I can warn Adriano.
Seeing enough, I pull my phone from my pocket and snap several photos of their exchange before retreating.
I return to my car and wait for Marco to leave.
I’ll follow him to see where he heads next.
I don’t have to wait long.
I give him a short head start before I follow him, weaving through late night streets.
It isn’t long before I realize he’s heading to the Dante estate. The guy has some serious balls, I’ll admit that.
I don’t follow him into the gate. Instead, I drive past, make a U-Turn at the next available spot, and then head to the Dante property.
Marco is parked around the site to access the wing of the house used for business. I park there as well and sprint up the steps. I slow my approach, entering the house quietly, ears opened to access what’s going on before barging in.
"—Tuesday's shipment is settled,” Marco reports. “But I wonder if we should delay it.”
“Why would we do that?” says a familiar voice. Too familiar.
“It's risky with Luca watching everything so closely and Adriano asking questions.”
I flatten against the wall, peering around the corner. Marco stands with his back to me and across from him…
My blood freezes in my veins.
Victorio. My oldest friend. The one person I trusted without question.
He leans casually against a desk, examining a document in his hand. "Don't worry about Luca. I've known him since we were kids. I know exactly how he thinks."
Mother fucker. I straighten against the wall to rein in my shock and utter rage.
My oldest friend is betraying my family.
He’s been playing me.
He’d not only tried to poison my brother, but now I’m sure he planned for me to die in the ambush.
I have to consider that he blew up my father as well.
I hear movement and realize Marco is coming my way.
I slip into the shadows just as he turns the corner.
He moves into the kitchenette set up for the men while they’re working on the property.
He’s alone in there and I decide to deal with him now.
I cross the threshold in three silent steps, gun already drawn.
Marco's back is still to me as pours a cup of coffee.
"You've been busy tonight."
Marco’s shoulders tense, and his hand twitches toward his waistband.
"Don't," I warn, poking him between the shoulder blades with my weapon. "I watched your little meeting with Alexei. Very cozy."
