Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
Behind us, five more boats followed, packed with men from the Brotherhood, French, and Harlem Crew.
Our boats were all scattered and far apart. The last thing I wanted to do was give onlookers the impression of a huge naval fleet heading to battle.
I smiled at David. “This will work.”
He beamed. “I do feel good about this plan.”
A flock of seagulls squawked as they flew by us, flapping their white wings. Their yellow beaks were pointed at the crystal blue water, probably searching for fish to eat.
The Italians will be out of the war soon.
I remained at the head of the boat, needing the best view. A salty cool breeze brushed by carrying the scent of fish and seaweed with it.
On my left, David placed several rigs on the end of lines, telling me he probably liked to fish on his off time. Once done, he handed poles to Jean-Pierre who then passed them down to the French.
Whistling, Maxwell sat on the other side of David. He readied his fishing pole and put his line in the water. “I hope I catch something too. Wouldn't that be wild?”
Next to him, Jean-Pierre placed his violin case by his feet and grabbed a fishing pole. “Fresh fish is a good treat at the end of a nice battle. Scilla has some of the best swordfish sandwiches I have ever tasted.”
A low grumbling noise sounded from Giorgio as he pouted on Jean-Pierre's side. Clearly, the Butler was still not pleased to be wearing another man's clothing.
Yet, the Butler's displeasure brought me joy.
Perhaps, that was also why David kept glancing his way and chuckling.
We finish this with the Don.
Relaxing, I took in the sights.
It was a beautiful day. The sea served as a perfect mirror and reflected the cerulean blue of the sky.
I leaned a little over the edge and looked deeper into the water. There was an extraordinary transparency to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Tremendous natural treasures scattered along the bottom and speckled the seabed with a myriad of colors. There was another world down there. Purple, green, and red sponges, starfish, sea lilies, and anemones. Bright colored fish darted around in the water. I even spied some stingrays and small sharks swimming amongst them.
I returned my view to Scilla.
We will be there soon.
My guards barely needed to row. The boat rocked with the rhythm of the shimmering sea and drew us forward as if the universe adorned the mission.
Every few minutes, water splashed against the hull, catching the sunlight and sending a rainbow into the air. I also took that as a positive sign.
I checked my watch.
We were twenty minutes to the Don's house.
Maybe. . .I should see if she is okay.
I pulled out my phone and dialed my mouse.
No response came.
I confirmed that I had cellular service and dialed again.
Nothing.
David leaned my way. “Still no answer from the Mouse?”
Maxwell loudly sighed. “Are you for real, man? Like. . .you're taking pussy whipped to the next level.”
I tried to call Emily again. “No answer.”
David held his fishing pole. “I checked in with Baba earlier. She told me that she planned on giving the Mouse a new reading. Perhaps, that's why she hasn't been answering.”
My nerves stilled. “When do you think it will be done?”
“I am not sure.”
“Hmm.” I considered the new information. “Maybe, I should call Baba.”
“Naw, man. I have an idea.” Maxwell placed his fishing pole to the side, reached over David, and held out his hand. “Give me the phone. I forgot to tell you that Em has a different number with a new code, just in case Fela tracked her.”
“What?” I handed him the phone. “When did this happen?”
Max took the phone and slung it off the boat.
Stunned, I watched my phone soar into the air and then instantly drop into the water with a splash.
Max leaned back in his seat and picked up his pole. “Focus.”
Rage bubbled inside of me. Slowly, I turned his way. “Focus?”
“Focus, man.”
Fast, I rushed up and tried to jump over David to grab Maxwell. My hands yearned to squeeze and break his neck. David quickly grabbed me and kept me back as much as he could.
Maxwell saw me coming and rolled his eyes. “You need to chill the fuck out.”
“Chill out?!”
“It's not like you can't afford another phone.”
I almost got out of David's hold.
Jean-Pierre jumped up and got behind David, further blocking my path.
I pushed against my number one. “Let me go, David!”
“You know I cannot do that.”
The boat violently rocked splashing water inside and knocking some of the poles into the sea.
I roared. “Get over here, Maxwell!”
Ignoring me, Maxwell rushed to get his pole from the sea and grabbed it before it sunk. “Come over for what, man? You don't want these hands.”
I strained against David's hold. The King would not let me go.
“But, Maxwell,” I growled, “I want to focus on you.”