Chapter 26
CHAPTER 26
A lejandro
Without hesitation or thinking the situation through clearly, I took long strides back into the living room. The moment I grabbed my weapon, Carmella stiffened.
“What’s happened?” she asked, her tone even more demanding than before.
“I can’t go into it right now.”
“You mean you won’t.” She refused to back down, slamming her drink onto the table just before reaching for the weapon she’d accepted as her own.
I had no choice but to head toward the laundry room where the weapons safe had been built, used, and hidden by the previous owner.
She was right behind me, refusing to back down.
“Don’t push me on this, Carmella. I’m sending you to your father’s with Gio at least for the night to ensure your safety.”
“Now I’m not even safe in this brand-new fortress you insisted on purchasing? And what the hell are you doing in here?” As soon as I pressed the button, the hidden door swinging open, she gasped. “What in the hell is this place?”
I yanked an already prepared duffle bag full of weapons, ammunition, and explosives into my hands. “The previous owner was a man who understood danger. He did what he could to protect himself and his family. That’s exactly what I plan on doing.”
“Oh, of course he was in danger. How could I forget?” Her laugh was flat. “What is going on? You had a text. Who was it from?”
“Don’t ask questions you don’t want the answers to.” I strapped on a holster, shoving my Glock into the leather holder.
“I want the answers, Alejandro. The truth. Remember? We agreed.”
I spun around to face her. “I don’t have time for this argument. You’re going to do as I say.”
“No, I am not.” She moved around me, brazenly grabbing another weapon and the correct magazine of ammunition.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
“If you’re not going to tell me what’s going on, then I guess I’ll need to go with you to find out. I assume you’re leaving.”
I was incredulous, more so than I’d been around her. “You’re not coming with me and that’s final.”
“The last I checked, I was a big enough girl to make my own decisions. You’re not playing the barbaric caveman shtick. It’s not going to happen.” She shoved the second weapon behind her back and under the waistband of her jeans.
“Gio is taking you back to your father’s house.”
“I think you are well aware I have methods of escape that even floored the great Alejandro Banderas. So I suggest you tell me what’s happening. It’s my life too. You want my trust so badly, well, guess what? It needs to be earned.”
Damn her tenacity.
She folded her arms and everything about what I’d been taught by the syndicate indicated providing her with any information was a bad idea. But the man from before, the one who’d admitted that female agents were often more effective than their male counterparts, weighed the situation differently.
With Louis killed, a compromise on the books, either I would be recalled within twenty-four hours or eliminated by the very regime I’d worked hard to infiltrate. As usual, there was no middle ground.
No gray area.
I moved toward her so quickly a flash of terror appeared in her eyes, but she quickly hid it. I kept my voice low, never blinking as I offered a limited explanation.
Fuck. I was in a no-win situation.
“My sister is in danger. She’s been compromised. Whether or not the Feds will come for her or the asshole enemy we’re facing just doesn’t matter. I’m bringing both her and my niece to safety. That means I’m bringing them here. It’s probably not a good move on my part and possibly something that will get me killed. But I’m not going to stand by and watch them suffer or lose their lives. Not going to happen. I’m also not dragging you into this shit. I need you safe and the only way I can ensure that’s going to happen is by taking you to be protected under your father’s watchful eye.”
Her eyes darted back and forth across mine. “No. I’m not letting you do this alone. You need backup and from what you’re telling me, you’re not interested in admitting you have a family to any of your soldiers. Let me help. You obviously realized I know what I’m doing. We do this together.”
“Not happening,” I was ready to walk away when she placed her hand around my arm.
“Please let me do this with you. There’s a child involved. You know how I feel. I can help, Alejandro. Maybe it’s time for you to trust me.”
Goddamn the woman and her incessant need to be a part of everything. At this point, time was of the essence. I had no idea if by the time I got to Maria’s house, it would already be too late.
I crowded her space once again, immediately cupping the side of her face. The tremendous concern in her eyes threatened to pull my attention straight into hell. I needed to concentrate and keep a cool head and this beautiful woman had already sent warning shots across the bow.
“You could be a liability, Carmella. Plus, your father might castrate me.”
“I can take care of my father.”
