Page 278 of Marcello

It was that he bore a strong resemblance to Dario Rosolini –

And he was glaring at me like he was the angriest man on earth.

I knew instantly that I was looking at Adriano Rosolini.

Shit.

This is the part where the hero fails.

If it had been daylight, I might’ve had a chance. The workers in the stash house would have seen me being held up and come out, guns blazing –

But at this hour, there was only one guy manning the place, and I’d woken him out of a sound sleep. Once I walked out, he’d locked up and gone back to bed.

I was all alone, and the enemy had gotten the drop on me.

I’m sorry, Giulietta…

I’m so, so sorry…

“Face the car,” Adriano snarled.

“You can have the money,” I said as I held up the bag, though I knew that wasn’t what he was there for.

“FUCK your money. Face the car.”

I did as I was told.

He took my phone first, then expertly frisked me with one hand, his pistol aimed at my kidneys the entire time.

After he grabbed my gun, I expected him to blow my brains out –

But instead he barked, “Get in the backseat.”

I opened the door and got inside.

At the same time, the passenger-side door opened, and another man slipped in the backseat beside me with a gun pointed at my ribs.

I’d seen him before –

Seven years ago, to be exact.

And from the description Lucrezia gave us, now I knew his name.

Niccolo Rosolini gave me an impish smile. “Ciao, Marcello. Remember me?”

PART VI

Four Hours Earlier

Florence

90

Giorgio

After Alessandra gave her blessing to Dario’s revenge, we left her to rest.

Most of the women stayed with Alessandra in her hospital room, but Rachel and Sofia followed the men out into the hallway –