He pulls a wire and the timer stops with forty-three seconds remaining.
We both let out a breath.
“Get it off the wall and into the bomb disposal unit. Then sweep the entire perimeter for more devices.”
“Yes, boss.”
I head inside through the main entrance, my weapon still drawn. The house is silent and locked down tight, but I need to see them. Need to confirm with my own eyes that they’re safe.
I take the stairs two at a time to the residential wing. The reinforced door is still sealed, the red light indicating lockdown mode.
I enter my security code and the lock disengages with a heavy click.
Rosa is in the hallway, pale but composed, with a gun I didn’t know she had pointed at the door. She lowers it when she sees me.
“They’re in your room. The boy was frightened by the noise.”
I nod and move past her, heading for my bedroom.
I find them exactly where Rosa said. Scarlett is sitting on the floor with her back against the wall, Luca curled up in her lap. Her arms are wrapped around him protectively, and her eyes are fierce when they meet mine.
“Is it over?”
“It’s over. Everyone’s safe.”
But Luca doesn’t move from his mother’s arms. He’s staring at me with wide, terrified eyes that remind me too much of his mother, that night, in Antonio’s study.
“The bad men came, didn’t they?”
I crouch down to his level, making sure he can see my face. “Yeah, buddy. But they’re gone now. My men made sure they can’t hurt anyone.”
“Are they dead?”
The question is so blunt, so matter-of-fact, that it catches me off guard. He’s five years old and he’s already asking about death like it’s a normal thing. Because in this world, in my world, it is.
“Yes. They’re dead.”
Scarlett makes a small sound of distress, but Luca just nods like this makes sense to him.
“Good. They were trying to hurt Mama.”
“I won’t let anyone hurt your mama. Or you. That’s a promise.”
“But what if more come? What if they come when you’re not here?”
And there it is. The fear I’ve been trying to prevent. The knowledge that safety is an illusion and danger is always waiting.
“Then my men will protect you. Marco, Viktor, Rosa. All of them are here to keep you safe.”
“But what if?—”
“No what ifs.” I reach out and ruffle his hair gently. “You’re safe here. This is the most protected place in the entire city. Nobody gets to you or your mama without going through me first. And trust me, buddy, nobody gets through me.”
He studies my face for a long moment then seems to accept this. He uncurls slightly from Scarlett’s arms.
“Can I go back to bed now? I’m tired.”
“Yeah. Go ahead.”
