Hope surged through me. "Send teams to all three. Now. I want eyes on each location within thirty minutes."
Teams were dispatched. I watched the clock. Counted seconds. Tried not to think about what was happening to Julian.
Sixth hour: The Staten Island property was empty. Recently cleaned but no sign of current occupancy.
The Queens location was occupied by a Caruso family associate but no sign of Julian. The team stayed to surveil in case he was brought there.
The Bronx property—
"Got something," the team leader radioed. "House matches the description. Cars in the driveway. Lights on inside. Seeing movement. At least four people inside that we can confirm. Can't get a visual on who yet."
"Hold position," I ordered. "Do not engage. I'm coming to you. ETA twenty minutes."
I grabbed my gear. Checked my gun. Extra ammunition. Knife. Everything I might need.
Matteo was right behind me. "I'm coming with you."
"So am I," Luca added.
Sandro handed me an earpiece. "I'll coordinate from here. You have full support. Bring him home, Elio."
Seventh hour: We reached the Bronx location. A large house on a quiet street. Isolated. Exactly the kind of place you'd use to hold someone.
I coordinated with the surveillance team. "What do we have?"
"Four confirmed inside. Two on first floor. Two upstairs. Can't get positive IDs through the windows but movement patterns suggest they're guarding something. Or someone."
"Armed?"
"Can't confirm but we have to assume yes."
I studied the house. Two stories. Basement probably. Multiple entry points. Security system visible—cameras at the corners, motion sensors on the doors.
Professional setup. Exactly what I'd expect from someone who'd organized that kidnapping.
"Eighth hour," Luca said quietly. "We've been searching for eight hours. If Julian's in there—"
"He is. I know he is." I could feel it. That certainty in my gut that told me Julian was close. That told me I was about to get him back.
Stefan's voice came through my earpiece. "Elio, I've got confirmation. That property was purchased three weeks ago by a shell company ultimately owned by a Caruso family trust. It's theirs. It's Dante's."
That was all I needed to hear.
"We're going in," I said. "Matteo, take the back entrance. Luca, you're with me on the front. Teams, cover the sides. Nobody gets out. If they run, you stop them. Understood?"
"Understood."
I checked my gun one more time. Made sure the safety was off. Made sure I was ready for what I was about to do.
Because I was going to kill Dante Caruso tonight. Was going to make him pay for every second Julian had been afraid. For every moment of trauma he'd caused. For daring to take the person I loved.
This wasn't hot rage. This was cold certainty. This was love transformed into lethal purpose.
Julian had made me more human. More merciful. More capable of showing compassion when appropriate.
But he'd also made me more dangerous. Because my love for him meant I'd do monstrous things to protect him. Would become anything necessary to keep him safe.
Jake Byrne got mercy because he'd been coerced. Because he'd deserved a second chance.
