,” He turned to look into Red’s frazzled face. “It is my fault. I have been a terrible husband. I work too much and I thought that by dotting on our son, you would know that was the same love I have for you. Only, I don’t know.” He shrugged. “I don't think it came across correctly. I could tell you I want you a million times and I have, but you will never believe me. Let me show you? I’m begging you. Please.”
Mercedes inhaled sharply, it was as if he was reading from some script. Saying things she only mentioned in her own mind, or to ears she thought were closed off to her complaints. Her mind scrambled as he said all the things she’d been wanting to hear. Was this a joke? She felt like there was a game being played, an angle for him to be even more cruel later? Or maybe she was crazy. She opened her mouth to speak but in her head she never got to this part of the dream. She didn’t know what she’d say or do if he did come around. So she rushed an “okay” out, not wanting to leave him looming in his own thoughts, in case he changed his mind. “Only if you really mean it though,” she added.
Nicholas held his breath and waited for her to respond, stomach a mass of knots reminiscent of a teenager waiting for the girl of his dreams to accept a prom invitation. There was a part of him that felt dumb and weak, crushed like a bug. He had fought with so much falsehood over the last few months, husband, boss, capo or flunky. He’d made a choice the moment his wife stepped into the room. He’d gladly be her right hand if it meant she would be in his arms at night. If it meant he could erase the wryness from her face. He exhaled, the knots in his gut subsiding when she said okay. Raising her hand, to his lips he pressed kisses into her fingers. “You will see.” He promised, lacing their fingers together. “Are you ready to go home?” He asked the choice of which home hers to make. He was already home with her.
She tucked her lips in, blushing like a little girl at his gesture. Swoon by his words, the love came flooding back in - not that it had ever left. He told her she would see and unlike times before she really felt he was telling the truth this time. He laced their fingers together and she smiled a bright smile, it had been months since her pearly whites adorned anyone. At his question she nodded her head at him “yes” Mercedes told him, giddy to be by his side again and also unbelievably ecstatic to see her baby boy again. She wouldn’t wish the pain of having to be without her child on even the most hated person she knew. “Kiss me” she said sweetly to him.
Pride swelled in Nicholas. Red’s smile was radiant and he’d keep that smile on her face, whatever the cost. At her request, Nicholas gazed at the beautiful woman. Letting her hand go reluctantly, he carefully cupped her face in his large hand. He stroked her cheek, relishing the feel of her soft skin under his finger. “Absolutely.” He said, resting his lips softly over hers. He was gentle at first, but couldn’t help himself as he deepened the kiss, his hand going to the small of her back, pulling her closer.
She melted as he held her by her face, pulling her closer to him. She kissed him back longingly, her eyes rolling shut, it had hit her suddenly as passion surged between them that she made sure that she would never leave him again. She wouldn’t make it if she did, her heart was bound to him that was clear to her now. As he deepened the kiss and pulled her closer to him she smiled against his lips. “I love you” she said to him, pecking his lips twice after.
Nicholas held Red against his body. He accepted her kisses and marveled at her admission of love. He kissed her once more then pulled away reluctantly, “I don’t deserve you.” He declared, fingers sliding over the small patch of exposed skin at her sides. Kissing her forehead, as he moved them towards the door. “I love you too.” He said, opening the door with his free hand.
“Oh quit” Mercedes said bashfully to him, that wasn’t true but it made her feel warm and fuzzy inside that he thought so. The four words she would’ve never pictured leaving the closed off man’s mouth made her heart grow fonder. He said I love you and she leaned into him lovingly as they left the room. She looked at Freddie and said “your little plan worked” softly.
Freddie stood there seeing moments ago the doctor had left them alone. Alone to do what he didn’t know. As they both walked out with no known injuries or bodies laid on the floor he sighed a sigh of relief. Looking down at Tiny he furrowed his brows “what plan?” he asked as if he were confused. He looked down at his watch and said “I guess everything is as it should be” to them both casually. He was a miracle worker, thank God. He didn’t have to run, hide, or even beg to be put out of his misery now.
Involved: Mercedes D’onofrio, Nicholas D’onofrio, and Freddie D’Angelo
Location: -; New York City, New York
Time Frame:-
Notes: After Freddie probe Mercedes for her secret plan, he goes to see Nicholas to enlighten him on it.
Freddie walked into the dimly lit room and he took a look around. It was pitiful to see what she’d reduced herself to. She once lived in what other people would call a palace but now, she wallowed in a hide out that wasn’t really fit for a queen at all. It was like she was inflicting torture on herself. “I hear you are on a hunger strike…” he breathed, moving to position himself with his back against the wall.
Mercedes looked up at Freddie for a moment before she looked back out the window.
“You know that isn’t really good in your state” he said reasonably. “They say you haven’t eaten since Friday…” he sighed to himself.
“My state” Mercedes repeated a chuckle leaving her. She blinked slowly shifting against the bench beneath her. He mentioned pregnancy as if it were some disease or a curse, though as she thought about it. That is what it was starting to feel like. Another attachment to the individual she wanted to detach from. It was ironic to say the least. “I am not on strike” she told him.
“Well good, because I asked them to make you something good. And I’m going to watch you eat it..” Freddie said. The last couple days had been uneasy ones to navigate through. Some days he thought he knew what was whirling in her head the others he had no clue. He knew she was scheming up something awful in the wake of Michael’s absence but he hadn’t been able to discover it yet.
Mercedes would tell him she wouldn’t eat but it was no use in fighting Freddie. She didn’t care to, care to fight or talk. She simply wanted to be left alone.
“Al is persistent in locating you. He has summoned me twice. Don’t make me go back a third time, He might turn the gun on me then” Freddie added, filling the void of silence in the room.
Mercedes watched the rain drops fall against the glass. New York had been so dreary the last couple of days. “Freddie, leave me alone..” she told him. She didn’t care about anyone, except for Michael of course. “If it’s not about Michael I don’t care to hear it…”
“Michael is in safe hands Tiny” Freddie said, trying to both sympathize with her and rationalize with her his thoughts on the current issue.
“Are you fucking crazy?” she asked him her head whipping in his direction. “I’m the safest place for him to fucking be” she snapped, eyes gazing into his. “It’s so amazing to see you become best friends with a man you told me I didn’t need to be with,” Mercedes said bitterly. “All of a sudden your loyalty lies with the enemy…” she said, rising from her seated position. “I should fucking kill you.”
“My loyalty lies with you and no one else. It has for years” Freddie told her, his body still resting against the wall. The mention of his death left him unmoved, if there was anything he knew was that one day he’d die by her hands or die defending her honor there was no inbetween. Licking his lips he countered “I care about you just as much as Nicholas does, he loves you. Maybe I was wrong to judge, but I am at your beckon call…”
Mercedes chuckled again, “if there is one thing I know for sure it’s that you nor anyone else around me gives a fuck about me” she told him.
Freddie cleared his throat and he pushed off the wall. “Tell me how I can help you then,” he said. “What are you thinking?”
“Nothing” Mercedes said as she crossed the room and sat down on a couch.
“I don’t believe that Tiny, tell me the truth…” Freddie inquired. “What are your plans…” he said. It had gotten back to him some time ago that she was maneuvering behind his back. Assigning people to tasks that he’d normally handle.
“I don’t have one…” she said gazing at him with a straight face from across the room.
“I don’t believe that either. I know you, I know how you operate” Freddie said back to her.
Mercedes turned her head, her hand rubbing her tired eyes. “Then you should already know what my plan is…”
_____________________
Freddie sat outside of the building hesitantly. He feared Nicholas just as much as he feared Al and Mercedes. He didn’t know what the man would think about him showing up, what if Nicholas thought this was an ambush and killed him. What would you have gone through all this trouble for, to accomplish what? The better question is why did he care? He sighed to himself, he guessed he’d gotten attached to his work, something he vowed never to do. He was just supposed to protect Mercedes, but he guessed in a way protecting her was also protecting the family. “Hey give me 30 minutes and if you hear anything pop off don’t leave me here to die man” he said before he climbed out of the car. He made his way to the entrance and he alerted everyone inside of his presence with a single press of a button.
