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Vincenzo knew I meant every word and– fortunately for him– didn't even try to argue with me about how wise it was to act without a proper plan.
"You're going to pull yourself together now. If you can't think straight, you're no good to the girl," he admonished me, waving his index finger around like a teacher. "We'll go to the villa, Emilio will tell us what he's found out so far, and then we'll see what other steps we can take to track down her whereabouts."
"He has the phone number of thecoglione. If I don't see him try to get him on the line with my own eyes, he'll be eating his phone for dinner."
Vincenzo looked at me. "You need to work on the threats. I appreciate them, and also that you stand by every word, but it's anything but thinking ahead to threaten Emilio."
"If you ask me, it is the only way to communicate with him right now."
He started the car and threaded his way into traffic. I sent a thank you to the gods, that's how happy I was about it.
"His only concern was keeping you from doing something stupid."
"Of course. Are you stabbing me in the back?"
"No." Vince shook his head. "If that were the case, I would have allowed Natale to come for you first."
Good to know.
"I will make it clear to him it is more dangerous to put a leash on you and hope that you will accept it. I'll also be happy to remind him of the countless times he threw reason overboard and played the hero, even though achieving a positive outcome was out of his control."
I stared at Vincenzo in disbelief. So it was always the quiet people who could surprise you the most.
"Have you ever thought about resuming your old post?"
"No. I'm content to play advocate for whatever sibling needs it most."
It's clear what he was trying to say.
"I wasn't sure I cared that much about her until I realized he took her." Biting my tongue, I stopped myself from letting my anger run wild again, instead pushing my lower jaw forward and picking any spot to stare at.
"All that is relevant to me is that you want her back. Under any circumstances. I couldn't care less about the rest, D. Unless, of course, you want to get it off your chest."
This time I looked at him as if he had taken leave of his senses. "Thank you. No need. But it's good to know I can be sure of your support."
* * *
Anger and helplessnesswere still bubbling just below the surface when Vincenzo pushed open the door to the villa. Inside, the assembled team was already waiting for us.
They stared at us as if we were animals in the zoo who were doing something exciting that you didn't want to miss.
All at once, I was about to explode again and had to keep reminding myself that Vincenzo was on my side and would make sure things got moving.
"No escalations," Vince ordered before pointing at Emilio and then the office's direction. He had taken the lead. If Emilio didn't like it, he didn't let on.
Flavia looked anxiously at them, Carlotta stared at me with a raised eyebrow and Fiero, as well as Natale, were probably only present to prevent said escalations if they occurred.
"I'd really be interested to know what you're thinking with right now. Your cock or your– I can’t believe I'm saying this– heart?" Carlotta folded her arms, reminding me very much of our mother.
She had always had about the same attitude when we had fucked up as kids.
I shook my head. I would not discuss this with her. I could barely admit that I had suggested that Gia meet this family when they were now the ones standing in my way and preventing me from finding her.
"None of your business," I grumbled, crossing the foyer and retreating outside to the patio so that I would at least have peace from the probing stares.
I pulled out my smartphone and called Silvio. Besides me, he was the only one who had an accurate overview of the men working for me. Emilio would do nothing– so there was only one way to make quick progress in the whole affair. By putting all available forces on the case.
Was it supposed to cause a stir? It was supposed to make me vulnerable. Only one thing mattered and that was to get Gia back safe and sound. And then to kill the guy for good, in the most painful way I could think of in that moment.
