She looks up when she sees me.
Her face is pale, her eyes red from crying.
"Is it over, Papa?” she asks, and I frown.
"Not yet." I cross the room and kneel beside the couch. "But it will be soon." I cup her cheek tenderly and try to reassure her with my expression, but there's no real way to make a child understand to what lengths I'll go to ensure she stays safe.
"I'm scared."
"I know."
I reach out and take her hand.
Her fingers are cold, trembling.
"But you're safe down here—you and your mama. No matter what happens up there, the bad men can't reach you."
Sofia nods and sniffles, and I can tell she's been crying.
"I love you, Papa," she says softly, then wraps her tiny arms around my neck and squeezes.
"I love you too,Tesoro." I kiss her cheek before standing, and Angelica is there, right beside me.
Marta sits next to Sofia while I pull Angelica to the side to try to give her some instructions.
"What if he gets in here?" she says in a panicked tone.
"He won't." I lean forward and press my forehead against hers. "I'll finish this before dawn. I promise."
She searches my face, looking for certainty I'm not sure I can give.
"What if you don't come back?"
"I will." I kiss her forehead tenderly and pour every ounce of strength I have into the words I say. "Trust me. I will end this, and I will come back to you."
I stand and turn to Marta.
"Lock the door behind me. Don't open it for anyone except me or Enzo. Understood?"
"Yes, sir."
I leave the safe room and climb the stairs.
The door closes behind me, and I hear the lock engage.
They're as protected as they can be for now, and I have to take my own advice and trust that they'll be okay.
And that I'll be able to come back to them.
I return to the main hall where Rico and Enzo are waiting.
The map is still spread across the table, marked with positions and patrol routes.
"Antonelli's forces are moving," Rico says. "They're two blocks out now, closing in."
I check my watch. 11:54 p.m. Six minutes until midnight.
"Get everyone in position," I order. "Snipers on the roof. Patrols ready. If Antonelli wants a war, we'll give him one."