Nicholas' frosted stare held the two men sitting across the desk from him firmly in place. “You know Bernice isn’t going to leave. No matter the danger, but listen… We are doing our best.” His brother said, licking his lips slowly. “I didn’t ask you to tell me shit I already know-” Nicholas quieted and looked towards the camera feed, just over the men’s heads. His face stoned over even further. “What's wrong?” His brother asked, marking the change. “You're dismissed.” Nicholas said, scanning the other camera feeds. “Go out the back way and do a search of the block. If you find anything out of the ordinary you know what to do.” He rose from his seat as the doorbell alerted the staff. “Go” He said sternly, pushing the call button on the phone, “Bring Freddie directly to me.” He ordered as the two men scampered from the room.
Freddie held his breath as he waited, he was practically a sitting duck. He knew Nicholas didn’t really care for him on top of everything else he’d been exposed to. He took a deep breath before the door flew open and before he could speak he was told Nicholas was waiting for him. He nodded his head and hesitated to move before he stepped inside. Gun on his hip he zipped his jacket up hiding it from plain sight. He was escorted to the man and when he was presented with Nicholas he lifted his hands up defensively. “This is a personal visit!” he exclaimed immediately “I wasn’t sent here by anyone, and I’d really appreciate it if you kept this between us, please” he begged sincerely, concern written across his face.
Nicholas eased himself back into his chair and instinctively, placed his hand on the trigger of the sawed off under his desk. It was beyond Red to send Freddie here to end him. A sad but very true reality. He raised an eyebrow as the man entered the office. “Hand over your guns. And if I like what you say, I’ll let you leave.” That was most likely a lie. But he owed Freddie a show of good faith. He liked the man after all.
Freddie dropped his hands at his sides, he unzipped his jacket and pulled the gun off his hip handing it over to Nicholas. “That’s all that I have” he told him, being completely honest. At the mama words Freddie had to swallow down his pride, he was here to help him and he was threatening to kill him? He was starting to remember exactly why he never got in the middle of her affairs. He was starting to hate himself for even coming to him in the first place. “I came here to try to be a help.”
Nicholas removed his hand from the trigger of the shotgun and relaxed leaning back in his chair.. What game was Red playing? He nodded towards the chair across his desk, letting a bit of his weariness show on his face. Another person who wanted to help, Bernice, Rebecca and now Freddie. He was tired of people trying to tell him what to do. He knew his wife didn’t care about him. At least his head knew that. Unfortunately, he was have a hell of a time convincing his fucking heart it was true. “Is that so? And Tiny doesn’t know you here… I find that hard to believe Freddie.”
Freddie dropped down in the chair when he was commanded to do so. Once there in the chair he dropped his head down into his hands gathering his thoughts before he spoke. He shook his head and leaned up “I am a dead man walking but this is bigger than me, it’s bigger than some divorce papers too” he said to him seriously. He chuckled slightly looking past Nicholas before he dropped his head again. “I used to be able to offer her sensible advice,” he told him, eyes fixed on the man's desk. “I’ve known Tiny for a long time, a very long time…” he trailed off. “I ain’t never seen her like this Nicholas” he said looking back up at him. “This shit is serious… in her fucked up mind” he said pointing to his head. “You have waged war with her.”
As Nicholas watched Freddie, his instinct told him the man wasn’t pretending. Or if he was pretending he was one hell of an actor. He leaned forward, hanging on the morsel the man was dowling out. Nicholas shook his head, “That is crazy. Red has been calling all the shots. How the hell am I waging war on her? She wants me to give her Michael, right?”
“You denied her Michael Nicholas” Freddie said looking at the man confused, you had to have common sense enough to know what that would cause. “That doesn’t matter anymore Nicholas, that is what I am trying to tell you” he stressed “it’s beyond that” he breathed. “She put a bounty out on you, she doesn’t know that I know, but the streets came to me” he told him. “I can’t get her to talk, she hasn’t told me one thing since we left here without Michael, but I know her mind is turning” he said gesturing the action with his finger. “And you have to know it’s not just you, everyone you know we lay at her feet or she is going to die trying. She won’t talk, she won’t eat, she won’t do anything - she isn’t going to until Michael is in her hands but I don’t think it’s going to stop then” he spoke. “Tiny…” he pinched the bridge of his nose debating telling the man this next part. “You” he started again, “here” he said, pulling a piece of paper out of his coat and sitting on his desk. “She will be at this location, on this day, at this time” he said pointing to the piece of paper. He couldn’t tell the man she was pregnant, but he could help him intercept a doctor’s appointment, that’s if he went who would know. “You could get her off the ledge, despite…”
He had known… Or rather he had suspected. The plain truth of it was sort of a relief. He let out a sad chuckle, at least this was something he was prepared for. “Predictability is a thing where Tiny is concerned. I was trying to protect her and my son. And once that failed, I had to protect the one who couldn’t protect himself. Fuck.” He cursed, rising to his feet. His heart pounded in his chest, he wanted to kill someone. He frowned down at the slip of paper, a time and address scribbled across it. He lifted the paper from the desk and looked at the man. “When you met me, you would have preferred me dead. What changed?”
Freddie rubbed his hands together nervously, his elbows resting on his knees. Red was going to kill him for this shit, he just hoped it was worth it in the end. “She is going to fucking kill me” he breathed tiredly. “Because” he started his confession “I am always with her right?” he asked. “Which means I witnessed the tears when she felt abandoned, when you didn’t show up, when she thought she wasn’t worthy of Michael, or not good enough for you, not pretty enough…. She loves you Nicholas. She’s cried an ocean of tears over you, I didn’t even know she could feel until she met you” he said shaking his head slowly. “She’s bitter…. But killing you would be like killing half of herself.”
Nicholas stared into the man’s eyes. He nodded at Freddie’s question. The man wouldn’t leave Red’s side. Not even when he had asked him to. He was completely loyal to the woman. Nicholas couldn’t help but avert his eyes as Freddie laid out his supposed crimes. After Michael's birth he’d felt guilty for not being there in the beginning, but he’d tried to make up for it by not missing a moment with his son now. The rest of Frieddy’s statements were, however, untrue. Nevertheless, the word drained Nicholas of everything. He crushed the paper in his flist, and took a piece of paper from his desk. Writing an address on the paper, he slid it over to Freddie. Falling back into the chair, as if all his bones had melted away, he looked down at this lap for a long moment before he spoke. “That is a safe house for your family. It was for my mother but I’ll never get Bernice to leave New York. You’re a good man Freddy. Better than any of us deserve. I don’t believe Red would ever kill you. But just in case…” He sighed, “I wish I knew how the hell to love Red. I’ll think about going. Thank you.”
He watched the man crush that paper up silently, when he slid him one he looked down at it. “Thanks” Freddie said sadly after the man spoke “I don’t know” he said speaking on his possible death. He could have commented on his statement but he chose not to, it wouldn’t matter in the end because he wasn’t Red. He couldn’t speak for what she wanted but he had a good idea of it. Rather he went or not, his days were numbered “at least with my dying breath I could say I tried” he chuckled mournfully. “Sorry I didn’t come sooner, I thought I could handle it on my own-” he paused feeling his phone buzz and he pulled it out of his pocket and looked down at it. “I gotta go” he said hurriedly, he hopped up from his seat and grabbed the piece of paper. “She’s leaving the safehouse, I gotta go” he said, having added a track device on the vehicle she’d been driving around in lately. “Fuck” he said as he quickly left the man’s office, he rushed to the front door and out of it without a second glance. Freddie ran towards the truck he climbed out of and yanked the door open “drive, go” he said man, you floored it just as Freddie hopped in and shut the door.
Involved: Mercedes D’onofrio and Nicholas D’onofrio
Location: D’onofrio’s Brownstone; New York City, New York
Time Frame:-
Notes: After Mercedes goes missing for a month, she resurfaces demanding a divorce and Michael, to which Nicholas does not oblige.
