“Why the hell does it matter?” Enzo growled, sliding his arm around Kathleen. She leaned into him, eyes wide with fear.
Dominic’s smile sharpened. “Because having to keep track of Miss Drake while handling everything else… adds a certain complication.”
And suddenly, Enzo understood. If Kathleen were with him, he’d be forced to divide his focus. Forced to protect her. Forced to slow down. Vitale was tying one hand behind his back. And he would have a vulnerability. Not just Bianca but Kathleen was also now a captive, and Enzo had to find a way to protect both women.
Movement caught his eye; the two men by the wall straightened, watching. Not Vitale’s people. Different players entirely. One of the other groups that wanted the map, he guessed. And they were suddenly uncertain what the hell was happening. They kept glancing at each other and then around the airport. He was pretty sure the one on the left was the original guy who wanted the statue. He and his friends suddenly seemed to understand there was a lot more going on than they’d counted on.
Enzo focused back on Dominic. “Fine. Tell Vitale to go fuck himself.” He immediately turned Kathleen and his team around and headed back toward the doors.
“What the hell, Enzo?” Kathleen hissed. “Seriously?”
“Yes,” he growled. “I can’t take the risk. Even if I got you on the plane, I have no idea who would meet you in New York. Vitale seems to have people everywhere. He’s already grabbed one person. I’m not letting him grab another. You’re staying with me.”
“This is ridiculous,” she snapped. “It makes no sense. Why would he?—”
“We can argue about it later.”
He guided her quickly out of the airport. They were back in the cars within minutes.
Kathleen rounded on him. “Why does he want me with you?”
“Because if you’re with me, my focus is divided,” Enzo said bluntly. “I’m worried about keeping you safe instead of figuring out what Vitale is doing. You make me that much more vulnerable, which is his entire point.”
In all likelihood, Vitale knew about Enzo and Jamie’s past and knew they were friends. That added another layer of difficulty for Enzo. He couldn’t let anything happen to his best friend’s sister.Fucking hell!
“That’s ridiculous. I’ll call Jamie; he’ll send the jet and a pile of security. I don’t want to be involved in this mess anymore.”
“Unfortunately,” Enzo said quietly, “I don’t think that’s going to work.”
“What do you mean?” she demanded. “Jamie’s security is top-notch.”
“Oh, I have no doubts. But if Vitale thought of this…” He shook his head. “He’s already thought of Jamie’s team. My guess? If you attempt it, he’ll hurt Bianca on top of whatever surprises he has worked out for you, Jamie, and his security.”
Kathleen stared at him. “What do you mean, hurt Bianca? Surely he has to know if he kills her, you won’t give him the map.”
“He doesn’t have to kill her,” Enzo pointed out. “He can cut off a finger or an ear. He has lots of options to force my hand.”
Kathleen went pale. “Oh my God.”
Enzo grimaced but said nothing. This was the reality of the underworld he’d lived in for so long.
“So… You’re saying I’m stuck. No matter what.” Kathleen’s eyes were wide, full of fear.
“Yes. It appears that way.”
She huffed out a breath, then shook her head. “Well, I’m still calling Jamie. The Callahan people will?—”
“No.”
The word came out sharper than Enzo intended, but he didn’t soften it.
Kathleen jerked back a little. “Excuse me?”
“You can call Jamie,” Enzo said, forcing his tone level, “but it won’t change anything. Dominic told me Vitale is monitoring the airports, so his men will be watching for any move you make. Including calling in a jet.”
“That’s insane,” she muttered. “He can’t possibly have that much reach.”
“He does,” Enzo said quietly. “And he’s not alone. Bianca’s brother seems to be involved somehow. Between the two of them, they have tentacles everywhere. Anywhere you think you’re safe?” He shook his head. “That’s where he waits.” Enzo let out a long sigh.