I placed my index finger across her lips. “You need to learn when to shut up and listen. I didn’t say no, but you will follow my directions. To the letter. I’m well trained in search and rescue maneuvers. You aren’t. One wrong move and we could both be killed. Do you understand?”
“More than you know.”
“Fuck. This is such a bad idea, but I do know you well enough you’ll fucking try and follow me. Come on.” We both grabbed jackets on the way to the door. As soon as I moved outside, I bristled the moment Bronco jogged toward us. “What now?”
“Alarms are going off at Don Santorelli’s estate. Some men were seen trespassing. They’ve been chased.”
“Fuck.” I gave Carmella a glare she seemed to understand. She was to remain right where she was. Fortunately, she didn’t try to fight me. I also half jogged toward Gio, who just ended a call.
“Fuck, boss. The men talk like there’s a dozen dudes with extreme firepower. They managed to shoot one of them, but the fucker didn’t go down. A chest full of bullets and the fucker ran.”
“A bulletproof vest,” I said absently.
“Feds?”
“Maybe, although we’ve worn them from time to time. Head to Santorelli’s immediately. Take out everyone you can.”
“What about you?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll head there after I handle another crisis. Don’t worry, Gio. I can handle myself.”
He threw a look over his shoulder toward Carmella. Taking her with me breached almost every syndicate protocol. At this point, I’d broken every single rule ever written on a piece of paper.
“I don’t like leaving you alone.” Gio was obviously shaken. It wasn’t every month we’d engaged in an active attack. In truth, other than a few isolated incidents, the regime had experienced relative peace.
“This won’t take long. Keep me updated.”
“Okay, boss. If that’s what you want.”
I nodded toward Carmella and we both headed toward the breezeway leading to the detached garage. I’d at least thought to bring my truck, the vehicle I’d purchased right before being formally introduced to the Santorelli regime. It was a tank and I’d already had the steel reinforced, the glass mostly bulletproof. With four-wheel drive and extended cab, it would be both large and safe enough to escape with Maria and Jessica.
If I wasn’t too late.
“There’s one thing. I want my son back in my arms.” Carmella made the statement the moment she slipped into the cab.
“I’m not certain if that’s a good idea.” I shoved the duffle between us, immediately starting the engine.
“This isn’t a request.” She yanked on her seatbelt, not bothering to look me in the eye.
At this point, there was no sense in arguing with her.
I sped out of the garage and up the driveway, Gio following closely behind. He’d ask more questions later, but at this point, any concern about answering them also wasn’t foremost in my mind.
Only one remained.
Saving my family.
* * *
“I was followed home, Jeff. There are men here. They followed me!”
Maria’s voice was close to being hysterical. But she’d called me.
“Go to the safe room,” I told her.
“What’s going on?”
“I’ll tell you after I take you to a safe location.”
“Jeff!”
“How many men, Maria?”
“I…”
“How many?” I was more exasperated than I should be, and I heard the extreme terror in my sister’s voice. “Try and think.”
“Um… Okay. At least three. I saw three inside the vehicle.”
“Have they breached the house?”
“No,” she whispered. “I’m looking through the closed blinds. I can’t see anyone, but the van is parked across the street at my neighbor’s house.”
Fuck.
“Get to the safe room now. Unlock the bedroom window before you go inside.”
“No!”
“They’re coming in, Maria. There’s nothing you can do to stop them. Breathe and listen to what I’m saying. I have someone with me who I’ll send in. She will knock twice and wait then issue a third knock. Don’t you dare open the door until you hear that. Don’t argue with me, Maria. Those men who followed you mean you harm.” I made a sharp turn, pressing down on the accelerator as I constantly stared into the rearview mirror. At this point, I could be thankful no one was following us.
Subject to change at any point.
Carmella remained silent, but was paying close attention to the conversation.
“Okay,” Maria moaned. “I’ll do it.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can.” The one smart thing I’d insisted on and my sister had listened to was creating a false wall in one room, the only ingress and egress through another hidden panel in the walk-in closet. I said a silent prayer she’d followed my instructions and kept a radio, water, and a flashlight inside along with a few other life-sustaining items. She’d insisted there be no weapons in the house, but I’d convinced her to keep a steel bat in the safe room.
