“You just buried your career, Jimmy boy. And as far as that woman. That woman could run rings around you with her eyes closed and her arms tied behind her back. That woman is intelligent, articulate, incredibly kind, and extremely brave. As opposed to you, a man who decided to toss aside his morals for a chance at fame and glory. If you want to come at me with your bullshit and lies, that’s fine, but stay away from Valentina Sciascia. She’s far too damn good for a worthless son of a bitch like you. I’ll see you in court.”
“Whoa,” Gabriel snarled, interfering at the perfect moment. “What the fuck is going on here, gentlemen?”
A few people had noticed, crowding closer.
As my buddy moved beside us, I smiled and let go of the piece of garbage. “Not much. Just having a little disagreement.” I wasn’t pissed that he’d threatened me. That’s what I’d wanted. However, the fact he knew all about Valentina meant the danger was much higher than even I’d realized.
He shoved me off, stepping aside and was ready to issue another threat when he realized we suddenly had an audience. Half laughing, he flashed his signature smile. “Just a disagreement. I assure you it’s nothing more.”
As I walked away, I stood where I was. When Gabriel opened his mouth to say something, I pressed my finger across my lips. His brows lifted, but I waited until James was out of sight before pulling out my phone.
Gabriel glanced down at what I was doing, waiting until the red light was off. “You slick willy, you. You chided him and recorded the whole thing. And what you said to him was perfect. You could see the steam coming from his ears.” He laughed, dropping and shaking his head.
“Why is it everyone seems to underestimate me?”
Before the screen went black, I realized I had a message.
“Never again, my man, the judge.” He laughed until he noticed my face. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s Valentina.” My instincts told me something was very wrong. Immediately, I scanned the area. My gut was never wrong.
The voicemail was clipped, her voice riddled with terror. “Hudson. They’re dead. All of them are… They’re dead. I’m trying to get away.”
What the fuck?
Gabriel leaned in.
I could hear Bella in the background. I couldn’t tell if she was laughing or crying. There was no doubt they were in a vehicle.
“I think I lost them. I’m on my way to you at the press conference. I don’t know where else to go.”
Her call ended abruptly. The call came in almost exactly when I hit record. That meant she was still ten minutes or so out.
“What is going on?” Gabriel demanded.
“The officers are dead. Valentina is on her way here.” I spun around in a circle, paying attention to the comings and goings of the crowd.
“What in the hell?”
“Contact the others. She’s got a tail on her and she’s coming here. I need backup, buddy.”
“You got it.”
As I dialed her number, I jogged closer to the parking area. Given the press conference was over, there was a lot of traffic exiting the area and the news crews had yet to leave. With the amount of commotion, I doubted anyone would dare try to take out a witness here.
That didn’t mean they wouldn’t get to her before she made it.
“Hudson,” she breathed.
As soon as I heard her voice, another round of rage broke through the surface. “Are you okay?”
“Uh-huh. I think so.” She was rattled but doing a damn good job of keeping it together.
“Where are you?”
“Um. Nearing the Eighth Street exit.”
“How many men were at the house?”
