Page 117 of Code Name: Typhon

“Let me get out of here, then I’ll explain.” I handed him a comms set. “Tank? Blackjack? Over?”

“Right behind you, boss,” Blackjack responded.

“Good. Follow me into the next parking structure.”

We transferred vehicles. Tank was behind the wheel of the one Ripa and I had climbed into while Blackjack jumped in the one I’d been driving.

“Start. Fucking. Talking,” Ripa seethed.

“A hit has been put out on Maximo de Rossi.”

“By who?”

“The Sicilians. I received the order on my way. Shortly before you called, I received an all-call alert from Nemesis, saying Penelope Ramsey was missing.”

“You think Pen’s disappearance has something to do with the hit on Maximo?” Brand asked.

“I’m certain of it.”

“Why?”

“Because he believes you have the power to either get it called off or him out of the country and under SIS protection,” I responded.

“Are you saying he already knows there’s a contract out on him?”

“Affirmative.”

Ripa had his head in his hands. “Why would he take Pen to get to me? I was within reach. I was literally standing right next to him.”

“They already had her. I’ve no doubt his plan was to get you to ask him for help, then once you were out of the airport, make his demands.”

“This doesn’t make sense.”

“A marked man usually doesn’t. And, like the message said, he knows who you are, which means he knows the real reason you’re in Italy.”

When Brand asked what we were going to do, the answer was easy. I was about to call in a favor that just might result in my signing my own death warrant.

“We’re going to Castello Vicchiomaggio, and when we get there, you’re going to hand the Sicilians to the don and he’s going to help us find Penelope.”

The gates of Scaglione’s compound were wide open when we arrived, but the drive was lined with his soldiers brandishing automatic weapons. I pulled through and parked when I reached the villa’s entrance. As was standard procedure, we were escorted inside by four of the don’s men, all of whom were armed.

“Benito! Welcome, my friend,” Scaglione said when we exited the lift. His expression wasn’t as warm when he greeted Brand.

The don motioned for us to be seated.

“Benito tells me you need my help. I find I’m somewhat surprised, given I understand you went back to work for another syndicate,” said Valerio.

“I’m not here on behalf of the Sicilians,” Brand responded.

When he explained he was here to make a deal, Scaglione sat back in his chair.

“What do I get in return?”

“A means to put the Sicilian Syndicate out of business.”

“Go ahead.”

I sat back and listened, impressed when Brand insisted that first, the don give his word he’d help him find Penelope.

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