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“Thank you,” I say with an appreciative smile.

A grin tugs at the corner of his mouth. “I’ve got nieces and nephews, and I know for a fact that you and Alex won’t get any sleep tonight unless we go find the damn thing.”

As if on cue, rain begins to fall. A few scattered drops tap the windshield before the sky opens, pounding the glass with relentless force.

By the time we pull into the empty playground parking lot, the storm is coming down in sheets.

I unbuckle my seat belt.

“I’ll get it,” Tommaso says, already reaching for his door.

I shake my head. “No. Don’t worry. I’m pretty sure I know exactly where she left it.” My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I glance down to see Alex’s name on the screen, but I slide it back in, knowing I’ll call as soon as I get back. “I’ll be quick.” Before he can argue, I push my door open and sprint across the empty lot toward the little slide. Relief hits the moment I spot Squish slumped at the bottom, his plush fur already soaked through. I grab him, and just as I turn back toward the SUV, thunder rumbles overhead. I hold my arm above my head, trying and failing to block the rain as I hurry back.

Getting inside, I’m dripping wet and find Clara’s cries have only gotten worse. I do my best to squeeze the rainwater from Squish’s matted fur, silently wishing for a towel.

The moment Clara reaches for him with both hands, I place him in her arms, and she squeezes the toy against her chest.

A smile grows on my face as I stare down at her.

“Okay, Tommaso, we should be good to—” The words die in my throat as I look up front. Tommaso is slumped against his seat, his arms by his side. “Tommaso?” My voice trembles as fear rolls through me. He doesn’t move. My gaze hesitantly drifts to the rearview mirror, and I freeze. Directly between his eyes is a bullet hole, with blood trailing down the bridge of his nose.

My hand flies to my mouth, concealing the scream begging to be released.

No. No. No.

I scan outside the car in all directions, but see nothing.

No vehicles.

No people.

With a trembling hand, I press the lock button on the door beside me, then reach into my pocket for my phone. I tap Alex’s name and bring the phone to my ear. It rings only once before Alex answers.

“Is everything alright—”

“Something happened,” I choke out, cutting him off as my vision blurs with fresh tears.

“What happened?” Alex asks, a dark calmness in his tone I’ve never heard. “Where are you?”

“In the car at the playground with Clara,” I answer, my fingers clutching the phone, wishing he were here. “Tommaso…he’s dead. They—” My voice dies as my eyes catch on the figures surrounding the car. Three men. Two stop beside the rear doors, and one plants himself in front of the SUV, broad shoulders blocking the only way forward.

My blood turns to ice as I stare into the familiar cold eyes beside my door.

“Alex.” Every inch of my body shakes in terror. “He found me.”

“No!” Alex roars as the sound of an engine purrs to life. “I’m coming! Do not get out of that vehicle.”

Garrett smiles as he lifts his hand in the air. He can’t see inside the window because of the tinting, but he knows I can see his every move. Then the fob dangles between his fingers, and my heart stops.

“He has the keys,” I whisper in a defeated sob, knowing the game is just beginning. “He’s s-standing outside with the keys in his hand and…” I look around the vehicle. “There are t-two other men here.”

“Do you have the key I gave you?”

“No,” I sniff. “It’s in the nightstand.”

“Fiorellina, I need you to listen to me,” Alex grinds out. “Tommaso will have a gun tucked inside his jacket. I need you to get it.”

“But, I can’t—”