After the "meeting" in my office, Rico was taken to his new room on the farthest end of the house from mine. Anna promised me that she would get information out of him. His brother's just a kid, maybe 13 years old, he can't go long on his own. He can't even buy a train ticket to get out of town if he realizes that his brother disappeared. 

Rico will have to tell us where Eduardo is. He has no other choice.

Anyone that comes in or out of this town does so under my supervision, I have eyes and ears at the state border. If his father coes to get him, Eduardo won't make it past the city lines. Rico knows it. The only reason they made it into town in the first place is because Homero has made it a top priority to keep their faces a secret.

My father was quite different in his tactics, he took me to his every meeting, every verdict and every execution. He wanted me to be a part of this business from the get go and see everything that would be mine one day to witness and to commit and do. He planned for me to be a queen from the moment the doctor told him it was a girl. He wanted me to be the first female leader of the Angels ever. Most people in the mafia business wait for a son but my father saw how hard my mother's giving birth to me was and knew it wouldn't happen again.

I was meant to be his only heir.

Then Joseph was born. A beautiful, handsome baby boy who stole all of our hearts from the moment he opened his perfect baby blues. For his whole 2 months on this planet he was the epitome of perfection.

I realized where my thoughts had gone and wiped the invisible tears from my face before walking to the liquor cabinet and pouring myself a glass of Jack Daniels. Joseph is gone, mom and dad are gone. It's just me. I have to accept that. A new thought crossed my mind. 

Katie, that little girl from yesterday. I did this to her. I took her mother and father away and gave her a substitute parent. 

I know that I shouldn't have thoughts like this. It's not my fault though, no one ever taught me to be heartless. No one took away my conscience. Most of the times I'm cruel and cold, but every now and then there's an issue with my thought train. I can't stand hurting children. I can't ruin their lives. I just... can't.

"Q, can you come up for a minute," I said through the phone after dialing his number. 

He'll understand.

"Yeah, just give me a second. I've got Rose's soccer coach on the other line."

"Finish up the call, then. I have something to talk to you about."

When Quinton came up to my office I was on the phone with one of the smaller businesses I employ. He took his seat in front of me and I put up one finger, still listening to the person on the other end. 

"We appreciate your cooperation. I'll send someone over to pick up the papers soon."

I hung up the phone and turned to Quinton.

"Where are Katie and Beth?"

"The girls from the other day? New York, I think. They ditched the city the moment you gave them the chance."

"I talked to the people down at the library about getting them new papers, they're getting them ready right now. Cassidy and Jane Hayes will be moving to a town called New Prague in Minnesota tomorrow. A small apartment will be waiting for them there and Cassidy will start school next week at their elementary school and Jane's going to have a job at a local bar."

He went silent for a moment before deciding on what exactly to say," You've never done this for anyone before."

"No one was a little girl before. You know I don't hurt kids, with just Beth to watch over her the Dragon's will find them in a week," I picked up my glass and took a drink," Plus, Minnesota's one of the best states in the country to raise a family in."

It almost looked like he wanted to say something. He stopped himself before opening his mouth though and simply nodded. 

"I want you to send one of the guards to help them out, the move will be short and quick but it's a move nonetheless. Try to choose a more hospitable one, too, will you? We can't have him frightening the poor girls."

"How long do you assume he'll be gone for?"

"I'd say a week or 2. Send Anna as well, she's good at these sort of things."

"Yes, ma'am."

I gestured for the door, telling him to leave. When he opened it I stopped him and he faced me again.

"Tell Rose that I'll be at her game this weekend."

He smiled at me and nodded before disappearing to find Anna and the guard. I sighed and leaned back in the chair.

His door was locked when I went in to check on him later. I expected it, but this is my house and I have a key for everything. 

There he was, Rico Hernandez in the flesh, laid back on his bed and watching the ceiling. He hadn't used the option of the shower or a change of clothes. He didn't even look at me when I came in and sat down on the chair at the desk. I crossed my arms and stared at him, he still didn't look at me.

"I hope you like the room. It's one of the nicest ones in my house."

Nothing. 

"If there's anything you need, feel free to ask."

Nada.

"New clothes, something to drink, a blanket, your brother..."

Radio silence.

"I know you don't know me, but you should know that I'm not a patient person. I want answers. I want Eduardo Hernandez."

He's ignoring me and I'm getting frustrated.

"If you won't talk to me, then I'll have to have someone else interrogate you. I can guarantee they won't be as kind about it."

Not a single word was said as I made my way to the door, nothing at all when I opened it and no lips moved when I shut it behind me. I let out a sigh and pulled my phone out and dialed Marcus.

"I've done my part, you can come get him now."

"Yes, ma'am. I'll be there right away."

"And, Marcus."

"Yes?"

"Don't forget your medicine bag."