Walking into the house she dropped her empty bag by the door, looking around. Much hadn’t changed, not that she expected it to. “Leave it” she said as someone knelt down to grab her bag. It was to collect Michael’s things “I won’t be here long” Mercedes announced to the staff. She opened her Birkin and grabbed a folder for Samuel, this would be easy in her mind. She would give him the documents to end their shitty marriage, she would collect her baby and go. She had her plans mapped out, she took the whole month to do so. She had a home she had bought out of state. She planned to have a talk with Al about leaving and would finally find some peace with herself and her life. She didn’t have much time either, in a blink of an eye she would start showing and he truly wouldn’t let her leave then. “Where is he?” she asked emotionless.
Nicholas glanced at the video feed, leaning back in his chair as Red entered his home. He laid the manila folder on the desk and pushed the desk drawer closed. Odd, he thought… to think of a possession as solely his own. He’d never thought to see single life again. More the fools you. A cynical voice whispered in his head. Even with that thought there was never a moment he did not think she would return. How much easier it would have been if she didn’t. But then again when was life ever easy. He remained seated, letting 10 heartbeats pass before he rose from the chair and walked over to his office door, opening it. He caught the last part of her comment. He wet his lips, looking her over. “He is right here. Welcome Mercedes.”
Her eyes slowly turned to look his way, she handed the folder over without an acknowledgement. “Where is Michael?” Mercedes said, it wasn’t a question. She was demanding to know the whereabouts of the little boy so that she could go.
Venom. Samuel stepped closer to the woman, plucking the folder from her hand. After day 14 he really hadn’t expected anything different from his… His eyebrow raised at the content of the folder. “Divorce papers.” He said, shocked at the hint of surprise he could not mask in his voice. Knowing a thing is coming and seeing it in black and white, still two different things. He turned his back and walked into his office going through the papers.
Something in the way he grabbed the folder from her made her scowl slightly. She shifted in her heels, her hand gripping her purse as she instinctively told herself not to react on impulse. He walked away turning his back to her and she bit her lip inhaling sharply, she held her breath. Releasing only when her lungs felt like they were about to explode. “Where is Michael?” she asked again, her tone the same.
NIcholas stopped in the doorway of his office. He looked back at the woman, confusion on his face. Shaking his head, “Oh.” he said aloud. She’d been looking for their son, since she’d arrived. Stupid him. He looked over to one of the housekeepers, “Go get Michael.” He told the woman, nodding his head in the direction of the child’s room. Turning back to look down at the paper. “We can talk this over while they get Michael for you.” He told Mercedes going back to the desk.
Her eyes moved to the housekeeper as they moved their feet to do as they were told. She stood there waiting for them to return, at his words she chuckled to herself. “Talk?” she asked him, it was funny the sound of this nonsense leaving her mouth. “We don’t need to talk Nicholas” she said as she waited. “I’m all talked out…” she uttered as her eyes moved around the place once more.
Nicholas lowered himself into his chair looking out of the door to where the woman stood. “Fine. Then I’ll talk.” He didn’t feel like wasting time. She set the board. He just needs to move the pieces she already gave to him. “I need to have a lawyer look over this. But Mercedes. I’m not letting you take Michael and run. You have to know that.” He told the woman with a light sigh.
She swallowed hard when he stated he’d talk anyhow, she anticipated his expected response. “I won’t be running, not in these heels” she said pointing her feet out to look at the red bottoms. “I’ll be walking out the door with Michael, and there’s nothing you can do to stop me,” Mercedes said, turning in the direction of his doorway now. “If I were you I wouldn’t even try…” she let linger.
Samuel sat back. Here we go. He thought, eyes following the curve of her leg down to her feet. Divorcing him. The least she could have done was look fucked up. She wasn’t playing fair. Pinching the bridge of his nose. “You can be a boss in every respect of the word. Except where Michael is involved. You’ve been gone for a month. What makes you think I am just going to give him over now?”
She held a blank expression. She didn’t care much about the conversation; she couldn’t be swayed. “You can do it voluntary or involuntary either way he’s walking out the door” she shrugged, as if it wasn’t a big deal. In her eyes it wasn’t, it was simple. “I shot you in the shoulder, they are going to aim for your head” she said, gesturing to the front door. “Then Al will handle the rest” she added with a faint smile. “I am not asking, I don’t need your permission. He’s leaving” she told him. “Now hurry up, I have a flight to catch….”
Nicholas watched her for a long moment. He rolled his shoulder where the bullet wound once was. An involuntary action. “Kill me then, because you must be crazy if you think I’m about to let you take my son. You’re a hot head. Who likes to run away from your problems. Those are traits I don’t want my son to have. If you want to get on a plane. Then go. But he will not be accompanying you.” He said placing his hands flat on the desktop.
Mercedes looked at the watch on her arm, then her eyes zoned in on a chip on her nail. She looked her nails over with disdain for the paint chip. When he was done she looked up at him and said “well, can I get him before they paint you over the walls that would probably be more traumatic than my running, and I just bought this two thousand dollar dress. I don’t want it dirty” a displeased expression on her face. Truly amused by his words.
Nicholas rose, shaking his head. “Michael isn’t here. You can go check the house if you want.” He rounded the desk, slamming his office door closed. He hated getting angry. Especially with people he’d rather not kill. He stocked back over to his desk, and pushed the divorce papers into the trash can.
The amusement dissipated at his words, her smirk fell as he slammed the door in her face. Well played, his calculation always set the both of them apart. She wanted to rage and fight but she didn’t. Standing their gazing at the door, she accepted defeat which she never did. Licking her lips she took a step back, her eyes still fixed on the door. What was stopping her from signaling them? Walking away she grabbed her duffle bag and she moved outside before the men waiting gun drawn. “Hm” she said to herself as her heels tapped against the ground walking back towards the car without Michael in hands. She felt cheated, for a second time. She tossed the bag at Freddie, moving into the car she sat there, her door was closed. “Take me downtown,” she said simply.
Nicholas loomed over his desk. Well that was all bad. He thought, grinding his teeth. He turned sliding back to sit on the desktop. Thinking. His wife had walked out and now he’d have to run. Protection. He wasn’t the best husband. He knew that. More to the point he did not know how to be her husband. Sweet words and empty sentiment were not what he’d believed this kind of woman would have appreciated. Could he have been wrong? He shook his head. That way was closed. Red would come. As would Al. Was Michael’s well being worth all he was about to lose? He knew the answer was yes. Michael was everything wonderful about his wife and the last good part of him. He was worth all. He picked up the phone heart heavy, “Is everything ready? Good, we are ready.” He said, hanging up the phone.
Involved: Mercedes D’onofrio, Nicholas D’onofrio, and Michael D’onofrio
Location: D’onofrio’s Brownstone; New York City, New York
Time Frame:-
Notes: Nicholas and Mercedes are still at odds.
Mercedes sat on the floor Indian style with Michael in her lap. She held a toy for him, watching it light up and play sounds that didn’t appease her but did him. Quietly she watched him as his hands banged against the toy loudly. Smiling, she pecked the top of his head lovingly adjusting him in his lap as she allowed him to continue to play.
Nicholas excited his bedroom, torso bare, even his belt hung open as his long legs moved out of the bedroom, eyes scanning wildly. Red was not in their bed when he awoke. “Fucking pain killers.” He growled moving purposely towards Michael’s room. She'd not willingly come, a blind man could tell that much. What if she decided to leave? Pushing Michael’s bedroom door open, he inhaled sharply. “There you are?” He blurted out eyes fixed on the pair.
“I love you” Mercedes said to the baby boy, “do you know that?” She asked him, it was a serious question she knew she could not receive an answer for. She just hoped one day he’d grasp how much she’d do for him. Even now. It was a miserable choice to make, to come along when heart told her not to. But two parents was better than one, she guessed. Licking her lips she looked at Nicholas as he opened the door, greeting her with a comment she didn’t want to respond to. So she looked back down at Michael, picking the toy he knocked out her hand back up.
The silence drew out. It was to be expected. Nicholas thought as he watched mother and son. He straightened walking over to the pair. Squatting, he stroked Michaels hair back softly. “Did you all have breakfast?” He asked his frigid wife.
