In a Hail of Bullets

Chapter 6

Gerard sat on the bed for what seemed like forever before the boredom got to him. He was far too scared to venture out of the room and down the hall to the room with the books, but this place was starting to make him crazy. Frank had a TV but Gerard couldn't find the remote and he really didn't want to be caught shuffling through Franks stuff.

Instead of succumbing to the boredom, Gerard began to take in the pictures and paintings on the wall. There was a large painting of a woman with long dark hair. Gerard found himself lost in the brush strokes and color mixes. Next to that was a black and white photo of a man and woman standing with the Statue of Liberty in the distance. Below that was a picture of a chunky little baby with a toothless grin.

Gerard smiled at all of the photos. On the next walk there were more paintings, things like sunsets and flowers. Even one that looked a little like the garden in Franks backyard. Gerard scanned every painting but never found the signature of the artist and he began to wonder how Frank acquired these.

His thoughts were interrupted by a light tapping on the bedroom door. In walked Jeanie, carrying a silver tray.

"Mr Iero said you might be hungry" she said softly while setting the tray and opening a plate cover, revealing a heaping pile of steaming spaghetti, with what looked like a homemade breadstick on the side. Gerard's stomach suddenly grumbled violently.

"I-I-I am" he stuttered with a slight smile.

"I'm sorry it isn't much, everyone ate a few hours ago but I figured you deserved a good meal after ... your night". She said with a sad tone. Gerard stopped listening when he saw a light dusting of Parmesan cheese and slowly made his way back to the bed.

"When you're finished just leave it on the night stand I'll pick it up later" Jeanie said brightly as she turned and left, closing the door softly. Gerard wasted no time to dig right in. He was certain he was making a mess all over his face but he was also certain he didn't give a fuck.

In devouring the plate in what could have been record time, he went into the attached bathroom and washed his face. By the time he had come back, a familiar short man was making his way into the room.

"Hey Gee" he said softly.

"That took you forever Frankie" Gerard pouted playfully. Frank smiled. Even after everything he experienced that night, Gerard could still keep his sense of humor.

"Frankie?" Gerard asked hesitantly. "Would you ... would you tell me what is going on?" Frank sighed. He didn't want to. He wanted to continue living in an ignorant bliss forever with the boy he loved. But after everything that happened tonight, he owed Gerard at least a partial explanation.

"Well what do you want to know" Frank inquired as he sat on the bed motioning for Gerard to join him.

"Everything." Frank sighed again.

"Ok love. My name is Frank Iero, and I am the leader of the Iero mafia family" he said. Gerard audibly gasped. I mean it was pretty obvious at this point that yes Frank was in the mob, but hearing it come from his own mouth was unreal.

"How?" Gerard found himself whispering.

"Well, my father was the leader until he ... until he died. And so it was only natural I take his place".

"How did he die?" Gerard asked gently. They talked about Gerard's mother and her illness but never about Frank.

"He was ... assassinated."

"And your mom?"

"She was killed in a car accident. A suspected assassination". Frank said sadly.

"So you truly are alone" Gerard said in sad realization.

"Not really. I have Ray. And Jeanie, she's known me since I was young. In this life, death is a large part. That's why you live every day the best you can" Frank crooned as he rested his hand on top of Gerard's.

"So then why my father?"

"John is ... not a friend. I have it on good authority that John has stolen some... merchandise from me. As you can imagine, that doesn't sit well. So I sent my men to check in with him, see what he knew."

Gerard looked confused. "My father isn't a thief" he said matter of factly. Frank stifled a chuckle. "No I mean it" Gerard continued. "My father raised me with good values, don't lie, cheat or steal".

"I'm sorry Gee" Frank said again as he tried to refrain from full on laughing. "Your father is in the mafia too. Lying, cheating and stealing is our business".

"You saw him take your stuff?" Gerard asked.

"Well, no. But I have a warehouse with excellent surveillance and we saw some of his... acquaintances stealing."

"Well if you didn't see him how come you're blaming him"

Frank pinched the bridge of his nose. "Gee, baby, it really isn't as simple as all that. It's very complicated. Just know this, I never accuse someone of anything without proof".

After a few moments of silence, Gerard spoke up again.

"Have you ever killed anybody?"

Frank hesitated. He definitely didn't want to answer this, but he promised Gerard honesty.

"I don't think you want to know the answer to that" Frank said lowly. Gerard found himself a little frightened yet still oddly safe. Frank had never pressured him or threatened him. Hell he never even raised his voice. Frank may have been a cold blooded mafia killer but Frankie was sweet and soft and he was Gerard's whole world.

"You won't kill my father will you?" He asked barely above a whisper.

Frank didn't want to lie, but he needed to end this conversation now. He left it at a simple "no". If he had his way, Gerard would think it was a freak accident. The couple fell into another small silence.

"Come on, baby" Frank said as he pulled Gerard back gently towards the pillows. "Let's get some sleep. I'm taking you to the mall tomorrow to buy whatever you want"

Gerard blushed and smiled a little. Frank was always spoiling him, doting on him. Gerard didn't need anything but if it meant spending the day with Frank he would go.

That night, under the soft covers, the two men held each other close, feeling like emotionally they had never been closer. Here were no secrets. No super big major ones anyway. Frank had his boy and that was all he ever wanted.

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I had a shit day, so here is a shit chapter for ya. I hate filler chapters but, meh. They're necessary. Anyway. Hope all is well 😁