“The girl?” I asked through clenched teeth, changing the subject.
“She’ll be returned when you do your part.”
Wrong answer. The rifle wasn’t even fully assembled when I chambered a round, flipped it, and shoved the cold metal under Frankie’s chin before he could react. The SUV jerked violently, its tyres screeching, as his youngest son aimed his gun at my head, his hands shaking. The older one fought the wheel, grinding his teeth to regain control, then met his father’s gaze in the rear-view mirror.
“Keep driving,” Frankie commanded, remaining motionless.
“I want proof the girl is back where she belongs, or I’ll kill you instead of Joey,” I said, my voice deadly steady. “I’m dying anyway, so I have nothing to lose.”
A grin twitched at his lips, and I shoved the gun higher, forcing his chin up. “Touché, Aiani.” He nodded at Atlas, who pulled out a burner phone, typed, then turned the screen to me to show that he’d sent Neri’s location to Alessio.
“Not good enough.”
Frankie nodded again, and Atlas shoved his phone in my face, showing the email he’d just sent requesting photo confirmation once he had her back safely.
“Let’s hope this doesn’t take too long. Or my fingers might slip,” I said, keeping the gun poised beneath Frankie’s chin, my finger on the trigger. Atlas kept his pointed at me, and I smiled coldly at the boy’s unsteady aim. “You’ll do well at my estate. My cousin, Teron, will train that shake right out of you.”
“He learns quickly. I’ve always admired Italian efficiency. He’ll thrive in Italy. Too bad you won’t be around to see it,” Frankie said. “I’m surprised you offered up your family's legacy so quickly.”
“When you're dead, legacy means nothing.”
“True,” he agreed.
“Talk me through Joey’s place. I need height.”
“Joey doesn’t leave his estate. He’s too paranoid. Too many of your spies everywhere. I’ll get you through the gates, but the rest is up to you. If his men catch you, you’ll be shot on sight.”
“I won’t be seen. Not until it’s too late.”
“Let’s hope so. The end of this brutal war rests on you making that shot.”
The car stopped a distance away from Frankie’s enormous American mansion, its high fortress gates shielding the property from view. I’d be going in blind, having to think on my feet, but fuck it. I always worked better under pressure.
We waited another twenty minutes until Fabi responded with a picture of him holding Neri. She was smiling and unharmed. My lungs started functioning again. I withdrew the gun from under Frankie’s chin. He rubbed the sensitive flesh while I went back to checking the gun.
“Joey’s a creature of habit. He gets up at five am sharp and always takes his morning coffee in the courtyard before meeting me.”
I checked my watch. I had twenty-six minutes until he awoke.
“In the north wing, there’s a third-floor balcony off his office overlooking the courtyard. That’s where you’ll want to be. Guards patrol on a rotating basis. Camera blind spots are the left lawn and the marble columns. Expect at least four soldiers in the courtyard with him. Once we’re inside, you're on your own. You’ll get no help from me.”
“Wouldn’t expect anything less.”
He smirked. “Get in the trunk.”
We climbed out, and Frankie popped the hood while I strapped the rifle to my back, holstered my handgun under my hoodie, and kept a knife in hand. I climbed into the dark space as Frankie peered down at me.
“Joey’s security knows my car. You won’t exist unless I open this trunk. Don’t make a sound.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
He slammed the hood shut, and I was plunged into darkness. I focused on each breath, keeping my heartbeat steady and slipping into a headspace that blocked out all emotion. Everything came down to moments now. Every decision. Every action. It was the difference between failure and success.
The car moved. Gravel crunched under the tyres as we slowly drove up the estate. Muffled voices outside barked orders. The motion smoothed as we rolled onto a stone path. Then the car stopped.
I closed my eyes, clicked my neck and pushed away fear. Only adrenaline was welcome.
The trunk opened, and Frankie gave me a stern nod, his eyes scanning his surroundings, on high alert. There was no smirking or sarcasm now, only tension. He had just as much riding on this as I did.
