Chapter 67
ROME
Adria ripped open the elevator grate and ran down the corridors. Guards weren’t stationed at the entrances, as that would draw attention.
But eventually she would run into someone.
If she didn’t…
Her feet pounded on the ground as she ran.
Eric was right behind her.
Familiar sights brought unfamiliar emotions.
She was rushed.
Unplanned.
Reckless.
In love.
Elena and Sota were a few paces behind them, their team in tow. Cole waited at the airport.
The first guard they ran into crumpled to the ground before Adria even noticed him. Eric’s silenced pistol gunning him down as soon as they turned the corner.
Adria ran into the second. Grabbing his arm, she turned, slicing his throat easily.
Two more were shot by Eric, and one by Elena.
No one was expecting them.
No one was expecting danger. Why would they? This was the den of the Nine. The danger was inside, not out here.
Adria pulled a knife out of a man’s chest; blood sprayed her face as she stepped over his dead body and entered the chamber.
Bryson was kneeling at the feet of Alessandro’s Right Hand, a gun pressed into his forehead, eyes closed.
“Stop,” Adria said, aiming at Alessandro.
Eric, she knew, was behind her. Elena and Sota would be watching their six.
“Adria,” Alessandro said, sounding positively giddy. “We were just discussing your acquittal.”
Adria kept walking, feeling weapons pointing at her and Eric on her flank.
“Call off your dog,” Adria said. “I have further information.”
Alessandro didn’t falter or step back, even as her weapon drew near, but his eyes did flicker to Callen and his Right hand.
Neither of which were in any position to step in to protect him.
“I think it’s clear you’re not innocent, so I must ask, what is the game plan?” he asked.
Adria stopped a few paces away from him. “I want to show evidence that I have gathered. If the chairs don’t find it moving, I’ll kneel next to Bryson, and you can shoot us both.”
She glanced at Bryson, whose eyes were on her and her heart squeezed.
You lovable little idiot.
“El, I see you haven’t upgraded your company in your time away,” Callen said.
“Nice to see you too, Dad,” Elena said, aiming her gun at him. “It’s been a long time.”
“If you truly mean us no harm, then put the gun down,” Alessandro said.
“Not a chance,” Adria replied.
Whispers echoed around her.
“The reason behind my behavior will become clear once I have been heard.”
A gun shot rang out and Adria flinched.
Bryson was still breathing, and no pain hit her body.
“Hold.” Helen’s voice was firm.
Adria looked over just in time to see blood spilling from Eric’s torso. True to form, he was still pressing his gun to Alessandro’s Right Hand.
Fuck.
Helen and Finley were standing, their own Right Hands coming to their aid.
“Adria, just tell us,” Helen said.
Adria loosened her grip on the gun, dropping the file from under her arm.
Helen picked it up. Distributing the contents.
The evidence against Callen Winters was substantial.
Phone records, money transfers and even some old FBI surveillance images.
Alessandro had been trickier to catch. Cole had been able to iron out several pieces of damning evidence.
Most of which spanned a decade or more. It seemed Alessandro hadn’t started working with Callen until last year, but prior to that, much to Adria’s surprise, Alessandro had been working tirelessly to undermine her.
Adria didn’t understand it, but the truth was there, in black ink and white paper.
She watched every eye in the room scan the files. Adria needed to go to Eric, to stop the bleeding, but if she took her aim off Alessandro, they were all dead.
“Those are files, records, of Jonathan and Callen’s interaction with each other. Secret deals, unsanctioned alliances, and—”
Adria’s hand shook, staring at Alessandro.
“I always liked you. You were always there for me when I needed assistance. So, imagine my surprise when I found out that you have been personally bankrolling my demise.”
She never would have believed it if she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes.
“It’s all here,” Finley said.
“And are we going to believe a traitor? Who knows where she got these documents from?”
“They’ll match bank records, phone calls, dates, and times. Anyone can check it. It is legit. You were sloppy, Callen. My guess is Alessandro would have gotten away with a lot more if he hadn’t brought you in.”
Adria watched Alessandro’s face change from the calm reserved man she grew up knowing to something akin to blind rage. Blood pooled in his cheeks, and he turned, yelling, “You stupid motherfucker.”
Alessandro lunged at Callen and all hell broke loose.
Bullets ricocheted all around them. Adria pulled Eric to the ground, shielding him, while she dropped Alessandro’s Right Hand with one bullet to the head.
Blood was pouring out of Eric’s back.
She pressed a hand into the wound.
“Untie me,” Bryson said.
“El,” Adria shouted, and Elena was at her side in seconds, pressing her hands into Eric’s shoulder, freeing Adria to take the binds off Bryson’s hands and feet. She handed him a gun before turning back to Eric.
Helen was shouting orders, and it seemed Cahill was following her command.
Adria thought of all the dirt Cole had found on Cahill. It seemed her mother had wanted a complete overhaul of the Triune.
Sophia even had suggestions on who Adria should name as their successors. But Adria wasn’t her mother, and right now Cahill was a better ally than an enemy.
She would deal with him later. Now they just needed to get Alessandro and Callen out.
And stay alive.