Chapter 2 - The Missed Dose
As Nina’s tiny hands poured the warm, lavender-scented water over Massimo’s feet, a violent shockwave ripped through his nervous system.
It wasn't pain. It was a tingle.
For 180 days, Massimo had felt absolutely nothing below his waist. His legs had been heavy, dead weight. But right now, he could feel the exact temperature of the water. He could feel the soft pressure of the little girl’s hands.
Massimo’s heart slammed against his ribs, but his years of mafia training kicked in instantly. He didn't gasp. He didn't move a single muscle. His facial micro-expressions remained a mask of cold, depressed indifference.
His brilliant mind began racing at a million miles an hour. Why today? Why right now?
Then, he remembered yesterday afternoon.
Dr. Julian Hale, his highly paid private physician, had come for his daily checkup. The doctor had fumbled with his pill bottle, dropping the medication. Not wanting to look clumsy, Dr. Hale had quickly handed Massimo a generic painkiller instead, promising to bring the proper "nerve-healing" pills the next day.
Massimo had missed exactly one dose of his specialized medication. And just twenty-four hours later, his legs were waking up.
"Nina," Massimo said, his voice terrifyingly calm and low.
The little girl looked up, her dark eyes wide and innocent.
"Yesterday, when the doctor was here," Massimo whispered so Dean and Camille couldn't hear. "Did you see him drop anything?"
Nina gave a tiny nod. She reached her wet hand into the pocket of her faded cotton dress.
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"I found his white candy," Nina whispered proudly. "I saved it for you."
👉 What will Massimo discover when he looks at the pill in the child's hand?
