Page 208 of Fall Before Her Throne

“We’ve released the blackmail Obi had on you to the public,” I added. “We’ve sent copies to every single member of your family. We’ve sent them to all major news stations and publications. The story is currently going viral on the internet. You’re a disgrace to your office and to the City of New York—and now everyone knows it. So, chew on that for the few moments left you have to live.”

A tear slipped down his cheek. He murmured something against the gag, but I didn’t give him the dignity of last words. Instead, I let Giulio and Felix yank him back to his chair and wrap his hand around the gun from his desk drawer. They held it to his temple and pulled the trigger so it would look like he had taken his own life.

When we walked out of his office, his blood had pooled beneath him and stained the floor red.

“You got done what you wanted to get done?” Rossi asked when I showed up at his restaurant. Only a few of his men were there, waiting with him.

I rubbed my hands together while I grinned. “Oh, yeah. Very successful.”

He smirked. “You remind me of that guy of yours—what’s his name? Ryuji?”

A laugh bubbled up my throat. “He would be so pleased to hear that. Anyway, they’re both dead. We drove through Sandrini’s territory, and it looks like word is already spreading. His men are running around like chickens with their heads cut off. The commissioner probably won’t be found until the morning, but the police force will get their orders from the mayor. Everything should be ready to proceed.”

Rossi dragged his hands down his face. “Are you sure this is what you want to do?”

“Yes.” I’d left Giulio and Felix back at the border of Rossi’s territory. We were in it now. My Shadows needed me to do this. If I could come through on my side, Obi would finish it all.

I just had to survive the next few hours.

Rossi tilted his head to the side while he appraised me. “However this goes tonight, I want you to know that I think you’re being stupid.” I snorted, but he held up his hands while he grinned. “I also think you’re really fucking brave. I’d be happy to live in New York under the Shadows, and I do not say that lightly.”

I gave him a small smile before I extended my hand. He took it for a firm shake. “Thanks, Enzo. I appreciate that. If all this goes to shit, please keep Chiara safe. And do your best for my men, if you can.”

“I will.”

I let go and bounced on my feet while I stretched my neck from side to side. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, but all I could think about was getting through tonight and seeing my men again. Even if it didn’t last very long, I prayed I’d at least have a few minutes with them before Badawi held up her end of our deal.

Rossi glanced at his watch. “Ready?”

I gusted a calming breath, but it did nothing to slow my racing heart. “Call him.”

68

MAX

Solitary confinement was kind of nice.

Quiet. Isolating, sure, but probably a lot better than sleeping in those miniscule bunks.

The worst part was wondering how Cas and the rest of the guys were doing.

And Leona. Always worrying about Leona.

Before they’d thrown us all into our individual confinement cells, the guards had beaten Ryuji up pretty badly, but last I’d seen, he was smiling through a bloody nose and hawking frothy, red spit at their feet. Cas ended up with a black eye. I had another round of bruised ribs that ached with every movement, especially on the hard-as-fuck cot.

I crossed my arms over my chest and leaned my head back on the small cot with its threadbare pillow.

How was she? Was she okay? Had she made it to Fallon?

Part of me wished she’d stay with Byrne, away from all this.

But I knew her better than that. She would follow our plan. She’d do what we asked of her. I feared it wouldn’t be enough.

The metal door to my cell groaned open. I lifted my head, blinking in surprise when I saw two people waiting there.

The man held up a badge. “Max Volpe.”

I sat up. “Who the fuck are you?”