"Yes. I was going to tell you when you woke up. She apologized. Told me about Viktor's connections—FBI, backup plans. She seemed... genuinely sorry."
I didn't buy it. "Sorry doesn't erase what she did."
"I know. But she also told us valuable information. About Viktor's corruption, his contingencies."
Piero added, "She's been cooperative since we brought her back. Answered every question. Gave us details about Viktor's European operations."
"She's trying to save herself," I said flatly.
"Maybe. But she's also helping us."
I didn't trust Bianca. Probably never would. But if she was providing useful intelligence, that was worth something. Temporarily.
"What do you want to do with her?" I asked Paola.
The question surprised her. "You're asking me?"
"She's your sister. Your call."
Paola took a moment to think. "I want her to stay. Under guard still, but at the penthouse. Not sent away."
"Why?"
"Because she's family. And our baby should know their aunt. Even if their aunt made terrible choices."
My wife choosing mercy over vengeance. Choosing family despite betrayal.
It was one of the things I loved about her.
"Fine. She stays. But she earns her keep. She continues providing information on Viktor. The second she stops being useful, she's gone."
Paola nodded. "Fair."
Giulio appeared in the doorway, tablet in hand, expression grim.
"Boss. You're awake. Good."
"Status report."
"Viktor's in federal holding. Agent Muñoz is handling the case but she warned us about his lawyers filing for bail."
"When's the hearing?"
"Monday. Three days from now."
Three days. Not much time.
"What are our chances of keeping him locked up?"
Giulio grimaced. "Fifty-fifty. He has money, connections, no prior convictions. Judge might grant bail with restrictions."
"Then we need leverage. Something that makes him too dangerous to release."
I thought through the chess board. "His own organization. Viktor built loyalty through fear and money. Take away the money, the fear disappears."
"You want to turn his people?"
"Some of them. The ones with families. The ones who'd rather live than die for Viktor's vendetta." I looked at Giulio. "We have Matteo. He knows Viktor's inner circle. Who's vulnerable?"
