Chapter 10 #2
Storm leaned back in his chair and gazed upward. He didn’t look happy with this story being told.
“So, what happened after?” James asked a little breathlessly.
Bane, Cane, Orrin, Sheba and Ari, all sat very still as they stared at Storm. They knew about battle and had seen it up close. So they knew real heroes never spoke of their deeds. And it was rare for them to meet one of the world’s secret champions.
Sam turned to look at James as he replied, “The rest of the enemy ran away and left the battle. Storm was pulled from that scorched, gutted looking tank. Unconscious with 40 percent burns, a fractured arm, ribs and a broken leg along with a body full of bullets. He spent months in a VA hospital. Was given his medal in that hospital. Then he was discharged and disappeared, so I heard later on. The only reason I knew who you were today...” He looked back over at Storm. “...because I was there.”
An almost reverent silence had settled in the dining room now.
Storm’s men were staring at him in shock, apparently they had no idea about this bit of history.
“Si, I saw that valor in your eyes, the minute I met you, Mr. Storm,” Leon spoke now. “That makes me... right as usual.” He chuckled. “Now, let’s eat while the food is hot because afterward, we’ll have a shot of some of the best Sons of Ireland whiskey and make plans for our own war.”
Italy....
Calderone made his way through the old alley. Darkness had fallen and he finally decided to make his move. He had dropped Lucas off at the Don’s mansion. Lucas had been injured in that last altercation and despite wanting to fight this alongside Calderone, he just wasn’t up to it.
Calderone had cuts and bruises but he did okay. He had instructed Lucas not to say anything about him. To just say they had gotten separated during the kidnapping. He wanted no one to know he was still alive and still in the fight.
Calderone had his reasons for this. Yes, they already knew about the Grimaldis.
But someone else was in on it and he needed proof.
So, he would prefer that no one knew he was alive and well.
He hoped Lucas did as he promised and kept quiet.
Calderone had warned him that he could still be a target too.
He knew that Willow had been worried. But he couldn’t break his silence. She was taken to safety and that was all that mattered. His father had taught him well. Especially about the game of betrayal. What to do to keep safe and how to fight a coup.
It all started three days ago. When he got a call. It wasn’t a number he knew and he had wondered how the woman had gotten it. It had a Milan code and he didn’t know anyone in that area who would call him. But he answered it anyway, “Ciao?”
“Who am I speaking to please?” a female voice asked in Italian.
He paused and answered also in Italian, “This is Calderone Vincinti. Who am I speaking to?” he asked with a frown.
“Bene, I don’t want to give my name but I overheard something this morning and I need to tell you about it.”
“Why me?” he asked.
“Tomorrow morning, you will be going out in a limo. You have a meeting with the Don, si?”
Calderone paused to ask, “How do you know this?”
“I told you already, I overheard it. You will be picked up by Lucas Grimaldi. Then after two blocks, your vehicle will be rammed. Then these men will attempt to kidnap you and Lucas.”
Calderone froze before he asked quietly, “What did you just say?”
“You will be kidnapped. I overheard two men planning this.”
“And why would they do this kidnapping?”
“I will tell you what they said. You, the Don in Italy, along with your father Leon will be dead soon. Then they can take your places.”
“That would be impossible to do,” Calderone stated. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“I don’t know a lot of things but this is going to happen or I wouldn’t chance calling you.
One of the men has plans to take over Boston in America and make it a true Italian mob run city, then he plans to bring in some cartel.
Give the streets to them and allow them to run drugs, slave trading and guns through there as the port is advantageous to them. ”
“And you overheard this conversation?”
“Si, I did. Listen, I have my own issues here. I’m not safe and I haven’t been. But I couldn’t just leave it. You needed to be warned. I know you have no reason to believe me but what I told you is true. I have nothing to gain and possibly everything, including my life, to lose.”
Then before Calderone could say a word, the call ended.
And it had happened just the way the caller had said.
He and Lucas were ready for it. Then they left the limo and set out on foot.
Lucas knew where they could hide out. They went there and then later that afternoon, they had another fight.
Someone had known of that safehouse and tried to kill them both this time.
They then had to go to the one Calderone and his father paid for. But Calderone just couldn’t stay in hiding like a coward. So, after Lucas got a tip from a trusted ally, they headed out to find Juno as he didn’t want to go along with his father’s plan.
Then there was an ambush when they met with Lucas’ brother, Juno.
He was shot by his own father. Lucas then got into a fight with two of his father’s men.
Calderone jumped in and managed to escape once again.
They left and went back into hiding. Lucas hadn’t been doing well as his injuries were extensive, so today Calderone took him to safety.
Now he was heading to the safehouse, where Willow was taken. Jordy was with her and he was a good man. Well trained and trusted. But Calderone had to see her for himself, even if he had to step out of hiding to do it. He couldn’t shake the feeling that things were gonna get even worse.
After taking a cab, he got out a block away and slowly made his way down the street where the safehouse was. His gut roiled as he sensed it before he saw it.
The front door of the small villa stood wide open.
His breath hitched as he whispered, “Willow...”