Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 119250 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 398(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119250 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 398(@300wpm)
“I doubt the Camorra will risk another attack, not now that we’re alerted,” I said in force calm. “But we’re going to evacuate everyone now.”
Franco Mancini came toward us, supporting his weight on a cane. He wasn’t much older than me but cancer had marked him. In the past, this would have made me relive my own pain of Carla’s suffering, and while I’d never forget her and what had happened, my worry over my family and my love for them was at the forefront of my mind now.
“Danilo called to inform me that Serafina was kidnapped by the Camorra. I assume we’ll have to postpone the wedding then.”
I gave a terse nod, trying not to linger on the thought that postponing might not be enough. The Falcones weren’t known for sparing anyone. If we didn’t catch Serafina soon…
“We need to evacuate everyone now, Franco. Tell your men to make sure everyone has enough guards to reach their hotels. If possible, they should head back home right away.”
Franco sighed. “This is the worst day in the history of the Outfit.”
He walked back to his wife and daughter, and I headed from man to man and gave them instructions on how to bring their families to safety. As Capo, I needed to show strength and remain calm, even if I didn’t feel it.
Val waited patiently with Sofia, Anna, and Leonas at the front while Taft and Enzo kept an eye on them with drawn guns.
When everything was organized, I headed to my family. Sofia and Anna huddled together, hugging each other, looking terrified. Anna jumped up and embraced my middle. I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and stroked her head. “Daddy, I’m so scared.”
Fierce protectiveness filled me. “You don’t have to be. You’re all safe.”
I hoped the sheer force of my determination would be enough to prove my words correct. Leonas stood and came toward us. He looked mostly confused but I could tell he was scared as well, only trying to hide it. He touched Anna’s shoulder. “Dad and I will protect you.”
Pride filled me. I pulled him against my other side and squeezed his arm. Val got up, her arm wrapped around Sofia who looked completely shaken. I kissed Anna’s and Leonas’ head then gently untangled myself and went over to my niece. I sank down on the pew to be at eye level with her. Tears ran down her cheeks, and her nose was red.
“Where are Fina and Sam? And Mom and Dad?”
“Your mom and dad take care of Samuel. He was hurt but he’s going to be fine.” I hesitated. How to tell an eleven-year-old that her sister had been kidnapped by the enemy that wasn’t any better than the worst monsters from her nightmares? Her eyes held mine hopefully and terrified at once. I touched her cheek. “We’re looking for Fina. Someone took her but we’re going to find her.”
Her face twisted and she covered her face with her palms, starting to sob. She sank against me, her face buried in my neck. I lifted her in my arms as I stood. She was a petite girl, smaller than Anna. Her arms came around my neck, clutching tightly. “It’s okay, Sofia,” I murmured.
“Let’s get you to a safe place,” I said to Val.
Val made a brave face and wrapped her arms around Anna and Leonas.
“I’ll drive them. One of you drive a car in the front another in the back,” I ordered Taft and Enzo. I regretted not having more guards for my family. Once we were back home, I’d have to consider new options.
“Will do, boss,” Enzo said, and he and Taft jogged out of church. Drawing my gun, even though the outside was protected by my men, I stepped out with Sofia on my arm, and Val, Leonas, and Anna behind me. The parking lot was mostly deserted by now, as most guests had already vacated the place. As Capo, I couldn’t leave among the first even if I wanted to protect my family. I headed toward my bullet-proof Mercedes, glad that Indianapolis was close enough to Chicago to drive, so I had my car with me. I set Sofia down on the back seat but she clung to my neck, trembling. “It’s okay, Sofia. I’ll protect you. Once we’re back at the safehouse, I’ll let your parents know where we are so they can join us with Samuel.”
Anna slipped into the car and linked her fingers with Sofia. “I’m here.”
Sofia pulled back, sniffling. She had Ines’ eyes. Overcome by a new wave of protectiveness, I stroked her head again before I straightened and closed the door. Leonas sat beside his sister, trying to make a brave face. I gave him a tight smile and he lifted his shoulders a bit more.
Val took my hand the moment I got behind the steering wheel. She was shaking, but held her head high, trying to appear calm.