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Luca laughed, pushing Sal away. “It’s hardly the same thing.”
Roman agreed. It was likely semantics to some, but it was a degree of separation they all agreed would always be there. Luca had never killed anyone, and if Roman had his way, he never would. Even in situations like the witness, Luca was given all the details, and he had the final say about whether he would use his computer skills to essentially send someone to their death. When Luca said no, Roman respected it. The instance of the witness was a private contract Roman had taken for Morrigan from a father looking for the murderer of his beloved daughter. Luca had taken one look at the file and agreed to find the asshole’s new identity. Morrigan was out executing him as they spoke.
“And what do you mean, killing two doctors in one day? I thought you were letting Dr. Gaines go,” Luca said with a frown.
“On the contrary. I have him scheduled for decapitation after lunch,” Roman responded mildly.
“Roman. Not funny,” Luca scolded.
“Do you see me laughing? His negligence almost cost you your life,” Roman fired back.
Luca sighed and stood up. “He made a mistake.”
“One that almost killed you,” Roman pointed out, not moved in the slightest by his brother’s doe eyes. Luca moved in for a hug and Roman wrapped his arms around him, being careful not to squeeze too tightly. His eyes met Salvatore’s across the room and a wealth of understanding moved between them.
Luca pulled back, saying, “You’ve had him locked up for a month already. It’s time to shit or get off the pot, big bro.”
Roman snorted humorously. Dr. Gaines was locked up on the top floor. But not in any of the interrogation rooms, nor was he chained to the wall in the main area. He was imprisoned in what amounted to a fancy, private cell. He had his own kitchen and bathroom, a bed and a sofa. He even had a TV.
Roman had gone back and forth on what to do about him for the past month. On the one hand, he had been a good doctor to them for the past ten years. As good as a doctor was when they took money for looking the other way. He was greedy and self-centered, with a nasty gambling habit. One Roman secretly continued to help feed. Sometimes money wasn’t enough to keep a man loyal. But addiction? That won every time. Roman simply ensured the doctor took a few heavy hits every couple of months, making Roman’s money very much needed, which kept the doctor’s mouth firmly shut. It was known within certain circles that he was their physician, so it also guaranteed the man some protection.
Overall, Dr. Gaines had done a decent job of patching up their hurts. He was trained in general medicine and not a surgeon, let alone a trauma surgeon like Dr. Angela Hawthorne. But he had been sufficient to diagnose concussions and stitch knife wounds. Unfortunately, he had become complacent over recent months. And misdiagnosing Luca had been the final nail in his coffin.
“I’ll speak with him now,” Roman told Luca.
“Great.” Luca smiled winningly. He held out his hand to Salvatore, who allowed himself to be dragged to the door. But he did hesitate on the threshold.
“Need me?” Sal questioned.
Roman shook his head. “All good, Sal. Go with Luca.” Salvatore raised his chin in response, leaving the door open behind him as he trailed Luca. Roman was already standing, so he figured he’d take his brother’s advice. “I’ll head to the top floor now.”
“I’ll come with you,” Abel offered.
“Are you sure? You’re sick,” Roman said.
Abel rolled his eyes. “It’s just some spots. They’re itchy and look to be spreading. But that’s it. I don’t feel sick.”
Roman shrugged. “Fine.” He didn’t know much about chickenpox, just that it was usually a childhood illness. He made a mental note to google it later.
They rode the elevator in silence, Roman watching as Abel scratched his chest and arms. He spoke briefly with the men stationed outside Dr. Gaines’s door before knocking once to announce his presence. Opening the door, he found the older man sitting on the couch watching reruns of MacGyver.
“Your services are no longer needed,” he stated, getting straight to the point.
Dr. Gaines jumped up, looking panicked. “Please, Mr. Romano. I’ve been good to you. Loyal. I—”
“You have been,” Roman interrupted, uninterested in begging. “Which is the only reason why you’re walking out of here today.”
“You’re letting me go?” Dr. Gaines asked, shocked.
“You’re free to go. But...” Roman added, staring at the older man. “You are not a free man. And you never will be. You will always be my man. Do you understand?”
“Of course, Mr. Romano. I would never betray you,” he said quickly, looking so relieved he could yet cry.
Roman was unmoved. He was also unconvinced. “Here are the rules. You never speak about what you have seen and heard over the years. You remain loyal even though you are no longer our physician. You do not so much as mention my name. If anyone asks you about me, you contact me immediately.” He stared at the doctor hard. “You’ve seen what I can do. You don’t want to be on the receiving end of that.”
“Of course. Of course!” Dr. Gaines practically yelled. “Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Romano. I didn’t mean for your brother—”
“I’d not mention Luca if I were you,” Abel advised, glaring at the man from his impressive height.
