We fall silent as the city lights flash by, both scanning the streets for any sign we're being followed. I keep checking backwards, my heart jumping each time headlights appear behind us.
When we finally reach our drop-off point, Lucrezia throws cash at the driver and we hurry through side streets and alleyways until we reach Scarlett's building.
"Fifth floor," I tell Lucrezia as we take the stairs instead of the elevator. By the time we reach Scarlett's door, we're both breathing hard.
I knock three times, then twice more—our signal since college.
The door swings open, and Scarlett stands there in sweatpants and a hospital scrub top, her red hair piled messily on top of her head. Her eyes widen as she takes in my disheveled appearance and Lucrezia standing nervously behind me.
"Oh my God," she breathes.
"Can we come in?" I ask, my voice cracking.
She pulls me into her apartment, quickly checking the hallway before shutting and locking the door behind us.
"What happened?" she demands, but before I can answer, she's pulling me into a fierce hug.
The moment her arms wrap around me, something breaks inside. Tears I've been holding back since Damiano confronted me spill over, and I'm sobbing against her shoulder.
"I've missed you so much," I choke out between sobs.
"I've been worried sick," Scarlett says, her own voice thick with tears.
We cling to each other like lifelines while Lucrezia stands awkwardly to the side, arms wrapped protectively around herself.
I slam the front door behind me, my rage still boiling just below the surface. Enzo and Alessio follow close behind, neither saying a word. They know better than to speak when I'm like this.
"Ginerva!" I call out, my voice echoing through the foyer.
The older woman appears almost instantly, her eyes widening slightly at whatever she sees on my face.
"Tell Lucrezia to meet me in my office. Now." The words come out sharp, clipped.
"Yes, Don Feretti," she says, hurrying away with quick, efficient steps.
I stalk toward my office, Enzo and Alessio still trailing me like shadows.
"You should calm down before speaking to Lucrezia," Enzo suggests quietly.
I whirl on him. "Don't tell me to calm down. Not now."
"We don't know if Lucrezia knows anything."
"We'll find out soon enough," I mutter, pushing open my office door.
I pour myself a whiskey while we wait, downing it in one burning swallow. The alcohol does nothing to dull the betrayal cutting through me.
The minutes stretch on. I pace the room, checking my watch repeatedly.
"What the fuck is taking so long?" I snap.
As if summoned by my words, Ginerva appears in the doorway, her normally composed face showing clear distress.
"I cannot find Signorina Lucrezia anywhere in the house, Don Feretti," she says, wringing her hands. "I've checked her bedroom, the studio, the kitchen..."
"What do you mean you can't find her?" My voice drops dangerously low.
Before Ginerva can answer, heavy footsteps sound in the hallway. Samuel appears, his face flushed, breathing hard.
