The church was set up beautifully, just as I knew it would be. For safety purposes, I’d suggested changing the location to the Ritz, but Vicki wouldn't hear of it. She’d always envisioned getting married where our parents had, and I couldn't take that away from her. For a brief moment in time, I was able to put aside the rest of the world while I stood up for my best friend and my sister.
Then we had to drive to another venue for the reception, and that was where my anxiety flared. If the Lombardis and Matteo Franco wanted to take us out, our convoy would give them the perfect opportunity. At the very least, I managed to convince everyone that we needed not just extra security, but decoy vehicles, too. When we finally made it to the fancy venue with the breathtaking views of the city, I managed to relax a fraction.
I was still suspicious that they were planning something, but I kept my thoughts to myself.
Mr. and Mrs. Giovanni Bianchi had just been introduced for the first time when I felt my phone vibrate from inside my tuxedo jacket. I was concerned that one of the guards would try to contact me first in case of an emergency, so I’d refused to put it on silent.
By the time I fished it out of my inner pocket, it had sent the caller to voicemail. As I checked the number on the call log, I nearly swallowed my tongue.
Though I’d deleted her contact information, I knew that number by heart. What in God’s name would make Sailor want to call me, and on the day of the wedding? Surely, she knew I was in the middle of something.
My stomach had yet to settle when I saw the incoming text at the top of the screen. With my blood turning to ice, I spun to search through the crowd. I needed my father, I needed Roman, and maybe I also needed every single one of the guards we’d hand-picked to be at the service.
All I could find was my new brother-in-law, and the last thing I wanted to do was ruin his day. He held Vicki close as the song they’d chosen for their first dance played over the speakers, and they swayed over the dance floor. My tie began constricting me, and my impatience mounted as they gazed into each other’s eyes.
“Noah? Why are you frantically searching the crowd?”
Finally. Turning to see Dad behind me, I grabbed his sleeve and pulled him away from the guests.
“I just got a text from Sailor.”
“That’s fantastic!”
“Wait,” I barked before he could go all exuberant matchmaker on me. “She says Matteo has her and that he’s planning on a prisoner exchange where I die in the process.”
His smile disappeared, and his expression became dead serious. “Ask her if she knows anything about the whereabouts of the location.” As soon as he gave me the orders, he pulled his own phone from his pocket and dialed.
Tuning him out as he called for backup, I returned Sailor’s text.
If you’re able to, call me again.
I moved out of the main room, finding a quiet hallway leading to the bathrooms. Immediately, my phone vibrated with a call.
“Sailor.”
Just saying her name wrecked me in a way I didn't think was possible anymore. I’d tried so hard to push the memories to the back of my mind where they belonged so I could be present for the wedding, but I’d clearly failed if the panic crawling up the back of my throat was any indication.
“I don’t know how long this will last,” she said, sounding far away. “They took my phone, so I’m using my watch while the two are still connected.”
Instead of asking for the location as my father instructed, I asked the more important question. “Did he hurt you?”
“No. He seems to think he can use me as his pawn, and he’s unhinged, but he hasn't hurt me.”
“Do you know where you are?”
She sighed over the speaker. “All I know is that it’s a big white house with blue shutters. He has a high stone wall and lots of security.”
Well, yeah, we all did. “In other words, I’ll probably have to wait for him to reach out to me.”
“Assuming they aren't staring at my phone screen right now, seeing that we’re talking, then yeah. But, listen.”
While I waited to see what she would say, I paced up and down the hallway.
“Don’t do this. I’m not worth it. I think he just wants to keep me away from the Costa family. And, you know, we’ve already solved that dilemma.”
“Sailor.”
I couldn't go on. There were plenty of things I wanted to say to her, but we didn't have time.
