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“Thank God,” she said with a relieved sigh.
“I’m back, Nicholas. What’s the problem?”
“I’m calling about a man named Roland. I believe he’s one of your security men, and you sent him to Los Angeles to look for Bianca?”
“Roland Gregory, yes, you’re correct. What about him?”
“I’m sorry to tell you, sir, but he’s been shot and killed by one of his soldiers, a man named Big Mike.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m afraid so, sir.”
“Alfredo has been trying to reach Roland for a while,” Lorenzo muttered, trying to maintain his composure in front of his wife. “No wonder he wasn’t answering the calls. Where is he, and how do you know this?”
“I witnessed the shooting. It happened on the beach in front of my house. Bianca was with me, but thankfully her back was turned. The area is currently deserted, so the police haven’t been called. I wanted to check with you before doing anything. I thought you might want to take care of him yourself.”
“Yes, absolutely, and I’m very grateful for the consideration. Give me the location and I’ll make the arrangements immediately.”
“You’ll have to send a helicopter, sir. The coast road is closed. There was a massive rockslide.”
“That’s better still. A helicopter is faster and I won’t have to worry about unexpected visitors. It appears fate is on my side. Where is he?”
“The Shore, on Pacific Coast Highway, that’s the name of the small development where I live. It’s about fifteen miles north of Broad Beach. There are five homes in a row, and the first four are two stories. The last is mine, and it’s only a cottage. Roland is at the water’s edge directly in front of it.”
“Hold on, Nicholas.”
Giving the phone to his wife, Lorenzo walked swiftly across the room to a small desk, picked up the house phone and pressed a red button. Barking instructions and making it clear there was no time to waste, he hurried back to Ariana.
“Nicholas, it’s done,” he declared, taking the burner phone back as he sat down. “They’ll be there shortly. I suggest you leave.”
“I already have, I’m with Bianca in a safehouse, but I have a man watching over things. He’ll stay until Roland is on his way home.”
“That’s very reassuring, now, please, give me whatever details you have about her kidnapping. I want to know everything.”
“Of course, sir. I’m sure you’re aware it was Matteus Anderson and Tony Balboa who took her.”
“Yes.”
“I don’t know if you’ve heard this, but Matteus is dead, and Roland is responsible. I believe that’s why Big Mike killed him. Tony is being transported back to Vegas as we speak.”
“Yes, all that has been reported, and I’m looking forward to hearing what Tony has to say,” Lorenzo said grimly.
“The thing is, sir, Tony and Matt were hired anonymously. Tony has very little information to give you, but I—”
“What?” Lorenzo demanded, fresh anger bubbling up inside him.
“Sweetheart, what is it?” Ariana asked urgently.
“The man behind Bianca’s kidnapping is still a mystery,” Lorenzo replied quickly. “Matt Anderson and Tony Balboa were hired anonymously.”
“Mr. Albertini,” Nick said hastily. “I know who it is.”
“You know who it is?” Lorenzo repeated, jumping to his feet. “Why didn’t you say so?”
“I was about to, sir.”
“Tell me—tell me who! Do you know where they are? Where can I find them?”
