I do a mental dance as I hold the small metal bar in my hand. Holding it in my hand, it is long enough to go to my mid wrist. Not perfect, but it will work in a pinch. I shove it in my waistband and pull my t-shirt over it. I lie back down feeling my heart beating erratically. I feel a smile spread on my face.
Finally, hope.
Bastiano
“The only one we have found is Tony. He was at work all day. Isabella and Mia’s house was broken into. We found Frank and Johnny. They each had two to the head in the cars outside their house. No sign of the girls, but it does look like they struggled. They didn’t go without a fight.”
Lo gives me an update on what we know. I have been pacing the meeting room of my house since we arrived back.
“Where was Gio?”
“I guess he had been sent to get food for the girls. When I called him, he immediately went back, but found the dead guards. He didn’t answer his phone because he was clearing the house.”
“What about the warehouse?”
“No information from there yet. Gio has the fox working on it.”
The Fox. My best hitman. He is also the man we call when we need information. He has such a unique ability to get information out of people. The techniques he uses are superb.
“Keep me updated. What can we do?”
“I don’t know, Bash. I don’t know. Trust me, I want to do something too. I swear if Mia is hurt, I will kill each and every person who touched her.”
I understood his feelings. The thought of someone hurting Sofia has been driving me insane. Every time I think about it, I want to hit something.
“Any leads with Luca? What he has been doing in his free time?”
I think that is what has been bothering me the most. Luca told the guards he was supposed to bring Sofia to me on my orders. No one knew to question him. His betrayal is the worst. Not because we were close, but because I hand picked him for her.
“What does our friend on the outside say?”
“He hasn’t checked in yet. He should be calling soon.”
As if he spoke, his phone rang.
“Speak.”
I watch him as he nods and curses.
“Shit. Hold on.” He puts the phone on speaker and sets it on the table in front of us. “Repeat what you just told me. I have Bash here.”
“I have confirmation that Ryan is in town. He was seen with Richard in the office yesterday.”
“So, Ryan is the one who has them.”
“I think so. It gets worse. I asked my contact within who I trust, and they were able to get some information for me. Seems Richard has been working with some lower level member of the family. I know this line isn’t fully clear so I don’t want you to say anything, but I am going to tell you this now. It was someone fromFillipo’s crew.”
“Son of a bitch.”
Fillipo has been quiet since I took over. I thought it was a sign that he was accepting the fact that I am boss now. He has missed a couple meetings, but so have other capos. It is normal for them to send someone else in their place as proxy. Hell, I send Lo and Gio as proxy myself.
“I will look for more information and get back with you.”
“Thanks.” Lo answers for me before he hands up.
“I want you to find out what Fillipo has been up to. Don’t let on that we know someone in his crew might be involved.”
Lo goes to leave, but a large crash sends us both running into the foyer. We each have our weapons drawn as we run in. Several of my other men run in as well.
