Page 32 of The Enforcer's Brat

But before Matteo could move, a sleek black car came screeching around the corner. The back door flew open, and a voice Enzo recognized shouted, "Get in! Now!"

Matteo hesitated for a split second, then made a decision. "Go," he said, pushing Enzo towards the car. "I'll cover you."

Enzo scrambled into the backseat, Matteo diving in after him. The door had barely closed before the car was peeling away, tires squealing on the pavement.

As the adrenaline began to fade, Enzo realized who their savior was. "Uncle Tony?" he said, disbelief coloring his voice.

Tony Ricci, Don Ricci's younger brother and Enzo's favorite uncle, turned in the passenger seat to face them. His usually jovial face was set in grim lines. "You boys okay?" he asked, eyes scanning them for injuries.

"We're fine," Matteo answered, his arm still wrapped protectively around Enzo. "What the hell was that?"

Tony's expression darkened. "Looks like someone decided to make a move. Right under our noses, too. This is bad, real bad."

Enzo's mind raced, trying to process what had just happened. "But who? And why now?"

"That's what we need to figure out," Tony said. "For now, we're heading to a safe house. One that only I know about. We can't trust anyone else right now."

The gravity of the situation hit Enzo like a punch to the gut. His own family, his own home, wasn't safe anymore. He leaned into Matteo's solid warmth, seeking comfort.

Matteo's arm tightened around him. "It's okay, baby," he murmured, low enough that only Enzo could hear. "I've got you."

The drive to the safe house was tense, everyone on high alert for any signs of pursuit. When they finally arrived at a nondescript suburban house, Enzo felt some of the tension leave his body.

Once inside, Tony immediately went to secure the perimeter while Matteo did a thorough sweep of the house. Enzo stood in the living room, feeling useless and shaken.

When Matteo returned, he immediately pulled Enzo into his arms. "You're okay," he murmured, pressing a kiss to Enzo's temple. "We're safe now."

Enzo melted into the embrace, the events of the day finally catching up to him. He felt tears prick at his eyes and buried his face in Matteo's chest, not wanting anyone to see him cry.

"Shh, it's alright," Matteo soothed, rubbing Enzo's back. "Let it out, baby. I've got you."

Tony cleared his throat awkwardly from the doorway. "So, uh, I take it you two are...?"

Enzo tensed, suddenly remembering they weren't alone. He pulled back slightly, looking up at Matteo with uncertainty. They hadn't discussed how to handle their relationship in front of others.

Matteo's jaw set in a determined line. "Yes," he said firmly, meeting Tony's gaze. "We're together. Is that going to be a problem?"

Tony held up his hands in a placating gesture. "Hey, no judgment here. Love is love, and God knows we could use more of it in this family. I'm just surprised, is all."

Enzo felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Thanks, Uncle Tony," he said softly.

Tony's expression softened. "Don't mention it, kid. Now, let's figure out what the hell is going on and who's trying to take you out."

They gathered around the kitchen table, Tony producing a bottle of whiskey and three glasses. As he poured, Enzo couldn't help but notice the way Matteo positioned himself, always keeping Enzo within arm's reach.

"Alright," Tony said, taking a swig of his drink. "Let's start from the beginning. What exactly did you two uncover that's got everyone so riled up?"

Enzo and Matteo took turns explaining their investigation, the pattern they'd discovered, and their theory about the docks being the next target. Tony listened intently, his frown deepening as they spoke.

"Christ," he muttered when they finished. "No wonder someone's gunning for you. This coalition, if you're right about it, could upset the whole balance of power in the city."

"But who would benefit from that?" Enzo asked. "And why target me specifically?"

Tony's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Could be someone wants to send a message to your father. Or..." he trailed off, looking uncomfortable.

"Or what?" Matteo pressed.

Tony sighed heavily. "Or someone in the family doesn't want this information getting out. Someone who might be working with this coalition."

---