Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
“What choice?”
“Maxwell told them that if they didn’t want to deal with. . .your personality, then they would get a ticket home.”
“Oh, God." I shivered. "Was Kaz there?”
Blue nodded. “Boris told me that a few people decided that they didn’t want to stay.”
I closed my eyes, scared of what she would say next.
“So. . .the Lion killed them.”
My body rocked with sadness.
They had families. They were sons and daughters.
Baba’s voice filled the air. “No matter how sad or upset this makes you, do not call Kazimir about this now, Emily.”
Of course not.
I opened my eyes and swallowed down my rising rage.
Baba pointed to me. “The Lion must focus.”
I fisted my hands in my lap. “I know.”
“This is a conversation for when you know he is safe and back with you.”
"Definitely." I looked out the window.
Be safe, Kaz. Come back to me fast. . .so I can kick your ass.
Chapter 20
Sea Monsters
Kazimir
Ruffo Castle loomed in front of my men and me.
I stood there, enjoying the sight.
The breathtaking fortification stood on the highest point of land right at the mouth of the Strait of Messina. The place was a formidable structure of massive spires and towers, each one crafted with care. Overlooking the sea, it possessed a vaulted entrance and massive courtyard. A grand, external staircase led to the Ruffo residence.
For those who embarked on a sea voyage in the Straits of Messina, the castle served as a welcome sight. The black and white lighthouse of Scilla rose just behind the castle walls and had been built to provide a reference to ships. It was still active today and managed by the Italian Navy.
Paolo Ruffo had purchased the castle in 1533. He was a member of one of the longest-standing noble families in Italy. The castle functioned as his residence until the early 18th century.
Whistling, Maxwell got to my side. “Yo. When are David and Harlem Crew returning?”
“Soon.” I pulled out my phone and checked it. There had still been no return calls from Emily.
Max looked at me. “What did you have David and them do?”
I put my phone up. “All will be revealed, when necessary.”
“Not when it comes to my people. I always need to know.”
I gestured to the French watching us several feet away. Thankfully, Jean-Pierre and his cousins kept a wide berth from us since we had been waiting in front of the castle.
I let out a long breath.
It was bad enough that I had to work with them. I damn sure would not be forced to smell their perfumes.
I leaned Maxwell's way. “I do not trust the ears around here.”
“Man, you act like the French have supernatural hearing powers.”
“Be patient.”
“Whatever.” Maxwell gazed at the castle. “Either way, this place is dope. What's it called?”
“Castello Ruffo di Calabria. It's a legacy of rare beauty, dating back to the Etruscan era.”
He squinted his eyes. “Etruscan?”
“Related to an ancient people of Italy.”
“More ancient than the Romans?”
“The Etruscan civilization was the highest in Italy and came before Rome was risen. Therefore, Romans were highly influenced by the Etruscans.”
“So, the Etruscans were black?”
I raised my eyebrows. “What?”
“Ancient people with style that white people took from?” Maxwell pulled a joint out from his pocket. “Sounds like they were black to me.”
I considered what I knew about them. “Actually. . .Etruscans were supposed descendants from refugees who fled the city of Troy when it fell to the Greeks.”
Maxwell took out a lighter.
“Yet. . .they were led to Italy by the prince, Aeneas. He is a common figure in Greek mythology who is often described as dark-skinned.”
“Boom.” Maxwell winked at me. “You see what I mean?”
“However, dark skin could represent more of a tan complexion or—”
“That motherfucker was Black.”
“Well, the Etruscans were theorized to worship Ra, a sun deity, which suggests that they may have had ties to the ancient Egyptians.”
“So, they're African?”
“Hmmm.” I rubbed my chin. “This is quite interesting.”
Maxwell lit his joint. “Why?”
“Now that I think of it. There are a lot of ancient works of art from the time of the Etruscans. Uncle Igor had several in his castle.”
“I bet you those motherfuckers looked black in the pictures and shit.”
“The art did depict dark-skinned people. However, the Romans, who later took over the Etruscan cities, claimed that the mosaics, statues, and paintings of Black people were actually depictions of Black slaves.”
Maxwell sucked his teeth. “Come on, man. Motherfuckers aren't doing a bunch of mosaics and statues of slaves.”
I nodded. “Many of these images did show the dark-skinned people in positions of power.”
“Think about it.” Maxwell tapped the side of his head. “The Romans were hating.”
Grinning, I shrugged. “Regardless, this castle has been standing here for a long time.”
“Sometimes you are a smart dude.”
I frowned. “Sometimes?”
Maxwell looked back at the castle. “Please tell me you're not going to blow this up too?”
“Why would I bomb this castle?”