Mercedes continued to watch Michael “Michael did” she replied to him simply. Of course she fed the child a while ago, he was one that demanded nothing more than his food at the very least. “You should go eat,” she told him.
Nicholas shook his head, of course she’d fed the baby. Smiling at all the noise he was making, Michael’s fat fingers never stopped moving from place to place, light and sound working for his pleasure. He rose from the ground. “I could eat. I’ll go make us something.” He said moving for the door.
Mercedes looked at Nicholas, “I could make you something” she said with an unreadable tone. “It is a wifely duty isn’t it” she questioned, more-so herself than anyone. She moved to stand up, hoisting the child up with her form. She handed him over to Samuel knowingly. Rubbing her hands down the front of her leggings she moved towards the kitchen. Bitterness was tiring and why hadn’t anyone taught her that lesson before now? Loving him was far easier than hating him truly.
Nicholas' eyes narrowed but he schooled his face, taking his son in his arms. “You can cook?” He asked skeptically. He shook his head no. There was something condescending in the way she said ‘wifely duties.’ “I can do it. The cook hasn’t gotten back to New York yet.”
Mercedes turned around to look at the man, her hands on her full hips. “I can do a lot of things you don’t acknowledge or don’t participate in” she said looking into his eyes. At his next comment she inhaled deeply and exhaled deeply. “Poisoning?” She commented “are you stupid?” She asked him, her brows stitching together. “If I wanted to kill your dumb ass I’d shoot you, with my son in your arms” she breathed, plainly. She rolled her eyes and said “give me Michael,” in a tone that read she wouldn’t repeat herself.
“I figured you and Rebecca never had to step foot in a kitchen.” Nicholas clarified he moved around Mercedes, heading for the stairs. “Who said anything about poisoning? You’d never poison me. Not when a two shot to the gut would take longer to kill me.” He acknowledged her tone, and turned back, giving her Michael.
Mercedes' hands continued to rest on her hips until he handed her son back to her. She grabbed Michael and rested him on her hip ignoring Nicholas as she turned back around and moved back towards his room. She licked her lips, wiping the drool off his full lips as she bounced the baby. “Come on” she told Michael sweetly and she moved to sit back down on the ground. She sat the baby on the floor with her and placed some toy items in front of them both.
Nicholas' nostrils flared the constant back and forth that needed to end. He pinched the bridge of his nose as she took the child and retreated back to his bedroom. “Fuck..” He murmured, turning he bound down the stairs, wondering how long it would be before the woman left for good. In the kitchen Nicholas pulled open the fridge door, without thinking too much, he pulled out the fixings for a ham and cheese omelet, toast, and bacon. It had been years since he'd actually cooked, but when he had he’d been decent at it. Laying the ingredients out, he rubbed his hands together and moved to collect the pans and bowls he’d need to pull everything together.
Mercedes' brain was working in overdrive as she watched the baby play. How were she to get them both out of this place without him stopping her? And once she did that, where was she to go? How far was not far enough to get out of his grasp? And furthermore, when would she stop fighting her desire to give him papers to sign? Sighing softly, her bottom lip poked out as Michael smiled so unaware of the shitty life he was born into. It was so unfair Rebecca had been right, her marriage was desperately unsuccessful and she was not meant to be a mother. For a mother would hardly consider separating a child from his father. Even though she needed to for her sake.
Nicholas took his time cracking and mixing the eggs, mind trying to decide how much of what he told the woman to get her home was a lie. His mother’s words, “that I’m Donna at best.” He said whisky working feverishly. Buttering going into the pan, he tried to parcel out what he wanted. No, he corrected what was right for the family. His confusion was a tangled mess because at the core his pride such as ] had been hurt. He knew that much was true, it was tainting every interaction he had with the woman. He sprinkled cheese then added ham to the omelet adding peppers and a bit of spinach as well. He removed the pan from the fire and slid the omelet onto a plate, before repeating the process quickly. Adding the breakfast to a tray, he moved up the stairs, arm wrapped around the tray to keep everything from falling. “Okay,” He announced entering Michael's room. “Breakfast is ready.”
Mercedes shifted her weight, pulling her legs from beneath her and crossing them as she continued to watch the boy. She was pulled out of her own thoughts when Nicholas surfaced with breakfast “I’m not hungry” she said quietly to him, it wasn’t to spite him honestly she had no appetite lately. Licking her lips she sighed as she assisted Michael picking the triangle up and handing it to him, only to see him put it in his mouth and she shook her head.
Nicholas looked down at the tray cradled in his arms. “Of course you’re not.” He said, quietly sucking his teeth, he walked over to Michael’s dresser bending awkwardly to settle the tray. He took his own plate and moved to sit in the rocking chair across from where Michael and Red played. He scowled, he cut into the omelet angrily.
Mercedes looked at Nicholas and she looked away nonchalantly, “no, no” she told the boy grabbing the toy from his mouth. She sat the toy aside and she hoisted Michael up on his feet though he did nothing more than kick them. She allowed his fist to clutch around her fingers and she tried to walk him to her, chuckling quietly at the drool over face. “You aren’t ready” she told him playfully, it was cute to watch however. She wiped his mouth with his bib gently sitting him in her lap again as she grabbed another toy.
Nicholas ate but didn’t taste anything. This, them, was a lost cause. His pride was too wounded, he’d graveled at her feet again. Just as he had when chasing her across the world, and for what. She never bent so why the fuck should he. He ate wrapped in silence the only noise coming from his ‘wife’ and Michael. He laid his fork down, “I am going down to my office. You and Michael can join me if you like.” At least he was trying to extend another olive branch.
Michael’s only objective was to eat what he saw currently and she let him. When Nicholas spoke she looked up, pondering that. Hm. If he asked he must’ve wanted them to go. She obliged “okay” she said as she moved to stand up, bending over she lifted the heavy boy up in her arms with a grunt “you are getting heavy” she chuckled at him. “Do you know that?” she asked, bouncing him on her hip once more as she moved to walk out of the room.
Nicholas drug his hand back through his hair. He stood, long body stretching out purposefully. Hopelessness touched him, he was good at solving problems. Yet where Red was concerned, he failed every time. She told him just that. All of him. The fuck was that supposed to be. He couldn’t love her anymore than he already did. And being any more devoted made him feel weak. He threw his plate on top of her uneaten breakfast. Haphazardly, he lifted the tray with one hand, before moving out the room behind Mercedes.
Mercedes’ watched Michael’s big eyes looking around him as they moved. He turned his head around and gazed at his father before he looked up at Mercedes’. She smirked despite Nicholas’ loud clashing of the plates. She moved for his office, switching Michael to her other hip gently and she moved into the room. Sitting down she stood the boy up in her lap, rubbing her tired eyes as she held him with one hand.
Involved: Mercedes D’onofrio, Nicholas D’onofrio, Michael D’onofrio, Rebecca Mazomanie, Donna Mazomanie, and Al Mazomanie
Location: Al’s Mansion; New York City, New York
Time Frame:-
Notes: Nicholas comes back to NYC after the incident in Savannah with Mercedes.
Rebecca rang the doorbell, snuggling deeper into her full length black sabal coat. Winter had taken its time arriving this year and now the swells of snow wiping in the wind were trying to make up for its delay. Dinner with Donna had become, if not a weekly occurrence at least a biweekly one. With Tiny in hiding things had grown almost calm. She almost hoped what she heard on the wind wasn’t true. There was no way Tiny was back and there was absolutely no way she was back without Nicholas. The butler opened the door and Rebecca hurried into the warmth of the mansion, “Ms. Rebecca.” The man said, bowing slightly, closing the door behind her. He stood off to one side, arm out waiting on her to surrender her coat. “The family is just through there.” Rebecca nodded, tossing her coat over the man’s arm. “Thank you.” She muttered, smoothing her hands over the black panel dress she wore, moving deeper into the house.
Al sat with a wide eyed Michael standing in his lap, he smirked around his cigar. “That’a boy” he said as the child gripped his thumbs tightly with his smaller hands “look at ya, standing like a big boy” he mused happily. He sat Michael down and pulled the unlit cigar out of his mouth. “Say pop-pop” he coached the baby boy “pop-pop? pop-pop?” he spoke cooing at the little boy.
