I edge around the crate.
Salvatore lies on the floor. His gun is just out of reach. I don’t think he’s breathing.
“Careful, Cipi,” Dominic gasps.
Cautiously I approach Salvatore.
Every nerve in my body screams for me to keep my distance, but my feet say otherwise.
My muscles are tense as I wait for him to jump up and shoot me.
Then I notice a dark crimson pool spreading beneath him. I crouch down next to him and roll him over.
The glassy stillness in his eyes gives me the confirmation I need.
He’s dead.
My breath rattles in my chest. I was always the better shot.
But I don’t give myself a chance to feel. There’s still one more traitor in the factory that I need to get.
I rip Salvatore’s jacket off his body. Then I snatch his gun and phone.
I don’t give myself time to think or time to grieve.
I turn and sprint back to where Dominic lays slumped. His breathing is shallow, but he’s alive.
“Dom!” I hiss as I kneel by his side. “Amore, stay with me.”
He groans and opens his eyes. “I’m alive. He got me just below the collar bone.”
I bunch up Salvatore’s jacket and press it over the wound. “Hold that there. You didn’t think to wear a bullet proof vest?”
“I was a little distracted trying to save the woman I love. Forgive me for the oversight.” He grabs my wrist. “I just need to know you’re okay. Are you okay?”
“Yes. I’m fine. But you’re not. We need to get you to a hospital.”
“I’ve had worse, and I would take that bullet a thousand times over if it meant you were still standing, Cipi.”
I place my hand over his. “I need you here, alive with me, not dead.” Opening Salvatore’s burner, I call Enzo. “Enzo, it’s Cipi. I’m at the factory in the old Marconi territory. Get here now and bring back-up. Dominic’s been shot…”
Lucia’s scream rings out again through the warehouse.
A chill runs down my spine. I lock eyes with Dominic.
“Go to her!” He demands ripping the phone from my hand. “I’ll be alright.”
I grab his face and kiss him hard. “Don’t die on me.”
Snatching up the gun, I run in the direction of her voice.
“You’re going to have to do a lot more than that to get rid of me,” he calls after me.
“Cipi! Help!” Lucia screams.
Forcing myself to run faster I tear down the aisle, rounding the corner I stop fast. Lucia is pinned against the wall with Bruno pressing a gun right to her head.
“Calling for Cipi won’t save you!” Bruno snarls.
