Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27958 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27958 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
“When?”
“First thing when the courthouse opens.”
I glanced at the clock. “So we have just enough time to get there but will only have a couple of hours to make a plan and set it in motion?”
Fox nodded, then began barking orders. “I’m gonna get on the line with Francesco, and we’ll come up with some sort of plan.” He looked directly at me. “I alerted Maverick, Whiskey, and several enforcers when you and Deviant came storming in here. They’re armed and ready to ride. Get on the road with them, and we’ll fill you in on your next moves when you get there.”
I lifted my chin in acknowledgment and strode toward the door. As I left, I heard Fox tell King to get some of his enforcers and head to Chicago as well.
Before I could take off, I had to see Britta. She was still in my office, staring hard at her computer, but when she heard me enter, she jumped to her feet. “Any news?” she asked, wringing her hands together. “Did you find my mom?”
“Yeah. I’m sorry, baby, but I don’t have time to give you more details. We have to leave immediately. I need you to promise me that you’ll stay here. Remain in sight of one of my brothers unless you’re locked in our room. I need to know you’re safe, or I won’t be able to concentrate on anything else.”
“I promise,” she whispered. “Now swear to me you’ll come back in one piece.”
My lips curved up, and I pulled her into my arms for a deep kiss. “I promise.”
My brothers and I reached Chicago even faster than we’d expected, probably because we’d broken just about every speed limit along the way. Fox had sent me a message to meet the others at a warehouse not far from where Marylin was being held hostage.
When we arrived, a tall man with olive skin, dark hair, and shrewd green eyes approached me. He was clearly of Italian descent, so I assumed it was one of Francesco’s men. “Ciao,” he murmured, reaching out to shake my hand.
I was shocked when I immediately recognized his voice. “Francesco?”
I had expected him to send men, not be there himself.
“Sì. It’s nice to finally meet you, but I would have preferred better circumstances.”
“Agreed.”
“Fox and I ran through many scenarios, but ultimately, we decided it was best to eliminate the threat altogether. We don’t want to chance anyone finding loopholes and slithering their way out of the system.”
I was relieved to hear that they wouldn’t attempt to find another solution, like trying to fix it so that Tommaso and his key people ended up in jail. There would be no negotiation. Just a whole lot of pain before they ended up at the bottom of Lake Michigan.
“My sources tell me that Portia is currently at the office building with several other key players. When King arrives, he and his men will handle them. I have men on several warehouses waiting for the order to rescue anyone they find and take out whoever is holding them.”
“That leaves Tommaso and Elio,” I said, an evil smile curling my lips.
“Sì. We all agreed that it was your right to deal with them as you see fit.”
I bobbed my head up and down in agreement.
“When Elio returned, Carlos was relieved of guard duty. However, before he left, he dropped subtle hints that it seemed like Marylin was ready to crack.”
“Did he take the bait?”
“Sì.” Francesco smiled, but it was sinister with a coldness in his eyes that would make most men cower. Coupled with his reputation for being merciless and extremely…creative with anyone who crossed him, it was easy to see why he was the head of the largest Mafia family in the Midwest.
“He is already waiting at the house, but the man I have watching it tells me that he hasn’t gone past the front room. My assumption is that he’s waiting for Tommaso, hoping his father will beat the truth out of Marylin.”
“And Tommaso?”
“Currently being processed for release. We probably have about an hour before he arrives at the house.”
“Thanks,” I said as we shook hands again. “Couldn’t have done this without you.”
Francesco cocked his head and smirked. “My pleasure. You are aiding me in getting rid of a dirty organization. One that was trying to compete with me. We intend to send a very clear message about what happens to people who fuck with the Family.”
I turned to head back to my bike but stopped when he spoke again. “Feel free to make Tommaso and Elio suffer as long as possible. After King takes care of the office building, he and his guys will be watching your backs at the house. When you’re done, just leave everything behind. My cleaners will take care of it.”
Damn, I seriously owed Francesco. And I had no doubt he’d eventually call in his chips.