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ing calls to my calendar If I’m stuck here in San Francisco for a while, I’ll work et into a position to do better later on Dante’s million would have made that easier, but I can’t do this anymore

I keep nervously checking the clock I don’t kno I’ to present it to him I can tell him I’rand for three weeks in a ain, especially considering how much time I spent on my knees and my back

Okay Maybe I shouldn’t add that last part

I’lance at it and see that it’s Pops’ nu as a housekeeper for souy while he had people in town Kinda, sorta close enough, I guess

“Heya, Pops,” I answer, forcing cheerfulness into my voice

“Hey, kiddo How’s the job going?” He sounds different, wrong Still the usual war somehow Kind of muffled

My stomach sinks, twists “Are you okay?”

“Fine I’

“Pops, what is it? Are you sick? Do you need me to come home?”

“No No, no, sweetheart I’m fine You worry too much,” he chides

“Pops I can hear it in your voice So,” I say softly “What is it?”

He doesn't answer for a ostino sent a few of his guys over here A little reminder that he wants his money before the first of the month”

“Pops,” I whisper

“I’hed me up a little, that’s all Black eye, fat lip I’m okay”