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My hands tremble as I grab the burner phone hidden under my mattress. One number is programmed inside. Clara Herrera - the only person I can trust now.
She answers on the first ring.
"Hola?" Her voice is urgent, clipped.
"It's me."
A sharp exhale. "Isabella. Are you in danger?"
"Not yet. But I have information about Juan. Things that have come to light."
Clara is silent. Weighing my words.
"I should have called sooner," I say. "But I was afraid."
"We have little time. Tell me what you know."
"I'm being held captive. They're disguising it as protection, but I'm under watch the whole time."
"Yes," says Clara. "You had hinted so in the past."
"Well, now I'm certain. I tried to run away one night, but was captured."
"Are you alright?" she hisses, in anger and concern.
"I'm fine. But Juan hasn't called, or checked in. I don't believe he cares about my plight. We haven't talked in over three weeks."
"Very much so," she agrees.
"Wouldn't he have tried to contact me? Come visited if he hasn't heard from me? If he truly cared?"
"He would have, if he cared."
"So, what should we do?" I ask, helplessly.
"Well, we need to find out what Juan and the Capo want. If they're keeping you prisoner, there must be a reason."
"Can you find out?"
"I will, mija. But if Juan isn't looking out for you, and you're a prisoner there, you must be in danger. I supported your decision to trust Juan for he is your family, and I only just pledged allegiance to you, Isabella. But now, I'm taking charge. Do you trust me?"
"You're the only person I trust," I admit, tear coming to my eyes.
For where family and old friends turned foe, I found an ally in the darkness and for that, I will be forever grateful.
"In that case, we'll get you out of there soon. Stay strong, Isabella. I'll reach out with the plan."
I grip the phone tighter, steeling myself. "No. I'm staying. I can do more good from the inside."
Clara hesitates. "That's dangerous—"
"Let me do the right thing. Let me find out more, spy on Luca Conti," I insist. "Please."
A long pause. "Okay. But at the first sign of trouble, I'm pulling you out."
"Gracias, Clara. I won't forget this."
As I push the phone into the pocket of my jeans, the sounds of chaos erupt outside. Gunshots and shouts pierce the night. I freeze, pulse racing.
