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“Anthony Franzese?” Iinterrupt.
“Sí. That’s where I ran intoSignorinaGreta.” The lines around his eyes deepen with his scowl, and his eyes turn distant, recalling the memory. “She was standing alone when I approached her. I asked if you were there, but she seemed … confused … as though she didn’t recognize me. Then something changed, and she addressed me like an old friend…” He trails off, eyes still looking off into thedistance.
“Yes?” I grumble, my patience wearing thin.
He shakes his head and then brings his eyes back to me. “We were having a lovely conversation when just as quickly, she became terrified. I asked her if she was in trouble, and she said yes and begged me to leave and tell no one Isaw her.”
A punch to the gut from a skilled fighter couldn’t have hurt more than his words.Mia perlawas out there terrified with no one to protect her.
But she’s alive,I remind myself.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I continue my interrogation. “Did she mention anyone? Perhaps why she was so afraid?”
“No. To be honest, I assumed it was you,signore.”
My hackles rise at his assumption. “Is that why you stormed into my home? You thought I was terrorizing her? Did she look terrified the last time we saw you, Alfonzo?” I was the don of the most powerful crime family in Italy, and my reputation as a ruthless leader only aided in keeping my people in line. The people may appreciate my contributions to the city, but they know what I’m capable of because I never bother to hide it. So why did my stomach churn at the thought of anyone believing I could hurt Greta?
Alfonzo swallows audibly. “I know who and what you are,signore,” he says in the way of an answer. “Can you begrudge me myconcern?”
Releasing him from my hold, I round my desk and gesture to one of the overstuffed leather chairs. “Take a seat, my friend, and tell me everything you remember about that night.”
I never was one for sitting and waiting, so while Xander moves forward with Bernardo––in case Franzese is a dead end––I set up my meeting with Anthony Franzese. Typically, I wouldn’t waste my time on vermin such as Anthony Franzese, but I wantmia perlaback, so I grit my teeth and set up the meeting under the pretense that I’m interested in some of his “product.” Franzese canceled his flight backto Naples.
Alto pulls up to the large gates of Franzese’s Bolzano home, the guard scans the inside of the vehicle, and when he’s satisfied, the gates open, and the large, gaudy mansion comes into view. Alto parks the SUV in front of the gold-trimmed front steps where Franzese stands with a wide grin on his smarmy face.
Cracking my neck, I open my door and glare at the guard that approaches me with the intent to search me. “Touch me, and you will lose your hands.”
Franzese wheezes out a boisterous laugh. “Va bene,Gian.” He waves off the guard. “Welcome, Don Calvano. It’s an honor to haveyou here.”
“Franzese.” I offer my hand and quietly seethe when I think of what those hands have done to innocent women andchildren.
“Please call me Anthony. If we’re to do business, we must be friends, no?”
“No,” I return. “You will be a supplier, not a friend, Franzese. Now it’s fucking cold out here, and I’m an impatient man.”
The pig swallows loudly, then chuckles nervously. I stare at thecazzo,making it clear that I’m not a joking man. His mirth dies instantly, and he leads us inside and to his office. “Please sit.” He gestures to the gold velvet couch, and while I sit, Alto stands sentry at the door. “Scotch?” Franzese asks.
“Enough with the pleasantries. Sit down, and let’s get this shit over with,” I grumble. Like a good little boy, he sits in his high-back office chair like a fucking king on his throne—all an illusion and one I plan to snuff out. “Nuncio,” I call out when Franzese’s ass hits the leather.
His eyes narrow and then go wide with fear when Nuncio walks in with a roll of duct tape, a leather bundle under one arm, and Rooster athis side.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Franzese stands on trembling legs. “How did––”
“Sit. Down,” I command calmly. Looking past Nuncio, he searches for his guards, who won’t be showing up. When he realizes no one is coming to his rescue, he slowly sits back inhis chair.
Nuncio instructs Rooster to sit by the desk facing Franzese, and I swear the man is about to piss himself when Rooster gives him a warning growl. Nuncio chuckles and lays his bundle atop the desk, opening it for Franzese to get a good look at the knives, bone saw, and pliers. “I guess dogs can sense you’re a piece of shit, too.”
Franzese’s eyes volley between Rooster and the implements of torture Nuncio is running his fingers over like a lover’s caress.
“What do you want? Money, territory? Wo… women?” Franzese stutters, and I bare my teeth at the latter but rein myself in when I remember time is of the essence.
“There was a young woman at the recent party you held––”
“There were a lot of young women there. I don’t––” He never finishes his statement. Nuncio’s fist is swift and like a sledgehammer when it comes down on theman’s jaw.
“Do not fucking interrupt me!” I rumble, and Rooster growls and stands, ready for me to give the command to attack. “As I was saying. There was a young woman there that night. Greta White, long dark hair, dark blue eyes, American.” Franzese’s eyes grow wide at the latter, and my heart nearly punches out ofmy chest.
Bingo.