Mercedes sat against the couch amused by the interaction between her father and her son. Michael made Al soft which was a sight to see honestly. He had easily become the apple of his eye, which Michael seemed to be for a lot of people. As he tried to get the boy to say ‘pop-pop’ she giggled watching Michael grin widely, showing off his pink gums.
Rebecca halted right before entering the living room. That couldn’t be… Tiny? Her insides flipped with excitement. So the tale might just be true. She schooled her features and strolled in the room. There she was Mercedes. “Here I thought to never see you again.” She said, smirking at her sister. She caught sight of the curly hair little boy, blonde ringlets hanging down from underneath his hat. “He is adorable.” She said, stopping next to Al’s chair. She eyed the baby with a genuine smile on her face. “He looks just like his father.” She said to Al then added “Good evening father.”
Mercedes looked up seeing Rebecca entering the space and she smirked lightly. “Who can keep me away from my family?” She asked gently. “Thank you” she told her “he does” she nodded looking at Michael again.
Al looked at Rebecca, wiping drool from the baby’s mouth gently. “Evening darling” he said leaning in awaiting a kiss upon his cheek from the girl. “Nice seeing you this evening” he told her sweetly. “Say hello aunt Rebecca, Michael” the older man cooed. “Say hi” he sang, bouncing the baby gently.
Rebecca turned penetrating eyes on her sister. Damn it was the holidays. Tiny would want their mother to meet the baby. “It’s the season.” She turned, dropping a kiss on her father’s cheek. “I see I’m going to have to buy out the closes toy store. She pinched the baby’s cheek softly, then walked over to sit on the couch with Mercedes. “That is only if you and Mother haven’t already brought him the world?” She chuckled, crossing her legs. “What is his name?”
“He is spoiled enough with mother and father actually, I try not to make him rotten” she chuckled lightly. Mercedes looked at her sister as she sat next to her and said “Michael” as she looked over at the apple of her eye. “Michael Nicholas Donofrio” she told her sister lovingly.
Al looked between the two of them before he moved to stand up from his chair. “Let me go grab your mother” he told the two of them as he gently placed Michael in his mother’s lap. “Pop-pop will be right back kid” he told him, pecking his forehead as he walked off with a pep in his step.
Rebecca laughed, “I figured as much.” A solid pot formed in Rebecca’s stomach. The last flicker of hope that Michael was somehow alive dissolved into nothingness. She swallowed hard looking down at her hands as she gathered herself. Clearing her throat forcing a smile back to her painted lips, she looked around scanning the room. “Where is Nicholas anyway? Upstairs working. The man has always been a bit of a hermit.” Nodding as Al left the room. “I’ve never seen him act like this before.”
Mercedes held the baby up against her chest gently, rubbing his back softly as Al handed him over. “Uh, I don’t know” Mercedes told her sister truthfully as she looked at Michael whose lip began to quiver and face began to turn red. “Aw? Shh” she said to him sweetly. “Are you hungry papa bear?” She cooed. “Nicholas is a lot of things, and a hermit is a nice spin on the phrase shitty husband” she let spill. Looking at Rebecca she said “who? Daddy?” As she reached for Michael’s pacifier giving it to him.
Rebecca watched Mercedes with Michael, a pang of jealousy and remorse growing. At her sister’s words her eyebrows rose. There was smoke.. she mused. She wanted to pry but with Tiny that wasn’t an easy thing. “Oh -this was an I need a break kind of trip. Honestly, all men are shitty.” She added looking off the way her father had gone. “Yea! It’s strange.”
Michael quieted down with the pacifier and Mercedes rocked him gently as his eyes fluttered. “A true break” Mercedes reiterated as she looked at the tired child in her arms. “They are,” she agreed to the woman as she looked at her. “He’s a grandfather” she chuckled at her sister “they are supposed to be like that,” she breathed.
Rebecca's blue eyes glittered. Was the man actually dead? Taking over Nicholas’ territory could be possible with the man out of the way. Al would have to split it up amongst the other capos. “I wondered how it was going to work between you two.” She let slip. “Made men are a rare breed. Look at our father. I could never.” She was lying. She wanted marriage. She however knew that she’d have to marry a weak man. Someone tame-able. The problem was that those men annoyed her. “If I’d have known that I would have popped out a kid ages ago.”
“What is that supposed to mean sister?” Mercedes’ asked her, rocking the baby gently against the couch as he slept. “Dad is, dad” she said making excuses for the older man though she very well knew what Rebecca meant. At her next comment she smirked “I gave him the first grand boy, he’s just basking in it I think” she said softly as she caressed the boys back.
Al returned with his wife in tow hugging her to him and he said. “Here she is, glamorous as ever” he commented. Pecking his wife on the cheek he moved back to his seat picking his cigar up in his hand and his glass taking a long sip. “So Rebecca, what are you getting your old man for Christmas this year?”
Rebecca shrugged, sitting back she crossed her legs. “They are all lying, egomaniacal, womanizers.” She rattled off quickly. “They don’t want wives they want trophies and breeders.” Rebecca got to her feet to greet her mother, throwing hair back over her shoulder. “Only. Unless you and Nicholas have plans.” She kissed her mother on the cheek, “Hi mom.” Rebecca smirked at her father. “ I can’t tell you. It is a surprise.”
Mercedes blinked at Rebecca saying “right” back to her as her father sat back down before them.
Donna smirked at Al and she hugged Rebecca tightly “hello darling” she said gently. “You look good” she complimented as she pulled from her hug. “Aw, is he sleeping?” She asked, looking at the little boy. “So precious” she breathed. “Dinner should be done very soon” she told everyone as she moved to sit next to her husband in her own chair. When she did she took the cigar and sat it aside gently, there would be no smoking around the baby and this he knew.
“Oh boo” Al said “I’m much too old for surprises” he countered as he looked at his wife who happily snatched his one solace. “Well at any time please bring it and place it up under the tree” he said pointing to it with a wink. The massive tree sat with tons of stuff for baby Michael including a shiny red lambo car.
Rebecca smiled warmly at her mother, basking in her genuine hug. “Thank you.” She said into the woman’s hair before stepping back to sit next to Mercedes. Then smiled brightly, feeling wonderful at the moment. She had truly thought Nicholas was different. Sara had been the trophy breeder wife and he had given her up for Tiny. But why? What was his purpose? She looked over at the tree stuffed with gifts. “Goodness. You guys… now what am I supposed to buy?” She said looking back to the baby.
Mercedes’ shifted the chunky little boy in her arms cradling him now as she adjusted his tired form. “Great” she replied back to her mother, she looked at the tree and chuckled.
Al looked at Rebecca and chuckled lightly “clothing never goes out of style you know” he told her as he sipped from his glass again. “Do you want a drink, Rebecca?” He asked her next.
Rebecca laughed at her father’s comment. This was cute. A family moment. She thought to herself. She didn’t let all the fake love touch her though. The only person in the room who wouldn't kill her where she sat was her mother. Nevertheless one day she’d look back on this little exchange with fondness. “I could use one. I’ll take a double of whatever you are drinking.”
Paul looked between each of his brothers in turn. Sucking his teeth, he mumbled under his breath. “I should be the second in command.” Anger spiking. He repeated himself louder this time staring at Nicholas.
Antonio looked at Paul, shaking his head. No wonder Nicholas has called him up. “Shut up, Paul. No one wants to replace you, least of all me. Nicholas, are you sure about this? You really feel like there are no other options.”
Nicholas looked out the window at Don Al’s estate coming into view. He really didn’t have the right to force his brother to do anything. It was his mistakes that now endangered the family. “I need you both.” He looked between the men, taking each one in. “It’s not a competition no matter what you think Paul. Antonio just has a different flare.” He pulled out a thick envelope and handed it to Paul. “Your first order of business is to set up a family vacation. For everyone. Something lavish.”
Paul grabbed the envelope shaking his head. “This has Nicholas bullshit written all over it. You better watch out, he might be planning to kill the president.” He fingered the money, “What is Antonio supposed to do while I’m playing personal assistant?”
