17. Blood for blood

"You were a bit harsh on him, don't you think?" Dominick's voice brought an unexpected sense of comfort. While we would never be close friends, he understood the challenges I faced more than most.

"Perhaps. Lately, I've been questioning everything. I thought you would have returned to New York."

Dominick moved closer, acknowledging Carlo with a respectful nod before wincing as he glanced through the glass. "I had a feeling you might need some assistance. The word on the street isn't favorable, my friend." He spoke softly, choosing his words carefully as hospital staff passed by in the long hallway.

"I suppose we'll see. What have you heard?"

He cast a cautious look over his shoulder before guiding me into my father's room. The sound of the machines filled the air, creating a rumble in my chest and a hiss in my throat. At least we had some privacy here.

As a gesture of reverence, Dominick approached my father's bed and made the sign of the cross in the customary Catholic manner. I