Chapter 61: The Package
The aroma of simmering marinara sauce filled the cozy kitchen as Abby deftly ladled steaming pasta onto plates, her brow furrowing in concern as she glanced at the clock for the umpteenth time. Tony sat at the table, a crease of worry etched into his brow as he absently twirled his fork.
"Any word from Remo yet?" Abby’s voice was tinged with unease as she set a plate of pasta in front of Tony.
Tony shook his head, his eyes clouded with uncertainty. "Not yet. He said he had some business to take care of, but he should be back soon."
Just as the words left Tony’s lips, the heavy click of the front door echoed through the house, signaling Remo’s return. Abby’s heart skipped a beat as she rushed to greet him, her eyes scanning his form for any signs of trouble.
Remo entered the kitchen, his presence commanding yet tinged with weariness. Abby’s gaze lingered on him, noting the faint smudges of dirt on his clothes and the telltale signs of exhaustion etched into his features.
"Remo, you’re back," Abby exclaimed, her voice tinged with relief. "Is everything alright? You look like you’ve been through hell."
Remo offered her a reassuring smile, though it failed to reach his eyes. "I took care of business," he replied cryptically, his voice betraying none of the turmoil beneath the surface.
Abby’s eyes narrowed as she noticed a small smudge of blood on Remo’s sleeve, her concern mounting. "Remo, you’re bleeding," she gasped, reaching out to inspect the wound.
Remo gently pushed her hand away, his expression grim. "It’s not mine," he murmured, his voice heavy with implication.