Nicholas' eyes shifted to the window again as they pulled up outside Al’s home. “Antonio, make sure all the other men are settled and the house is ready. I’ll need both of you in my office tomorrow at noon.” Nicholas’ jaw clenched as he reached for the door.
Paul pursed his lips, “You still ain’t gonna tell us what’s up with your arm?”
Nicholas pushed the door open and climbed from the car. “For the hundredth….” He shook his head. “It’s nothing. I’ll see you all tomorrow. Send the driver back for me in 2 hours.” He slammed the car door, and turned to the house. He pulled his trench closer to him as he mounted the stairs. Ringing the doorbell.
Al ordered the butler to get Rebecca a drink, a double of what he was having without a backwards glance of course. He turned to his wife and asked her “what’s on the menu dear?” curiously. As the doorbell rang he raised a curious brow at the possible guest. His eyes followed the butler as he sat the glass before Rebecca and then scurried off to grab the door, again.
Donna looked at her husband and said “I didn’t make the menu surprisingly, I left it to the chef. It will be a surprise to us all” she told him with a smirk. Looking over at Rebecca she wondered who she’d invited if she had. She knew Mercedes hadn’t mentioned Nicholas as much and she figured she’d get all that gossip after the holidays.
Rebecca nodded her head, taking the glass from the butler. She smiled at her father ruefully taking a sip of the strong smooth liquor.
Nicholas held his coat closed with his free hand. He had contemplated not coming at all. But it was Michael's first Christmas, fight or gunshot be damned. He wanted to see his son. The butler appeared, finally opening the door. Nicholas stepped over the threshold working his jacket off. The butler closed the door quickly and helped the man out of his jacket. Nicholas jerked away. “I got it.” He snapped, pulling the coat off the rest of the way. Awkwardly, he handed the jacket to the man. “Would you show me to Al.” He said more kindly to the man.
Showing the man towards where Al sat, he announced him to the room, before parting ways. “A surprise” Al repeated “hm” he said to himself as he leaned back in his chair resting. He looked up seeing Nicholas and said “Nicky” as he got up from his chair sitting the glass down. “What a pleasant surprise” he told him, looking towards Mercedes.
Donna smirked at her husband before looking up at Nicholas. “Nicholas” the woman said happily as she stood up along with her husband. She moved to greet him, offering her arms for a proper hug.
Mercedes smirked at her mothers words and she looked down at the little boy stroking his cheek gently with her finger. She looked up at her husband and said nothing as she shifted Michael in her arms again, resting his sleeping form against her shoulder gently. She ran her hand up and down his back soothing him.
Rebecca’s eyes widened. Nicholas had shown up and arm in a sling. Her eyes shifted to his sister, who did even react as the man entered the room. That was very telling. Crossing her leg, she lowered her glass and said nothing. Nicholas all but hated her anyway. Best to see how this all played out.
Nicholas smiled “Sir…” Nicholas greeted, tipping his head to the man. “I am sorry for showing up unannounced.” He stepped over and gave his mother in law a proper one armed hug. “You look lovely Mrs. Mazomanie I hope you don’t mind.” He offered sweetly.
Al looked the boy over and asked “why would you have to apologize for that?” curiously.
Donna smirked fondly “it’s not a problem Nicky” she said “and we do not mind you our family” she said confused. “Uh” she said “what happened to you Nicky?” she wondered, seeing his arm.
“I should go lay Michael down” Mercedes said and she moved to the edge of the couch. Getting up on her feet in her heels moving to walk off from the group carrying Michael gently as she brushed past her husband towards the elevator.
“I know but I still owe you and your home respect.” Nicholas smiled, looking between his in-laws. He glanced over, annoyed that Mercedes was rushing off with Michael. He hadn’t seen his son in almost a week. Nicholas' focus moved back to his Mother in-law. Confused and caught off guard, “I needed to take care of a few things before flying back to New York” he offered to explain his absence.
Mercedes’ moved for the room her parents had designed for Michael. Only for the child to wake in a fit, of course, getting him to sleep was easy. Getting him to stay that way was hard. She rocked him gently as the boy began to cry loudly.
Al nodded his head in agreeingly, as the man answered he said “no, what happened to your arm” pointing to the sling.
Donna looked back at Al and said “yes, the sling” looking at Nicholas. Her eyes followed Mercedes’ and she looked at Al again. “Dinner is served” rang out into the room and Donna said “great” as she moved Nicholas into the direction of the dinner table. “Come Rebecca” she said lovingly.
Sometimes God gives out small miracles and today he was giving Rebecca miracle after miracle. She bounced her crossed legs, swirling the liquid in her glass. She waved playfully at the sleeping baby as Mercedes left. In a hurry she thought. She nodded her head as they asked about the sling. She damn sure wanted to know what happened. She leaned forward and jumped with Donna bid her to follow. Getting to her feet, she trailed her parents and Nicholas as they moved to the dining room.
Nicholas looked to his sling almost absently, adjusting his arm. He could not tell if the two were lying or just great actors. He licked his lips walking beside Mrs. Donna. “It’s nothing.” He offered, brushing off the gunshot. My wife is a crazy person who killed a woman for talking to me. He thought, bitterly twisting his lips. “A misunderstanding.” He said trying to find something Al and Donna would accept.
Mercedes tried to quiet the child down to no avail, she looked towards the clock checking the time. “Okay” she told him, walking in subtle circles “are you hungry papa bear?” she asked him cutely. “Hm?” she asked him again, his big blue eyes pouring tears. “Okay” she said again, placing his hat to the side she continued to hold his pacifier against his small mouth and she descended a level again. Navigating the mansion she held Michael with one hand her other holding the pacifier he no longer acknowledged wails leaving him.
Donna nodded her head looking back at her husband “misunderstanding” she repeated testing to word against her tongue for a lie and deciding it in fact was one. She moved into the large dining area and said “grab a seat Nicky” before she sat on one end of the table.
Al looked at his wife and he furrowed his brows, Nicky was a horrible liar. And Al couldn’t decide if he wanted to challenge that or not. As they made it to the table he took in the spread before he sat down at the head of the table. He heard Michael’s cries from afar approaching the area of the home they were in. He whistled at a maid and said “my grandson is crying, go find out why” as he picked up his napkin and draped it over his lap. Something about the child’s cries did not sit well with him, perhaps that was a part of his spoiling him.
Nicholas averted his eyes from Mrs. Donna’s and prayed she didn’t ask him anything more. He was trying to wall off the fact that his beloved wife had shot him in the middle of a night club full of people. After allowing herself to be mauled by another man. His face and jaw all tighten, he followed Mrs. Donna despite what she said and did his best to pull out her chair for her. His eyes cast around towards the cries of Michael. He pushed the chair gently to the table for the lady of the house. Making sure she was okay, his feet carried him out of the dining room towards the cries of his son. Worry now openly marrying his face. He took two turns back toward the sitting room they had just left and ran into his wife. “What’s wrong man.” He asked, wiping away the tears from the baby’s face. “Does he have a fever?” His fingers said no, but he asked anyway, awkwardly trying to take Michael from Mercedes with one arm.
Mercedes’ looked down at Michael “you know, I very well breast fed you too much in the beginning” she joked. “Look how you act over-“ she stopped short when Nicholas ran up on her. “He’s hungry, Nicholas,” she said, annoyed by his presence. “And it’s funny of you to show up here after how many days, playing super dad?” She asked him. “Out proving me right? Fucking bitches with your sling?” She asked him with an eye roll and a face that read nothing more than disgust as she pulled away from him headed for a kitchen.
“Hey little man. Tell me what’s wrong?” Nicholas said nothing to her taunts, at the moment he was more focused on Michael. He couldn’t take Michael one handed, so he let Mercedes pull away, then head off past him. Shaking his head, he didn’t follow, only moved back to the dining room where the rest of the family were assembled. “He’s hungry.” He told the room at large. He pulled out the chair closest to Al, and slid into it. “How are things going here?” He asked, trying to make sure the conversation stayed off him and Red.
