He was young and brave, and he wanted to fight.
I didn’t want to tell him the truth…
But I had to.
Because it was the only argument hemightlisten to.
“If you go out there… I’m afraid I’m going to lose you,” I said, my voice breaking.
Val glanced up from his watch for the first time since Rachel had left.
He looked surprised. Then he saw my face, and his expression softened. “I can’t ask Rachel and our guys to fight for me if I’m not willing to fight for myself.”
Shit.
What was I supposed to say to that?
Val glanced at his watch again.
“Three minutes are up,” he announced, then turned back to our foot soldiers. “Anybody who’s coming with me, grab a gun and let’s go.”
As the men slung bags of ammunition across their shoulders, Val turned to Caterina. Tears were streaming down her face.
“Don’t go,” she whispered.
“I have to,” he whispered back. “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” she sobbed, and they kissed.
I stood there feeling helpless –
And then, suddenly, Roberto gave Mei-ling a passionate kiss.
They’d been off by themselves, talking quietly. I hadn’t paid them any attention –
Until now.
Because Roberto was carrying an assault rifle, too.
“What the fuck are you doing?!” I asked as he walked past me.
“Val’s right,” Roberto said grimly, “and you know it.”
“You’re theaccountant!”I shouted.
“Today I’ve got to be more,” he answered simply.
I glanced at Mei-ling.
She looked scared –
But she wasn’t trying to hold him back.
Valentino grinned and clapped Roberto’s shoulder proudly. They shared a silent look for a second –
And then Valentino led the charge up the steps.
Roberto and our foot soldiers followed him.
