Tesoro: Mayhem Makers

Chapter 14

Chapter

Fourteen

DANTE

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I listen as the hospital’s attorney spoke with Frankie.

“ We are actively doing everything we can to find Mr. Cavaletti .”

My heart had been in my throat when I saw the hospital’s name on my caller ID. A detective with the Dallas police department informed me there was an issue at the hospital and they needed to speak with me in person. When I arrived, I was greeted by Ruby, the attorney, and two uniformed officers who collectively told me someone had taken Angelo from the ICU.

“I still don’t understand how a man in his condition disappears. Have you checked the camera footage? What about the nurse who was caring for him, did you speak with her?”

“The police have interviewed everyone who was present with Mr. Cavaletti and unfortunately?—”

“Let me guess, no one saw anything.”

“ That's correct, Sir .”

“What about the incident in the ER. Have you considered the man who threatened my client could be responsible?”

“ The authorities have been unable to locate Mr. Maldonado .”

A smile curls at my lips as I recall the argument between Chuy and myself. Sadly, Angelo hadn’t wounded him as much as we’d hoped if he was released from the hospital.

Lowering my hand, my gaze lands on the computer resting on the desk. Taking on the role of temporary Boss wasn’t just about telling the men what to do and visiting strip clubs, it was a shit ton of work. The Family owns a number of legitimate businesses, overseeing them was one of Angelo’s jobs. Opening the laptop, I see the app for my security cameras is open, showing the back camera and the SUV pulling in. My heartbeat quickens as they pull into the garage.

Snapping my gaze to Frankie’s, waving my hand back and forth at my throat, silently telling him to cut the call.

“Just keep us posted,” he snaps before pocketing the phone.

Frankie falls in step beside me as we make our way to the garage. This has the potential to go several ways, but something told me this is the path I need to travel.

“Any issues?” I question Dino as he jumps from the driver’s seat. Dino has worked for the Family since he was little. Much like Angelo and myself, Dino was a child discarded by society and rescued by Joseph.

“Just the shitty weather. A little snow and these motherfuckers freak the fuck out.”

I would remind him this is unusual weather for the area, but what he has brought me is far more important than any issues with traffic. Reaching for the handle, I say a silent prayer my plan will work and this nightmare will be over soon.

Opening the door, I find the teary eyes of a dark haired beauty looking back at me. Her eyes grow wide as recognition sets in, her body jerking back and forth against her restraints.

“It’s okay, no one is going to hurt you.” I assure her, meaning it with every inch of me. Shifting my gaze to Frankie, “Get her inside so we can have a proper conversation.”

Turning away, I head for the room we’d set up after giving Chuy a taste of what happens when you mess with the Cavalettis. I wasn’t cocky enough to think the Maldonados would sit back and simply lick their wounds. They would retaliate, or at least they would try.

Standing at the end of the bed, I watch the door as Frankie and Dino bring the woman into the room. Motioning toward the empty chair in the corner, I shed my jacket as they help her sit in the aged leather seat.

“I’m going to remove the gag from your mouth. You can scream if you like, but no one will hear you.”

Having purchased this farmhouse with the intention of demolishing it and building a solar farm in its place, I’m now glad construction has been delayed until spring. Reaching over, I untie the knot at the back of her head, tossing the fabric to the floor as I take a step back. “I know you have to be confused and angry, but again, I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

“You’re a little late for that,” Kate spat the words as she rubbed her wrist. “What is going on? Why am I here?”

I searched her beautiful skin for any signs of injury. “You’re here because I need you.”

“I had nothing to do with Angelo’s disappearance.” Kate’s voice trembles, her eyes wide in fear. “I didn’t even know he was missing until?—”

“I know you didn’t,” I interrupt her, sitting cautiously on the side of the bed in front of her. I could see so many similarities between her and Bellamia, more than appearance and tone of voice. Both beautiful women were kind and intelligent, fierce and defensive. However, where Bellamia would have broken down in tears if placed in this kind of situation, Kate held her ground.

“Then why am I here?” Kate questions, her eyes bouncing back and forth as she waits for an answer.

Standing to my full height, I offer her my hand. “Come, I’ll show you.”