Page 42 of The Boss

I know if we don’t find him soon, he’ll die.

Drew continues clicking on his computer.

“Did Mateo say anything to help us?” he asks.

“He said something to Lorenzo about Roman and the take,” I reply.

“What the fuck does that mean?”

“It means that, from what he can see, Rome is far away, but he can still see it,” I say.

“And you got that, how?” he asks.

“Because it’s Mateo,” I say.

He looks at me, and his eyes do all the talking, screaming at me to explain.

“When we were kids, we used to create code words and names. So he probably did that to get us a message,” I say.

“I have so many questions.”

Before he can say anything else, his computer pings. He looks down and frowns. “They spoofed us. He's at his father’s compound when he called, and we know Mateo isn’t there. They must know we’re on to them,” he says.

“Keep digging; there has to be something.”

He nods and leaves my office.

I sit down at my desk, close my eyes, and let out a long breath.

“Gino,” I hear Juliet’s voice call out.

Her voice is perfect; it's always been perfect. I open my eyes, and I look at her. I just stare. She’s wearing leggings and an oversized T-shirt that’s been tucked in.

I clear my throat.

“Hey, is everything okay?” I ask.

“Yeah, are you okay?” she counters.

“I’m fine,” I grumble.

“Gino,” she sighs. “Drew just told me about the photo Lorenzo just sent. Don’t lie to me.”

“If you’re asking to see it. That’s not happening,” I tell her firmly.

No way in hell I’m letting her see that.

“I’m not asking to see it; I’m asking if you’re okay,” she says.

She wants me to be honest.

“Shut the door,” I tell her.

She quickly turns and closes the door.

“What I’m about to tell you doesn’t leave this room. I know I shouldn’t be keeping secrets, but this is life or death,” I say seriously.

She swallows and nods.