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“This is not up for discussion. I’m not risking taking you with me. De Marco’s men might be hiding in the back.”
“It doesn’t look like it.”
“That’s what they’d want you to believe,” I counter.
The tension in the RV is palpable as I cautiously scan the streets and buildings around us. I remain on high alert, fully aware of the potential danger lurking nearby.
The mob is notorious for their cunning and stealth. De Marco’s men could be hiding in the back alleys or behind the facade of an unassuming structure.
Despite everything seeming calm and business as usual, I’m not ready to let my guard down. To underestimate their capabilities and strategies could have dire consequences. Their expertise lies in deception, making it essential to consider all possibilities.
The dark corners and obscured recesses are potential hiding spots. I methodically assess each one for any signs of movement or disturbance. Every flicker of movement or sudden noise triggers an instinctive response, my senses sharpened to their fullest.
My eyes sweep across the scene, surveying rooftops, windows, and doorways. Nothing appears out of the ordinary.
However, there are more people than usual around, but they might have had the same idea as Ella and I, trying to enjoy one last outing before the snow hits.
I observe their behavior, searching for any anomalies or suspicious actions that could indicate the presence of our adversaries.
My mind races, considering the various tactics De Marco might employ to outwit us.
They could be using diversionary tactics, intentionally drawing attention elsewhere while they lay in wait. They might have disguised themselves as innocent bystanders, attempting to blend in. The most dangerous opponents are often those who remain unseen until the moment they strike.
As time passes, my scrutiny becomes more acute, searching for even the slightest hint of a hidden danger. I rely on my intuition, honed by years of experience, to guide my actions. I trust my instincts, knowing that sometimes the smallest details can be the key to unraveling a complex deception.
Beside me, Ella remains quiet, watching the coming and goings just as astutely.
“If Tiero was in the area, why wouldn’t he have ambushed‘Mountain Breath’?” she breaks the silence.
“The villagers know about it. And I bet it’s visible on a Google Earth map. He wouldn’t give us a warning.”
“‘Mountain Breath’is only accessible by foot, so retrieving you up there would be a lot more difficult. It’s in his interest to lure you out of hiding, snatch you where there’s a road so he can take you back to Sicily.”
I tear my gaze away from the street to briefly look at her. Her expression is pensive.
“I hate to admit it, but I can see your point.” Then her face lights up with an idea. “Why don’t we call Rhia? It’s the easiest way to find out if it’s her.”
“No. We can’t risk it. If her phone is monitored, it will lead them straight to us. I will go to the café now and assess the situation. You stay here.”
“Fine,” she agrees begrudgingly.
“Slide into the driver’s seat and be ready to floor it at my signal,” I instruct.
“What’s the signal?”
“I’ll cross my arms to make a large X.” I do exactly that to demonstrate it, and she nods her understanding.
Just then the glimmer of red hair in the café window catches our attention.
“Oh my god,” Ella whispers as my eyes land on Rhia.
She sits down at a table by the door, staring out the window, turning her head to scan up and down the street.
“Rhia is really here,” Ella murmurs more to herself.
Her eyes glaze over, and she bites her lower lip in an attempt to stem an impending flood of tears.
I watch as a storm of emotions wells up inside her. It’s like the sight of her best friend made her flip a switch. I blink at her, not understanding why she’s suddenly upset.