Mercedes rolled her eyes again at the thought of the man. When she reached the kitchen there a bottle sat warmed and ready for her. “Thank you” she said tiredly as she picked it up and happily placed it into Michael’s mouth, bib be damned. Once she got him to calm down she moved into the dining room with everyone else “sorry” she said to her father, she thought about which seat she’d choose. And reluctantly she moved to sit next to Nicholas.
Al sat there very much hungry and ready to eat the food that smelt delectable before him. He cleared his throat when Nicholas rejoined the space “quiet” he said quickly without thought before he corrected himself. “A bit uneventful” he told him, picking up his wine glass and taking a long sip. When his daughter moved into the room he nodded “let’s eat” he said as he allowed the servants to serve them all food on their plates.
Nicholas laid a napkin in his lap, eyes widening at Al’s admission. He wished he could say the same. He looked to Mercedes as she reemerged, surprisingly taking the seat next to him. “A little quiet is a good thing. Sometimes.” He said to Al eyeing Michael. “May I?” He asked Mercedes truly not wanting a scene with the woman. He just wanted to hold his son.
Al looked at Nicholas and his sling, he looked at Mercedes’ and began to cut his steak. Looking down at Donna he said “are you going to be here Christmas Day Nicholas?” Curiously.
Donna smiled at the servant serving her, she picked her fork up and had a taste of the mashed potatoes. She looked at Al and then over at Mercedes’ and Nicholas.
Mercedes sat there watching Michael eat, and at Nicholas' question she tried to relax her body. She nodded her head at him though she did not want to give in to him at all. She slipped the bottle from Michael’s mouth gently “papa wants to feed you” she cooed towards the little boy as she handed him over with a milk covered mouth. Once doing so she placed a napkin on her lap and began to play with her food lightly.
Nicholas quickly unhooked the sling from around his neck only grimacing a little at the twing of pain. “Umm”, he said absently, taking the boy from Mercedes. He rested him light in his arms, and replaced the bottle. “I wouldn't miss Michael's first Christmas for the world.” He said, body relaxing as he held the boy. “I missed you.” He smiled.
Rebecca watched internally wondering what the hell was going on. She smiled at her sister, a thought coming to her mind that made her even happier if that was possible. Was Tiny jealous of her own son? She nodded as servers placed food on her plate. “Mom, this looks great.” She lifted her fork and knife and began cutting her vegetables into smaller pieces.
“Nope,” Mercedes said “he wouldn’t dare miss anything revolving Michael” she said, plastering a fake smile as she looked at her father. “He’s his whole entire world” she added looking back down at her plate as she pushed more food around, her smile falling instantly.
“Great, I hoped you all would enjoy it” Donna said, dancing right over Mercedes’ comment smoothly.
Al looked at Nicholas and then at Mercedes’, he placed another fork full of food into his mouth. Taking a sip from his glass again. She sat the glass down “well at some point of time he had to turn that around” Al countered aloud. Oops. Another sip up, maybe he’d had too much to drink. “No offense Nicky” he added as he ate some more food from his plate.
Nicholas listened to Mercedes tapping his foot under the table. She was getting on his fucking nerve. But he could dismiss her for the moment. He blinked twice when Al chimed in and turned to address the Don instead of Mercedes. “I’m sorry but what do you mean? Turn what around?”
Al looked at Nicholas and smirked “I meant he’s a priority to you now Nicholas” he said looking at him in his eyes. He forked a piece of steak into his mouth and pulled his eyes away from him.
Nicholas nodded, still confused by the man’s words. “With all due respect. Family is always my priority. It’s not conditional.” Michael finished his bottle and Nicholas sat him up, patting his back.
Mercedes looked between Al and Nicholas before she looked back down at her plate sitting her fork down. Nicholas was a liar, well, no he wasn’t however she just knew the family he was referring to was not their own.
Al looked at Nicholas before he looked down at his food. “As it should be,” he said simply. However Mercedes had been in his home for the last week? “Donna, how is the party prep going?” He asked his wife, and he was done talking to Nicholas.
Donna looked up at Al and said “splendid” with a smile. “Everything will be perfect down to the last piece” she told him.
Rebecca chewed the piece of steak in her mouth. There was a story that the trail went cold almost immediately, she wondered if there was any real truth to it. “So, are you two going to tell us where you were? It must have been quite nice. Nicholas, you were doing quite well.” She asked, eating a bit of the potatoes.
Nicholas refocused his attention on Michael. He had no desire to go to any party. Actually all he wanted at the moment was to leave and take his son with him. Michael gave a harty belch and Nicholas wiped his mouth with the napkin in his lap. “Business was excellent.” he said absently, “better than I expected.”
Mercedes looked at Rebecca after the girl posed a question. “Nowhere special” she replied simply. She sat back in her chair, she wasn’t hungry.
“You don’t say,” Al said looking at Nicholas, “what brought you both back then?” He quizzed.
Mercedes looked at Al and said “I made a mistake” quietly. “And I wasn’t happy there” she confessed “I wasn’t near my family. I had nothing to look forward to. Nothing to do…”
Al looked at her “mistakes you are prone to” he cut deep. “However, we are glad little Michael is back home with his pop-pop” he breathed dismissing her emotional outpour absently.
Rebecca chewed causally as Mercedes answered. Now this didn’t sound like the same story she gave earlier. Looking at Al as he spoke, twisting her lips at the true comment. “ I hate being bored too.” She added, “especially if I felt utterly alone.”
Nicholas could have laughed for a week then started again after a day's rest. It was a testament to his annoyance that the need to protect Mercedes from Al’s tongue only vaguely occurred to him. “My mother feels the same. She wants to see Michael too.” Nicholas stroud the baby up on his feet, full he was ready to play. Grinning all gums at his father. Nicholas gripped him with his good hand, and hissed when he almost almost let him fall quickly grabbing him with both hands despite the pain shooting up his arm. “You better take him.” He said scowling.
Mercedes looked at Al, she smirked with a head shake. Of course, his affection for any of them came as a gift only because of Michael. “Prone to mistakes” she said staring down at the table “prone to mistakes” she tasted it on her tongue “prone to mistakes” she repeated as she moved to stand up. She reached down and grabbed Michael from Nicholas and she gazed at Al intensely. “A screw up huh?” She asked him. “You’d make a screw up your successor Al, logically that would make no sense at all” she said as held her son at her side where he belonged. “The only mistakes I’ve ever made genuinely is choosing to use my heart at the wrong times in my life, and not following it when I truly knew I should have,” she said matter-of-factly. Mercedes walked off with Michael in pursuit of her suite, so that she could gather her and Michael’s things to leave Al’s home.
Rebecca dropped her fork and sat back. If this were her speaking to her father this way, he would have already tried to end her. But not Tiny, dearest. “Is she pregnant again? She seems so emotional.” The woman scoffed, eyeing Nicholas.
Nicholas glared at Rebecca. Resetting his sling he stood. “If you all will excuse me.” He muttered following Mercedes out of the room. He caught her easy enough and trailed her as she stalked on.
Mercedes trotted towards the room, with Michael on her hip. She wiped an angry tear from her face as she marched up the stairs, her heels slamming against the flooring as she did. Once she reached the top of the she shifted Michael to her other hip, the heavy child could really stand to miss a meal or two. Moving down the hall she reached her and shoved the door open bitterly. She needed someone and as Al always did he punished her, belittled her, and made her feel like a fool. Couldn't they see she was desperate for someone to understand how she felt? Once she was inside she sniffled and sat Michael on the bed gently, then she pulled their luggage out moving to fill them with their items. She regretted coming to him with all of this, using him for protection whenever her heart had been broken and never gave her the outcome she wanted.
Nicholas moved into the room behind his wife. Sitting on the bed he quietly waited for her to collect her things. Watching Michael as he crawled across the bed towards him.
“No, no Michael” Mercedes cried, sniffling once more as she grabbed the child before he could fall. “Come here” she said sweetly as she pulled him closer. After she did so she moved back to placing their items into their luggage, she picked up Michael’s toys and placed them into a bag as well. Bottles, bibs, pacifiers also went into the bag. “Here” she said, sitting the teddy before Michael as she folded some of his blankets up and placed them in the luggage.
