“What do you want?” Enzo was having a hard time controlling his temper.
Vitale chuckled, the sound cold. “You have something that belongs to me.”
Understanding slammed into Enzo, but he played along. “And what might that be?”
“Oh, come now, Enzo. You are many things, but stupid isn’t one of them.” A pause. “Well… except maybe once. You had the opportunity to kill me, and you didn’t.”
“A detail I regret every single day.” It was true. He’d given in to his better angels that day and instantly knew he’d made a mistake.
The laugh that followed was low and cruel.
Enzo gritted his teeth. “What is it you think I have?”
A long-suffering sigh came down the line. “That stupid, ugly little statue has a map inside it. I want that map.”
“I see,” Enzo said carefully. “And what’s the map to?”
“It doesn’t matter. You’re going to bring it to me.”
Enzo tried to stay calm. Stay focused. “And why would I do that?”
“Because I have something you want.”
“I highly doubt that,” Enzo shot back. “There is nothing you have that I could remotely want. I’m retired now, didn’t you hear?”
“I heard,” Vitale said lightly. “Congratulations on your retirement.”
There was a muffled sound, shuffling, and then a small, frightened voice whispered: “Enzo?”
His stomach dropped. His heart stuttered. “Bianca? Is that you? Are you okay?”
Silence met his questions. Enzo demanded. “What are you doing with her?”
Vitale chuckled. “Oh, she’s just hanging out with me. We’re having a nice little visit.”
A strangled cry sounded in the background. Bianca.
“If you hurt her…” Enzo warned.
“Hurting her isn’t my intention,” Vitale offered. “You bring me the map. If not… well, accidents happen.”
“And what makes you think I have the map?” Enzo pushed.
“Let’s not play games. The men at the meeting tried to get it from you. They were unsuccessful. So, you bring me the map,and you can have Bianca back. Don’t bring it… and you’ll never see her again.”
“If you harm one hair on her head?—”
“Enough with the threats,” Vitale snapped. “We both know the truth. You had your opportunity once, and you didn’t take it.”
“And as I said, I regret that.” Enzo wanted to scream. Wanted to put his fist through the wall. Instead, he gripped the arm of his chair, knuckles whitening, settling into a firm belief in second chances, and he was looking forward to exercising that theory on Vitale.
“Where?” Enzo forced out.
“Good question. It needs to be somewhere outside your territory. Somewhere you don't have the same connections.” A pause. “Let’s see…”
“Just pick a spot,” Enzo growled.
Another chuckle. “You never did have patience. Fine. Mallorca. When you’re on the island, I’ll know. Then I’ll call again and tell you where to meet.”
