Page 61 of His Assistant

“And how do you plan on doing that?” he asks.

“We leak a route,” I tell him. “Make it look like we’re moving Marco tonight to one of our secure properties outside the city. The intel goes through the same channels that had access to the garage security and Sofia’s apartment detail.”

Rafe nods slowly, already following. “Different versions to different people?”

“Exactly.”

“Smart,” he says. “If Calderone moves, we see which route he bites on.”

“And if he doesn’t?” Tomasso asks.

“He will,” I answer. “Enzo sent that video to Sofia because he wants a reaction. I’m going to give him one.”

Tomasso studies me, his expression finally losing some of its indifference.

“Does Sofia know about this plan?”

“No.”

Rafe sighs.

I look at him. “Don’t.”

“I didn’t say anything,” he answers, holding up his hands in surrender.

“Your sigh was loud enough,” I grumble. “I’m not giving her false hope until Marco is safe.”

Rafe watches me for a moment. “Then we better make sure he stays safe.”

We spend the next hour building the trap. Rafe handles the route variations, working only with the men he trusts most. Tomasso hovers over his shoulder, tossing out suggestions to feel useful.

He points out gaps. He marks the version most likely to tempt Calderone. He recommends sending the false movement through a warehouse district where traffic thins and cameras are easier to cut.

My phone buzzes halfway through the planning with a text from Sofia.

Will you be home soon?

I stare at the message for too long. Rafe glances at the screen, then back at me. He has the good sense not to say anything this time.

I hate lying to her. Lying and hiding things has not worked well for us in the past. We’re just starting to find a good groove. I’m just starting to think that maybe she’d be willing to build some kind of life with me.

All of that would be ruined if she knew what I was doing, and shattered if she found out I’d kept it from her.

I type back carefully.

I’m just working on some non-Vieri Holdings things.

It isn’t a lie. Not the whole truth, sure, but I don’t feel terrible about sending it. Her response comes almost immediately.

Does it have anything to do with my father?

Damn it. How could she possibly know? This woman has a sixth sense, I swear.

I’ll tell you all about it when I get home.

I set the phone face-down on my desk, knowing the answer will drive her nuts, but it’s all I can give her right now.

I call the head of my security to collect Marco. This part will be tricky, since Marco has no idea we’ve been watching him. Essentially, this is a kidnapping, but it’s for his own good. I just hope he’ll forgive us for it.