Page 28 of Keres

“Where’s Mia?”

Does he really think I’m that stupid? “I already told you she’ll be returned to you once I’ve found the man I’m looking for.”

He’s quiet for a few seconds.

“The name?” I snap.

“No.”

“No?” I growl. “Are you fucking kidding me? So you never want to see your wife again, is that it?”

“I won’t give you the name, but my men will have it.”

“Your men?”

“Ace and Romeo will take you where you need to go. They’ll help you find the man you’re looking for.”

I gasp at the absurdity of his proposal. “You seriously think I’m going to let those two bozos slow me down?”

“You seriously think I would allow the woman who kidnapped my wife and child take off without me knowing where she is at all fucking times? If so, you clearly didn’t do your research, little girl, because I am not that fucking man.”

Annoyed at him calling me a little girl, I bite down on my lip, drawing blood.

He takes another deep breath. “And you will allow them to see and speak to her every day so that I know she’s safe. Understand?”

I don’t reply, but he goes on talking anyway.

“And my men won’t slow you down. If anything they’ll help get this done quicker, and that is in the best interests of everyone involved.” I can picture him sitting behind some fancy-ass desk with steam coming from his ears. It’s almost enough to bring a smile to my face.

“They get in my way, and I won’t hesitate to take them down.”

He ignores me. “I assume you know where I live?”

“I do.”

“Then be here in an hour. They’ll be ready to go.”

Chapter

Eighteen

ROMEO

“Thanks for the coffee, Sophia,” I tell the Morettis’ housekeeper, giving her a quick peck on the cheek before I place my empty mug on the kitchen counter.

“You’re welcome.” She brushes back her gray hair and gives me a cheeky wink. Flirt!

Ace pops his head through the open doorway. “Boss wants to see us.”

“Which one?”

He raises his eyebrows. “Lorenzo.”

With a grimace, I say goodbye to Sophia and follow Ace to the library.

Standing in front of Lorenzo’s desk, I can’t help but think back to all those times I was summoned to the principal’s office for fighting or sneaking vodka in a water bottle and charging my classmates a dollar a capful.

Lorenzo checks his watch. “Keres will be here within the hour. I want you both to go with her and help her find this man she’s looking for.”

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