However, two years meant anything could have occurred.
I tossed the phone onto the dashboard, picking up even more speed. When I glanced over at Carmella, I could see her wheels turning.
The silence was awkward and for maybe the first time, it was killing me.
I veered around another corner, running my mind through a plan of action. It had been damn reckless of me to bring Carmella with me.
“A safe room? What were you expecting, Armageddon? A special knock? You have it all figured out.”
“You need to listen to me, Firesong. We’re almost there. There is a safe room inside the master bedroom only accessible through the closet near where she has a shoe rack. I made it as soundproof as possible, but there is a child involved and she’ll be scared. If Maria followed my instructions, they’ll be hiding in there. If I feel it’s safe for you to get in, go there. Stay with them. You have a weapon and other than a fancy bat, Maria has nothing. Someone followed her. Three men, but maybe more. I need to be able to count on and trust you. Can I do that?”
She slowly turned her head, taking shallow breaths. She’d placed her hair in a ponytail, which made her look even younger than before. “Don’t worry. I know all about safe rooms, Alejandro. I know what to do, but when this is over and they’re safe, you are going to tell me who the fuck you are.”
Exhaling, I pulled down the street, cutting the lights as soon as I did. With streetlights positioned every block on one side of the street or the other, I had no issue making my way. And the last thing I needed was for the fuckers to have advance notice of my arrival. I noticed the van more than a block away and slowed, parking further down the street.
She immediately reached for the handle on the door.
I grabbed her arm. “Take this flashlight. You can easily fit it into the palm of your hand. It’s high powered and if you press that button, the sound emitted will be almost as loud as any alarm. Keep your phone with you. I will track you if anything happens.”
“You’re scaring me.”
“Good. You should be scared. We’re not playing games here, Carmella. You are in danger.”
“So are your sister and your niece.”
I nodded. “Remember, you’re a lifesaver. Don’t try and be a hero.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll leave that up to you.”
Goddamn, this was a terrible idea. She followed my lead, crouching low and using the vehicles already parked alongside the curb to mask our advance. When I was close to the van, I threw my arm out, indicating she needed to stop. Then I placed my finger across my lips.
As I approached the van, I made certain to keep out of sight. With the weapon in both hands, I stood quickly, peering inside. There was no one in the cab. Without wasting any time, I threw open the side door, prepared to fire if necessary.
The van was empty except for a clear indication that the intruders’ intent was to capture and hold my sister and baby girl. There were ropes and strips of material I assumed would be used as blindfolds and gags.
My blood boiled.
Oh, fuck, no.
I knew exactly how to disable the van as I did with most vehicles. Only this time, I allowed my anger to take hold, ripping several hoses from the engine.
Carmella was watching everything I did and every time I glanced in her direction, I could tell that while scared, she had been well trained. Right now, I was thankful for the assistance.
Later, I’d kick myself for being such an ass.
She followed my lead as we headed across the street toward Maria’s house. With it being a cozy neighborhood with only one quarter to half acre lots, I had a slight advantage in that the men sent to abduct her would attempt to do so without making excess noise.
They’d entered through the back, but I had no plans on using a door. I headed to the bedroom window, praying Maria had listened to me. Finding it unlocked, I eased it open, peering inside. My sister had left lights on in other rooms in the house, leaving the bedroom dark. At least she’d remembered some of what I’d taught her even though she’d acted like she hadn’t wanted to listen.
I hoisted myself inside, listening for sounds. The house wasn’t large, but they’d either checked the bedroom already or hadn’t made it down the hallway. Time was of the essence. I pulled Carmella into my arms, cognizant of the warmth and electricity we shared.
It was wrong of me to feel a moment’s worth of desire during a time like this, but I had no control over my body when she was around. Fortunately, a noise kept my attention from falling hopelessly into the gutter. I threw open the closet door, pressing my lips against hers.
“Don’t die on me,” she whispered.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart.”
If anything happened to any of them, there would be no stopping the wrath I issued in every corner of this godforsaken town.
The moment I heard her knock on the hidden door, I took a deep breath and advanced.
All three of the motherfuckers were going to die.