Page 71 of Wrong Pawn. Right Capo.

“I’d prefer we don’t speak about that.”

He shrugs, pulling the cork from the wine bottle and then pouring the contents into both glasses. “Just thought I’d give you the early privilege, you know. The feds will be calling you soon, so it’s best you say all you know now. Where’s he hiding?”

The dread in my stomach deepens as he pushes the glass of wine toward me. This isn’t why I came here.

“Indeed. He used to be my bodyguard, but people don’t wear their intentions on their face, Mr. Mayor. As I’m sure a man of your intellect understands.” Then I stand, flashing a practiced smile of my own. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m feeling a bit unwell myself. I think I should leave.”

I turn toward the door and take a step when his voice stops me cold. “I’m afraid you can’t.”

I spin around, catching his dead gaze. He’s no longer smiling. The casual act he put on was gone, replaced by something completely demonic.

“Sit down, Elena,” he growls in a cold, menacing tone. The one he’s probably used to order raids or sign death warrants in. My father used it, Enzo… Adriano. It’s the tone of a man who doesn’t take no for an answer.

My breathing shallows.

“I’m leaving,” I repeat firmly, although my voice sounds thinner now.

“The doors are locked. My security has been instructed that you’re to remain my guest… indefinitely.” He leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers. Tension snaps the air tight as he gazes at me intently.

“Your wife isn’t sick, is she? W-Why are you doing this?”

“Why?” He barks a dry laugh. “You see, Elena, you’re leverage. Extraordinarily beautiful, well-connected leverage. I have… unfinished business with Adriano, but to get to him I have to use you.”

The ice in my veins spreads, cracking through my chest as I struggle to put two and two together. Adriano never worked for the mayor. Or did he?

Why the fuck does everyone think they can use me as leverage?

“Don’t bother working that pretty little head, darling,” he smiles mockingly, the patronizing nickname making me wince.

“Adriano doesn’t care about me. Whatever your plan is, it won’t work.”

Fear claws at my throat the longer he keeps silent. Almost immediately, the door opens, and two armed guards march inside to stand on either side of me.

“Leave that to me.” He tilts his head, something sinister swirling in his eyes. “For now, let the men escort you to a room. Save your energy, my dear. If Adriano does the right thing, you won’t be here for long.”

Instinct kicks in and I try to fight, grabbing the nearest heavy vase and throwing it at one of the guards. He dodges it just as the second guard lurches forward to grab me. I sidestep, running toward the entrance, but two more guards step out, blocking me in my tracks.

“Don’t be a fool, Elena. Cooperate, and no one gets hurt.”

Chapter twenty-four

Adriano

Day One of the Deadline—Morning

I lean against the windowsill, my fingers clenched in a tight fist, while watching the Wind River Range of Wyoming. I’d chosen this place because my father hadn’t. He’d favored the forested solitude of the East. But I needed something more brutal.

And that’s why I’m holed up here, in a decommissioned U.S. Geological Survey station. Safe, sound, and buried so deep in bureaucratic obscurity that not even the IRS can trace its deeds. The perfect hideout until I’m able to solve whatever shit is going on.

The coffee on the windowsill runs cold as usual, like every other morning since I’ve been here. I pull away from the window and set the cup on the steel countertop. I’ve been in touch with Francesco, trying to unravel the problems—the ex-police commissioner’s family, and the bastard who committed a murder with my identity.

So far, it’s been a fucking goose egg, and that irritates me more than being forced into hiding.

Suddenly, the burner phone on the table vibrates. I quickly pick it up, knowing Francesco is the only one who could call.

“Capo… there’s something you need to see.” He doesn’t sound too pleased. I walk over to the other end of the small space, punch a passcode into the wall, and the steel door opens. Inside, there’s a chair, desk, laptop, and a highly secure server. I don’t hesitate to take my seat.

“What?”