I rolled my eyes and refocused on the texts, searching for something that would connect the dots.
“We went through Rafael’s phone, but there were no unknown numbers. He was using a burner,” Enzo explained. “His ex-wife mentioned he got mixed up with drugs, which is what led to their divorce. I’m starting to think that was his entry point with the PM.” He shifted his gaze to Matteo. “You’re right. PM is better.”
Matteo’s mouth twitched. “I told you so.”
“Focusing back on Smiley’s texts,” Luca interjected, pointing to a specific line on the sheet, “the initial messages are written in some kind of fucking code. But then... look here.”
“Lana,” I whispered.
“Yep.”
“What does it say?” Enzo asked, taking a step closer. I handed the document over to him.
“And who the hell is Lana?” Enzo asked.
“You don’t remember her?” Lo asked. “She was one of the housekeepers. Nico fired her ass when she acted inappropriately toward Nico in front of Gigi.”
“As opposed to what he did with Lana behind closed doors?” Enzo countered.
I ran my hands down my face in frustration. Now wasn’t the time to be reminded of my fuck ups. “Who cares about what I did,” I snapped. “We need to find her.Now.”
“Let me help, Nico,” Enzo reiterated.
My gaze fixed on Enzo. “You already betrayed me once. I’m only tolerating youbecauseof Gigi. But if you cross me, I’ll put a bullet in your head without a second thought. And I don’t give a flying fuck that you wear a badge.”
Enzo’s jaw tightened, but he stood his ground. “All I care about is finding Gigi and bringing her home safely. I would think that since that is our common goal, we could work together instead of againsteach other.”
I stepped closer, my face inches from his. “Fine. I’ll work with you, but remember—Gigi is my priority. Get in my way, and you’ll regret it.”
“Let’s focus on finding Gigi. We’ll deal with our issues later.”
“Consider this your last warning. One more fuck-up, one more whisper of treachery, and I won’t hesitate to send you to the grave,regardlessof what Gigi thinks. You’re on borrowed time, and I’m done playing nice.”
“Before you go,” Luca stated. “On the phone, there was an app that was encrypted, sealed behind a digital barrier. Unfortunately, I don't have the high-tech equipment the FBI would use to crack it.” Luca handed Smiley’s phone to Enzo.
“I’ll see what I can do,” Enzo replied. With a nod, he slipped out of the room.
Luca and Lorenzo exchanged worried glances. My obsession with Gigi and my explosive temper had created a volatile mix, and I knew they feared the consequences that loomed ahead. I understand their fear because I shared the same concerns. But it didn’t matter as long as I got Gigi back.
“Where’s Matteo?” my uncle asked.
“He went to pick up Mya.” I replied, rifling through document after document and not finding shit.
“They’re releasing her?” Uncle’s voice held a note of surprise.
I got it, she was shot in the chest, but Mya was strong. She could overcome anything. Though even as strong as she was, she needed to be at home, surrounded by her family where she’d be cared for.
“Yes. She’s finally ready to come home.”
A knock on the door interrupted us.
“Who is it?” I called out.
Miguel stepped inside. “Boss, Enzo is here.”
I nodded, gesturing for him to come in.
Enzo strode in, raising a document above his head like a flag of urgency. “I got something.”
