Leo continued to listen to me as we moved farther up in the line to get out.
“The only thing I’m scared about is someone getting to Icarus before I do.”
Leo gave a nod in affirmation. “Then I’m with you.”
“You don’t have to come, Leo. I don’t need you?—”
“I go where you go,” he said as he looked ahead. “If you die, I die with you.”
Leo had tried to win me over with his words multiple times, but I couldn’t deny that he’d put his money where his mouth was this time. He’d stayed at my side when Icarus came for me, and he’d helped me dig Wolfe out of that grave, when he could have easily been shot in the back of the head. “I know you don’t want to hear this right now, and I’m sorry for saying it, but…I love you.” He didn’t look at me as he said those words. “I never really appreciated you as my sister until Dad was gone. Until—until I got him killed, I mean. Just wanted you to know that in case one or both of us doesn’t make it out of here.”
I didn’t know what to say to that, and within the next step, it was my turn to climb out. Men from above offered me a hand and helped me to my feet, my rifle dangling around me from the strap over my shoulder. I had a pistol in my shoulder holster and extra ammo clipped to the strap.
The gardens were beautiful, immaculately manicured edges and trees, paths lined with pavers in between. It seemed like a waste of space for such a big property. It could easily be demolished, and an entirely different building could be built instead. But it was special, all this natural beauty in an ancient, stone city.
Once everyone was out, we began our approach to the rear of the terrace, the sound of gunfire loud from the front of the house, despite the enormous building between us. Don Russo put his phone to his ear and made a call. He held his phone there for a long time before he lowered it. “Rosaria isn’t answering.”
That wasn’t good.
“Move ahead.”
At Don Russo’s order, Cosa Nostra flanked out and proceeded to approach the terrace like they’d trained for this, when there was no way they could have anticipated such an event. Leo and the rest of us followed behind, and I gripped my gun as I looked ahead, hoping Wolfe was okay in the battle in front.
Everyone came to a halt, and it took me a second to understand why.
And then I saw it, Icarus standing on the terrace with his arms crossed over his chest…and a big smile on his face. Behind him were a woman and two teenage girls, all of them with nooses around their necks as they stood on boxes.
Armed men were everywhere, their guns gripped but not aimed.
My heart did a somersault before it rolled to the bottom of the hill in the pit of my stomach. I immediately glanced at Don Russo to see his horrified expression. I could only see the back of his head, but I could tell from his posture he was scared.
Icarus continued to wear his arrogant grin.
He’d known this would happen.
He’d known Wolfe would hit him from the front, and we would sneak up on him from the rear.
Which meant there was a snitch.
“Glad you could make it, Don.” He turned to one of his men. “Grab the guest of honor a chair. I want him to have the best view for the show.”
I remembered Wolfe mentioning some depravity that Icarus had committed when they met, but he didn’t specify what it was formy protection. It must have been pretty terrible because Icarus seemed willing to kill an innocent woman and two kids.
Icarus gestured to the chair. “Take a seat. Get comfy.”
We were all frozen, unsure what move to make because if we took a shot, then Don Russo’s family would also be shot.
Don Russo didn’t move, probably paralyzed by fear—not for himself, but for his family.
Icarus suddenly lost his patience and kicked the chair. “Sit!” This time, he yelled, yelled loudly enough that his voice echoed back at him.
I pitied Don Russo, knowing exactly how he felt just a few hours ago. We were in this position because I’d asked for his help, and even though Don Russo knew this was a trap, he didn’t know it would come at such a high personal cost.
Don Russo slowly walked up the steps and approached the chair.
I swore that every single person there held their breath.
The younger of the two girls, who looked about twelve, started to sob. “Dad…”
