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I note that Kington is someone I can trust. He didn’t tell Ma of my request and he still honored hers. It was all a test. If he would have sent word of the deal we made, I would have lost a resource.
Good, I can move forward with my plan. First, I need to reveal everyone’s wants and needs. What are they after?
Then I’ll control their access until they’re no longer needed. I’ve paid attention to the lessons Nonno has given over the years.
His need to teach me may have changed, but class has always been in session, and I’ve had a front-row seat by choice.
CHAPTER7
Not As Planned
Gio
Three months later…
We’re at the old farmhouse in the country in Italy. It’s where Mom and Gwen have been staying. There’s not much around so there’s little to do outside the video games Nonno bought for us.
Jace and I are standing outside my mother’s office as we listen to the three-way call she has on speaker. She and Gwen—who now goes by the name Denise—are talking to Dad and Elijah. They’re getting an update on things back home. While I haven’t answered any of Ny’s calls, I do want to know how she’s doing.
However, I haven’t liked a word I’ve overheard so far. Ny is struggling without me. Without us.
“I don’t understand,” my mother says angrily. “What’s going on? How was she suspended?”
“She keeps everything bottled up. She won’t talk to me. I’ve tried,” Elijah says.
“That I understand, but why was she suspended?”
“Ava, let him explain,” Gwen says.
“She’s been training a few girls at the school in self-defense and combat. Apparently, all girls who have been picked on or who have predators in the home.”
“Okay, so what’s the problem?” Ma asks impatiently.
“I don’t think there is one,” Gwen bites out.
“I don’t either, but what the school is taking issue with is that one girl placed her stepfather in the hospital and the mother blames Ny—”
“What bullshit,” Ma growls.
“I’m not done. Ming, one of the other girls beat up one of the students on campus after finding him slapping around her sister who he’s dating. His family is pressing charges on Ming. They want to sue Ny and the estate.”
“That’s a money grab. Those assholes are money hungry and already have enough. I’ll take care of that,” Dad says.
I work my jaw at the sound of my father’s voice. I’m still processing the fact that he’s my dad. For eight years he’s been a father to my best friend, but I’ve been starving for a father like him.
I push back my anger as my mother’s voice pulls my attention. She’s getting more pissed by the second. Her accent is starting to show.
“Again, why is my goddaughter suspended?”
“It has all been adding up, but yesterday she broke a boy’s arm. It was off campus but not far and they’re using it against her. Some kid she used to date or something.
“She still won’t tell me much. Her friends stopped by and that’s how I found out what I know.”
I grind my teeth. Matthew Pike is lucky I’m not in the States. Although, I’m considering going back. I look at Jace and he has the same scowl on his face.
“Elijah, pull her from that school. She’s too smart for them anyway. She can handle homeschooling,” Ma bites out.
“Babe, I’ll call you back. Let me talk to Ava for a sec,” Gwen says and ends the call.
