Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
“Mr. Caballero,” comes the voice on the other end.
“Who is at the house?” I ask as we approach the back entrance. The chopper’s blades are loud as it takes off behind me.
“No fucking way,” Bastian says, reaching for the pistol in his shoulder holster. I see him at the same time as the soldier answers.
“Sonny Caballero sir. Your uncle.”
“I know who he is.” I disconnect and set a hand over my brother’s arm.
“Put it away.”
“What the fuck is he doing here?”
“Bastian. He’s with our mother,” I say, tucking the phone into my pocket as Sonny stands up from his place on the terrace where he was seated beside my mother. Francesca is standing off by the door, looking displeased. I’m guessing she didn’t send a message to let us know Sonny was here because she couldn’t. Because this house is a secret location. No one knows about it apart from the handful of soldiers, Jarno, and Bruno.
“Well, well, both of my nephews. Isn’t this my lucky day,” Sonny says, beaming. “I was hoping to run into you as I visited with Nora.”
“Uncle,” I say. He stands about two inches taller than usual and looks very pleased with himself.
Bastian goes immediately to my mother’s side and draws her away.
“I must admit, it’s a secluded, out-of-the-way place, isn’t it?” Sonny asks.
“What are you doing here?” Bastian asks and I can hear the effort it’s taking him to keep his voice calm for mom’s sake.
“I’m so glad you’re both here,” my mother says, coming to take my hand and look me over, nodding in approval while still holding Bastian’s hand. “Are you boys hungry?”
“No, Mom, thanks.” I try to smile at her, to keep from upsetting her.
“How about you, Bastian? You’re a bottomless pit.”
“Not now, Mom.”
I turn to my uncle, but before I can say anything, my mother speaks.
“Isn’t it a nice surprise to see Sonny?”
“It is nice,” I say because Bastian won’t. “I didn’t realize you knew Mom was in Italy.”
“Imagine my surprise to hear my sister was just a few hours’ drive from me. I couldn’t not come. I hope no one minds that I turned up unannounced.”
“Of course not, Sonny. Don’t be silly. We’re all family.” Mom says and looks at me, then beyond me into the distance. “I hope Hannah and your father get back soon. The weather looks like it’s changing.”
I glance at the sky. Darker clouds have rolled in. Rain is expected.
Sonny watches me as I smile at mom. “Francesca, why don’t you and mom get us something to eat. I could do with a bite after all.”
She nods, and the look in her eyes is trying to convey a message. I’ll talk to her later. Find out exactly what happened. I notice Emma and the nanny are nowhere to be seen. I wonder if they’re upstairs. It would be better if they remained hidden from view.
“It’s a very nice property, Amadeo. Off the beaten path. Secure. But could leave you backed into a corner.”
“How did you get the address?” Bastian asks.
He shrugs, sits back down, and picks up his whiskey. He casually crosses his ankle over the opposite knee.
“Was it a secret?”
“Our mother’s safety is a priority. Given her mental state, I’m sure you understand the importance of that.”
“I’m her brother. Your uncle. I should be included within the circle.”
“Let’s not bullshit, shall we, Uncle?” Bastian asks. “The family is divided. And you are the cause of that division.”
“United we stand, divided we fall, blah, blah, blah. You were always the dramatic one, weren’t you, Bastian?” He doesn’t hide his distaste for my brother.
“Who told you the address?” I prod.
He shrugs a shoulder. “I can’t recall, honestly.”
“I’m not sure there’s an honest bone in your body,” I say.
“Nor yours. We are the same, Amadeo. Don’t forget that.” He glances behind me. “Where is your lovely fiancée? Or I guess it’s wife now. I heard the happy news.”
I pour myself a whiskey and sit down. I don’t bother to answer him as I study him now that I know what I know.
Bastian remains standing, watching, and I wonder how close he is to pulling his gun out of its holster and putting a bullet between Sonny’s eyes. Just getting it done.
“I’m confused, though? Is she with you?” Sonny starts, pointing at me, then turns his finger to Bastian. “Or you? Or both?” He grins like the cat who ate the fucking canary. “I bet between the two of you, it was a long night for her,” Sonny says, eyeing us both. “Tell me, how does it feel to fuck the enemy’s daughter? Because that’s what she is, correct? Didn’t her father give you two that nasty reminder of Russo power?” He gestures to our faces.
Bastian takes a menacing step Sonny. Two soldiers who are loyal to my uncle step forward.