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“And how could we possibly help one another.”
He grins, flicking the cigarette to the ground. He steps on it, using the front edge of his shoe to put out the ember. “Well, you have something I want, and I know someone who has something you want.”
I step closer. “You know where Rosie is? How? Where?”
“I just got done speaking with Bianchi. He owes me that stone, Mr. Milazzo. I’m not leaving this fucking city without it. I’m giving Bianchi one more day.” He lifts one finger. “But I don’t think he’ll give it to me because he doesn’t have it, but you do, don’t you? You have had it the entire time because of the girl. She’s pretty by the way.”
I growl, taking a step forward and he lifts his hands in surrender. “I’m here, aren’t I? Bianchi doesn’t expect me to do business with you, but he told me the girl had the stone, but she doesn’t have it, so I’m here.” He spreads his arms. “And I want to make a deal.”
“Is she hurt?” I ask, not hiding the pathetic need in my tone.
“Yes,” he says honestly with a frown.
I throw my fist against the passenger window of his car, cracking the glass as I roar. I push myself back and pin him to the SUV by his throat. His men point their guns at me, but I don’t care. “Is she alive?” I rasp.
“She is. She is very strong and has a big attitude which doesn’t help her cause very much, but she doesn’t back down. She’s a fighter.”
I nod, hoping she doesn’t lose that. I never want her to lose her ability to fight. It is what will keep her alive.
“You can have your wife back soon, but I want that stone. I am not a man who makes deals, Mr. Milazzo. Not unless someone comes to me. If I get the gem, Rosie lives, and you can live happily ever after.”
“What’s the catch?”
“No catch. I only want the gem. You want your wife. I know where she is. It’s simple. You betray me, I kill you and her. What do you say?” He holds out his hand for us to solidify the deal.
“What makes you think I have it? If she doesn’t have it, her brother might.”
He chuckles. “I am not a stupid man, Mr. Milazzo. Unlike our friend, Bianchi. I know you got them out of the country and there’s no way you would have let that stone out of your sight. You knew how much it was worth.”
It wasn’t me. It was Rosie. I won’t mention that though.
“And I don’t think Rosie would allow her brother to hold onto such a dangerous object. So tell me, do you want your wife? Or would you rather fight me for the diamond?”
“I want my wife. No question. If you turn your back on me, I’ll kill you.”
“I have no intention of turning my back on you, Mr. Milazzo. I like you more than him anyway. So, give me the diamond and we will go.”
“I don’t think so. I want my wife safe and then I’ll give you whatever the hell you want. My wife is first.”
He eyes me for a moment, deciding if I’m worth trusting, then nods, holding out his hand again. “You have yourself a deal, Mr. Milazzo.”
I shake his hand, feeling hope for the first time since Rosie went missing.
“Everyone get to the vehicles now!” I shout over my shoulder with the order.
All the men run around me, filling Gianni and Matias’s SUVs while the others head to the garage.
“I’m going to kill him,” I mumble, getting in the passenger seat of Zander’s vehicle.
“Are you riding with me, Mr. Milazzo?” he asks, climbing into the backseat.
“I’m not letting you out of my sight.” I stare at him in the rearview mirror. “No offense.”
“None taken. I would do the same,” he says, lighting yet another cigarette. “We win. We shall celebrate. Da?” he asks.
I nod, twisting the wedding band on my finger. The only thing I want to celebrate is my wife in my arms again, but I can’t be that emotional when talking to a black-market gem dealer.
“We will celebrate with the best whiskey and cigars,” I tell him.
