I don’t want to get tangled in some cryptic game, but I have no other leads and nothing to lose right now.
I force myself to eat while thinking about my terrifying husband and how I need to get out of here before my resolve completely shatters.
ALLIE
Ican’t stop thinking about the note while I feed Rosie breakfast the next morning. It was hard going to sleep beside Mass knowing someone was trying to contact me. I turned my back on him and tried to close my eyes, but the whole night was fitful and I didn’t get great rest.
Now I’m dragging like crazy.
Who could possibly have access to me in this place?
There are probably hundreds of people working here. I remember Mass mentioned something about a resort next door, which probably has dozens more. It’s possible the Five Families snuck some kind of spy among all those people, and now they’re trying to get me out of here.
But why would they take such a risk?
That thought keeps bothering me. I’m not all that important. My father probably wants to help me, and I’m sure my brothers are losing their minds. Mama’s probably worried, but it’s not like she has any power over this stuff.
I’m a nobody. I’m not worth starting a war with a Dragon.
But maybe his daughter is.
The idea chills me deeply. Mass kidnapped me because of Rosie, and now I feel like she might be the reason the Five Families want to get me out of here. Maybe they think they can use her against him in one of their endless power struggles.
Even if that’s true, does it change anything?
I still want to get off this island.
I’m deeply worried when the phone starts to ring. I yelp in surprise. Rosie’s crawling on the floor, looking happy and content after eating. She’s playing with a bunch of plushies and trying to cruise around the couch. I tuck her into the playpen to make sure she’s safe before heading into the kitchen to answer.
“Hello, Allie, and good morning.” I recognize Satya’s voice. “I’m actually calling on behalf of Mr. Cardone. He requests your presence in his office.”
I frown and glance back at Rosie. “I’m a little busy.”
“Don’t you worry about the darling girl. I’ll be up to watch her for you.”
“No, thanks. Tell Mass I’m not available.”
There’s a short beat. Satya lets out a sigh. “I’m afraid that’s not an option. But don’t worry. We’ll gather some things, and we can bring the darling girl with us. Does that sound good?”
No, it does not sound good at all, but I clearly don’t have much of a choice. “Give me ten minutes to get dressed.”
“See you then!”
Rosie squirmsin my arms as I follow Satya down endless corridors. She tries to give me a tour as we walk, but the place is too overwhelming. “Why does all this exist just for one man?”
Satya laughs lightly. Nothing seems to faze her. I’m actually starting to warm to her, which is probably a bad thing.
“Wonderful question. Most of it isn’t for Mass, actually. His empire is very large and includes many moving pieces. He can’t watch over it all at once, and so the most important members stay here. Imagine it like a big office.”
“An office filled with criminals.”
“Exactly! A crime office.” She chuckles, and it makes me smile despite myself. “Mass can easily access any part of his operation by simply calling someone to him. It’s very streamlined and efficient.”
“Did he dream this place up?”
“I suspect he’s the reason we’re far out on a remote island. But I have a hunch the rest is thanks to Lucy.”
“She’s that woman, right? The tall pretty one?”
