Page 119 of Blood Vows

“How do you know?” she asked.

“They’ve made the last four turns with us.” She hadn’t even noticed, but of course Marco had. He took another corner too fast, and Valentina grabbed the dash. The sedan followed.

“Marco,” she warned.

“I see them,” he said.

“What do we do?” she asked.

“We lose them,” he said casually.

“That’s your whole plan?” she squeaked.

“For now.” He reached beneath his jacket and pulled out his gun.

Valentina stared at it. “You’re driving.”

“I’m aware,” he said.

“And holding a gun.”

“Also aware of that,” he said.

“Fantastic,” she grumbled, throwing her hands in the air for dramatic effect.

Marco glanced at her. “You talk more when you’re scared.”

“I’m trying not to scream.”

“Talking is better,” he agreed. Something about his tone steadied her. It wasn’t gentle because Marco didn’t seem built for gentle. But it was certain. He knew what he was doing. At least, she desperately hoped he did.

The sedan accelerated, and Marco turned hard onto an access road. “Phone,” he shouted.

“What?” she asked.

“Get the phone from the center console—the black one,” he ordered. Valentina grabbed it and triumphantly held it up. “Call Dante.”

“Which number?” she asked.

“First contact.” She tapped it in, and Dante answered immediately.

“Marco,” Dante answered.

“We have company,” Marco said.

“Where?” Dante asked. Marco rattled off a location. Valentina barely caught it.

Dante’s voice changed. “How many?”

“One car,” Marco said. “Could be more, though.”

“I know,” Dante said. “I’m ten minutes out.”

“Make it five,” Marco said.

“Done.” The call ended, and Valentina stared at the phone.

“Ten minutes?” she asked.