Chapter 40
40
Roman
T he drive back feels longer than the drive out did. Quinn will be safe in the sticks, but I can’t shake the dread that clings to me.
Every word I said before I left was true, but I can’t dwell on that now, or I’ll lose my shit and turn the car around.
My wife will be fine. Gotta focus on the here and now.
Leon and Viktor are at the house, along with several men I know to be loyal and, crucially, excellent marksmen. When I arrive, Leon lets me in and immediately locks the door.
“Each man has two guns and a knife, with more available in the armory,” he says, handing me a pistol. “There’s a shooter at every upstairs window, and the spots are lit on all sides. Your security camera feed goes to me, and I’ll coordinate via radio. The back doors are covered, and there’s a small team watching your downtown office, just in case.”
I dry-fire the unloaded gun a few times and perform a quick function check. “I take it you’ve seen no action so far?”
“Nothing as yet. But there’s plenty of time.”
“You’ve briefed them?” I ask.
Leon hands me some ammo. “Yep. Your orders are clear—take out anyone and everyone, but Silvio Vercotti is to be captured, not killed.”
I smile and snap the barrel closed. “Okay, tovarisch . Let’s take up our positions and settle in. It could be a long night.”