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We rode the rest of the way in silence.
We arrived at the property just after 2 AM.
When we reached the house and got out of the car, six of my foot soldiers were standing guard under the portico. As soon as they saw me, they yelled joyfully and slapped my back in greeting.
I said hello back, then asked where Dario and Niccolo were.
“In the parlor.”
I thanked Giorgio and escorted Rachel inside – fully aware that the guys were all staring after her, wondering who the hell the knockout was.
We walked over to the parlor, and I rapped on the door.
“Come in,” Niccolo’s muffled voice said.
Rachel looked up at me. I don’t think I’d ever seen her that terrified before.
I put my arm around her and pulled her close to my side.
Both to comfort her…
And to make sure nobody inside the parlor did anything rash.
I reasoned that they wouldn’t fire at Rachel if they thought they might hit me.
At least, I hoped that was the case.
“Trust me,” I whispered, then opened the door.
Dario was standing behind his desk, with Niccolo and Adriano on the opposite side. They seemed to be examining blueprints.
I noticed that the curtains were drawn on all of the windows, and tall pieces of furniture were blocking them as well.
I approved of the extra caution.
Six foot soldiers were in the room, three on each wall. Their faces all lit up as soon as they saw me. I nodded and smiled in greeting.
Dario looked up from his desk, and a huge smile spread across his face.
Then he saw Rachel, and he glanced back at me with a quizzical look. Who’s this?
Niccolo turned towards us, too.
“Thank God you’re here! Massimo’s in trouble and – ”
He paused as he saw Rachel.
“…who’s this?” Niccolo asked, definitely not pleased at being surprised.
“Everyone,” I said, trying to keep the nervousness out of my voice, “this is Rachel. My – ”
Before I could get out ‘fiancée,’ Niccolo’s face contorted in rage.
“BAUER?!” he shouted. “The woman who tried to KILL DARIO?!”
Adriano’s face went blank with shock –
And then he pulled his gun and pointed it at Rachel’s head.