“I got him.” Nicholas said. Though Mercedes did not listen. Feet hanging off the side of the bed. He checked his watch. He figured his driver should be returning anytime now.
Mercedes pulled her things out of the closet and tossed them into the luggage after Nicholas' words. When their belongings were packed up she zipped the bags and pulled them off the bed sitting them on the ground. “Come” she told the baby as she reached for him, grabbing his blanket and bear. She tossed the duffle on her shoulder and without a backwards glance and she grabbed the handle of the luggage bag pulling it out the room. The woman balanced Michael on her hip moving for the elevator.
Nicholas eyed her erratic packing. “The driver isn’t here yet.” He said getting to his feet. “Can I carry something?” He asked moving to take the duffle bag.
“It’s fine, I have it” Mercedes told him, “you can’t screw up carrying a bag” she said bitterly. “And that’s good for you, but where you are going and where I’m going are two separate places” she corrected. “What would make you think I’m leaving with you?” She asked him as she adjusted Michael on her hip.
Nicholas backed off holding up his good hand. “Doesn’t matter. I can still drop you wherever this place is.” He told her patiently. “You seemed in a rush to leave. This wasn’t planned -so I assumed.” He said with a shrug.
“No thank you,” Mercedes said looking at him. “It’s obvious we don’t belong together, no need to pretend anymore. I haven’t seen you in days? No call? You didn’t even let me apologize for shooting you” she told him, drying her face with the back of her hand. A bit of attitude was given though she had no right to give any. She knew she should not have shot him, she didn’t have an excuse for it either. She was a killer by nature.
Nicholas nodded as she spoke. Wondering if she meant what she was saying or not. He laughed, “you must be joking. Was your phone broken?” He asked, staring down at her.
“You sent me away?” Mercedes’ snapped “with no explanation” she breathed. “You know what-“ she stopped chuckling. “It doesn’t matter Nicholas” she finally said. “We aren’t meant to be together and I probably should have used you not wanting to plan a wedding, be a part of your son’s life UNTIL he was born as a few red flags for this very moment. Faking behind that sorry excuse of doing everything you can to supply me with what I need and you fail every time because you never give me what I truly desire which is all of you and an unmeasurable love” she growled. “If I wanted you dead, you would be” she told him. “If I didn’t love you, I would even feel the need to be standing here still right now” she admitted. “But they are right, I am a fuck up. And you deserve better” she said, offering him an unbelievable smile as she moved their things in the elevator.
Nicholas glared at Mercedes grabbing her arm and turning her to face him. “You fucking shot me. In a room full of people, might I add, being all but fucked right in front of me.” He fired back his emotions running wild. “We were in hiding… I had to ensure you weren’t implicated. You can thank Christopher for his sacrifice.” It was his turn to laugh. “It would have been better if you had killed me. Who the fuck do you think we are? When in our world do we get to make mistakes. Which boss's wife only ‘doesn’t make it to a hotel with a motherfucker and lives? Which made mad gets shot by his wife in a room full of people and lives out the year? Huh? If you want an open marriage fine but the open disrespect you show will get us both killed.” He shook his head. “All of me. I moved to nowhere to honor you. I don’t step out to honor you. I work. And you're upset. I'm home and it isn’t enough. You are spoiled and selfish. You don’t love me, you love some idea of me. So do me a favor next time and don't miss.”
Mercedes raised a brow at him “you still don’t get it, do you….” she let hang in the air as she closed the elevator door without another word.
Nicholas kicked the elevator door denting the stainless steel. Turning he sprinted down the steps, jumping down them two or three at a time. He slipped almost falling and stumbled across the marble of the first floor. He panted hard hand on his knee, as the elevator door opened. “You can do what ever you want, but give me my son Mercedes.”
Mercedes bounced Michael gently, pecking the side of his face gently. When the door opened she looked at Nicholas “get out of my way” she threatened lightly. Of course he wasn’t getting Michael he had no damn rights to him if you asked her.
Nicholas shook his head. “You are not taking him anywhere.” He said looking at her nostrils flaring. “He is not a part of this… you don’t want him with me, fine! Leave him with Al. If you want to leave here… Fine then you can come with me. But you will not be taking him away alone. Did you forget someone is out there trying to kill you?” He told the woman body forming a one armed x in the door frame of the elevator.
“You don’t get to make the decisions about him” she argued bitterly. “He’s not going with you! And he’s not staying with Al. Why in the hell would I want my son around you or Al, the two men that shit on me the got damn most” she argued. “Get out of my GOT DAMN WAY, NOW!” She said her eyes were red with blood.
White hot anger sparked flames raging deep in his soul. He wanted to snap her neck. He looked at the child she clutched. Michael. His heart made actual flesh. And all the challenges in him drained away. His mother was right. Family before all. “What am I supposed to do if I lose you both? I can’t!” He yelled, his voice strangled. “I have to be where you all are, it’s not an option. You and my son are all, Mercedes. Don’t you know that? I’m sorry you felt neglected, this is all new to me. I never had…” He inhaled, “I am sorry. Please come home.”
The whimpers of Michael caused her to calm down and she shifted the baby in her arms, bouncing him lovingly. At his question she looked back at him guiltily, her eyes looking into his. Why, she didn’t know she could see a lie from the truth in his eyes anymore, all of them are the same most of the time. He incorporated her into the equation, but that just showed how desperate he was and the lengths he’d go to for Michael. She looked at Michael again, she would regret this moment she was sure but the realization was a huge contributor. “Here” she said simply as she handed Michael over, she dropped the duffle at his feet. She moved around him, foreboding herself to look in Michael’s direction again.
Nicholas was caught by her eyes, that sudden look of something like remorse in her eyes gave him pause. With one simple word she released Michael. Nicholas gathered his son in his arms, pressing a kiss into the side of Michael’s head. He listened to her retreating heels, each click louder than the last. Reason told him to take his son and leave. But something else hated the sound or the thought of letting her go. “Red!” He said, turning towards the woman. “25 Park Row, 10A Financial District, Manhattan, NY 10038. 214 West 72nd Street, FLOOR 10
Parker West, Upper West Side, Manhattan, NY 10023. Just to name a few. Where do you think you can go that I can’t find you? You hurt me. You hurt me and I still want you. Doesn’t that make me weak? You say, if you wanted to kill me I'd be dead. I’ve killed others for less. You are turning me into a fool and I still want you. Please. I love you, it's unmeasurable. Just come home Please.”
Mercedes’ turned and looked at Nicholas, as he listed any possible spots she had been debating upon going to. It caused her to sigh heavily, her eyes closing for a moment, of course. Nothing ever got by him. She opened her eyes and looked at him somberly, why was he putting up a fight? He didn’t give a fuck. His everything and his world was in his arms already. She gazed at him from a distance, she wanted to believe him so bad but she didn’t. And that made her sad. But fighting him was pointless because she had no way of running from him anymore actually. “Okay” she told him and she stood there.
Nicholas hoisted the baby up, getting more control of how the child was sitting in his arms. It was a sad resolved okay that came from Red. It honestly stunned him. He took tentative steps towards her, afraid to move too quickly or else she’d run away. “Thank you.” He said, once he was in front of Mercedes. He still felt stupid for apologizing. But the alternative was to be without the crazy woman, of course that wouldn’t do either. He handed Michael back to her, quickly grabbing her bags, shouldering them. Rushing back over to the elevator, he felt his phone going off in his pocket. Pausing long enough to read the message, he placed the phone back in his pocket and grabbed Michael’s duffle as well. “The car is here” he moved to collect his family.
At his thank you, she looked down, eyes watering as she accepted Michael back. Mercedes sniffled looking at him before she wiped her eyes gently and quickly. She held the baby tightly to her chest for a moment before she looked down at him again. At his words she nodded her head at him quietly.
You know I’m a Boss baby, so I do Boss things. I’m from Brooklyn you can catch me out in palm springs! He blowin’ up my phone, sayin’ I’m too distance, 2 phones for 2 niggas, like 2 chains I’m too different.
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