“What kind of sick joke is this?!” she hissed. “My friend is with—”
“Some Pasquale Filiberto whatever-the-hell. Sì. That’s the story she fed you when I dragged her to Italy.” A soft groan of horror escaped her. “Listen to me carefully, Signorina Goodwin, because we don’t have time. One of my enemies has captured Daisy. I’m going to need your help to get vital information within the next twelve hours.”
“How do I know you’re telling the truth?” Her voice was a ragged whisper. “How do I know you didn’t kill her yourself?”
“Signorina Goodwin, you can either doubt me, or you can save her. But if you waste more time, she dies.Capisci?”
A moment of silence, then a choked sound. “What do you need?”
The relief that washed over me nearly made my knees give way. “The FBI is hunting a man named Antonio Palumbo. I need the exact location of his wife and children. I know you have the clearance to get it.”
“Was that the man who took her?”
“No. But he’s the one who will lead us to her. I’ll send you the contact where you’re to deliver the files. Don’t make me wait.”
“Wait. Don’t hang up.” Her voice cracked. “Did you hurt her?”
I took a long, steady breath. If I were being honest, the answer would be yes. I’d tell her how I’d shattered her friend’s heart only days ago. But I knew that wasn’t what she meant. “No, I did not. I care deeply for Daisy, Signorina Goodwin.”
I heard a shaky breath on the other end. “I hope you’re telling me the truth, Mr. Vicari. Because I’m not like my predecessor. I can promise you this: I am an enemy you cannot afford to have. If anything happens to Daisy, rest assured: you, your family, and everyone you love will pay the price.”
“Now is not the time for threats, Signorina Goodwin. If I meant her any harm, I wouldn’t be making this call.”
“Let’s hope you’re speaking the truth.”
She hung up, leaving me to stew in her words. I didn’t take kindly to being threatened, but I respected her loyalty to Daisy.
Less than thirty minutes later, Olivia Goodwin sent over a folder. It contained everything. The FBI’s entire investigation into Antonio Palumbo, his dealings, and a specific file labeled in all caps: PALUMBO FAMILY – LOCATION.
This was personal. I put on my gloves.
Chapter 52
Daisy Peonia Mary Parker
August, 2025
Unknown Location
My ribs ached where the soldiers had kicked me. That was how I’d spent the night: being beaten until I couldn’t breathe. Now, my face swollen and bruised, I was being dragged to who knows where, but I wasn’t afraid.
Camillo didn’t order my death. I knew he hadn’t, and I would take that certainty with me to the grave.
I had turned the peridot ring face down and was now squeezing the stone in the palm of my hand, clutching it as if it could save my life. I knew it couldn’t, but it comforted me. It took me back to that restaurant in Reggio Calabria, where I had been immensely happy for a few hours. Where Camillo’s jade-like gaze told me more than any of his words or gestures.
We entered a massive room and I gasped at the sight. In every corner of the space, there was a camera, and in the center stood a rectangular table with a hideous circular saw, its blade jagged and sharp. But my horror wasn’t due to that. It was due to the body lying on the floor, sprawled in a pool of blood that filled the air with a heavy, metallic tang.
It was Martino Accuri.
I would recognize that treacherous face even in the dark. His eyes were wide open, glazed over, and his white shirt bore several bullet holes in his chest. Standing near his massive body was Cissio Accorinti, his skull-like face stretched into a grin.
“Signorina Parker, red and purple suit you like a glove.” He mocked me and the wounds covering my skin. “How is your stay at my humble estate going? Enjoying your free time?”
“Eat shit!” I growled, spitting in his direction. A hooded figure held me, pulling me backward by the hair.
Cissio Accorinti burst out laughing, scratching his head with the tip of his pistol. “I love a feistygattina, but we can only play later. Right now, I have a job for you, since I know you have experience in housekeeping.” I choked, wishing I didn't understand that pig’s plans. “You see, here, Signor Accuri…” He placed a foot on the man’s lifeless, bloated face. “Let’s just say he was part of the rebellious rabble. He worked his whole life for the Vicari, but he wanted more. He wanted… what they had. Their life. And he proved very willing to help me just to get it.” Cissio Accorinti clicked his tongue and shrugged. “He breached their security, gave me every piece of footage I needed, told me where his Padrone was, who he was fucking… Every single detailabout Camillo Vicari’s life. But I got to thinking: what if he does the same to me one day? I couldn’t take that risk, could I?”
I wanted to run, but the hooded man still had me by the hair. Cissio Accorinti stepped over the dead man and stopped too close, giving me a clear view of the raw flesh of his nostrils and the scabs surrounding them. I groaned in disgust as he slid a hand up my dress, his fingers rubbing between my legs, hurting me.
