The thought hits me as we navigate through Rome's industrial sprawl while I stare at my phone, willing it to ring with useful intelligence.
"Pull over," I say suddenly.
"Boss?"
"Pull over. I need to think."
Matteo finds a deserted parking area behind a closed factory. I get out, pacing in the shadows while my mind works through the tactical reality we're facing.
Torretti is a professional. He has security, resources, established protocols. His facility is a fortress, his transport will be heavily protected, and he's expecting us to come. Every advantage is his.
But Alessandro Rossi?
Alessandro is a businessman who thinks money solves everything. He's sitting in his villa right now, probably celebrating the successful elimination of his family's problem. Feeling safe. Feeling clever.
"Change of plans," I announce, getting back in the car.
"What kind of change?"
"We're not chasing Torretti. We're going after the man who hired him to make sure Camilla disappeared, one way or the other." I pull out my phone, scrolling through contacts. "Alessandro thinks he's won. Time to show him exactly what he's started."
Matteo's eyes light up with understanding. "Go after the client instead of the contractor."
"Exactly. Torretti's a professional, but Alessandro's an amateur playing in a game he doesn't understand." I find the number I'm looking for and dial. "Sergio? It's Renato. I need everything you have on Alessandro Rossi's current location."
"The old man? What kind of information?"
"Residence addresses, office locations, security details, daily routine. Everything." I check my watch. "And I need it in twenty minutes."
"That's fast work for detailed intel—"
"Then you'd better start now. And Sergio? This is worth triple your usual fee if you deliver fast and accurate."
I hang up and turn to Matteo. "Alessandro hired Torretti. Which means he might can call him off. We just need to persuade him."
"And if he refuses?"
"He won't refuse. Not after I explain the situation properly." I lean back in the seat, planning. "Alessandro wanted to solve his problem with money and hired muscle. He's about to learn what happens when you come after her."
My phone buzzes. Sergio.
"I've got preliminary information on Alessandro Rossi."
"Go."
"He's currently at his private villa outside Rome. Via Appia Antica, gated estate. Security is tighter than expected. Four guards on rotation, comprehensive camera system, panic room in the master suite. He's been nervous lately, beefed up protection."
No shit. He's expecting trouble. Not from me specifically, but he knows he's made enemies.
"Current status?"
"Home for the evening. Wife is visiting relatives in Naples. Household staff live off-site except for a housekeeper and cook who have private quarters in the back wing. Guards are ex-military, professional."
Not ideal, but manageable. "Send me the address and layout details."
"Already done. Check your email."
I open the files he sent. Satellite images, security assessments, floor plans from a renovation three years ago. The security is better than I hoped, but there are still vulnerabilities.
