I Have Questions

(SASHA)

I shift in the bed, expecting pain, but I find it bearable. I don't like the heavy feeling in my head from the painkillers, though.

"Any advice for the other thorns in my side? It's been a long time since I've had someone I could trust to ask."

Santino's smile dies away.

"That's not exactly true, though, Boss. Is it? You have plenty of advisors."

I stare at the knitted blanket stretched out over my legs and wonder why I feel like I've disappointed him. "I thought the same, Santino. And I really thought Fontana was the guy to replace you as Underboss."

He stays silent until I look over at him. "Tell me."

"Tell you what?"

"What you're thinking. That I'm wrong? That I fucked up?"

He gives a small, grim laugh. "You don't need me to tell you that."