Page 78 of Shark Bait

“They know a lot of things.” Shark glances at Val, who nods and leaves us.

Shark continues. “The reason I was on the yacht that day was because a few months ago, Fis used our marina to restock his supplies. Whenever a known criminal makes a stopover and an international intelligence agency finds out about it, the place is marked and investigated. Alessio didn’t appreciate the inquiry. One thing led to another, and they pressured Alessio into fixing their problem. In exchange, they would remove the flag they placed on the island. Alessio made a list of men on the yacht, and I executed the list, ticked it off like Santa Claus, one by one. Nobody knew you were onboard that yacht, not even me.”

“My hiding game is superior to your seeking game.”

Shark chuckles. “Yeah, and you monetized it when you took Fis’s money.”

We joke about the most messed-up of things. “What did he want from Denver?”

“He said he wanted money in exchange for proof of life.”

“But he doesn’t have proof of life.”

“Remember those cameras in Fis’s bedroom?”

I ball my fists. “They were watching those, and he wants to show them to my brother. That sick motherfucker.” I take a moment to process all this. “Where…” I swallow. “Where is Denver meeting that man?”

“In Venice,” Shark says. “He manages a hotel there. That’s how he gains access to lavish rooms and how he makes arrangements with the staff and…everyone. People suspect nothing. He’s been doing it for years in many cities across Europe. You’re not the first victim.”

“Now I’m angry. I want justice for all the victims.”

Shark purses his lips. “Well now, I wouldn’t call what I do justice, but Lucifer will know what to do with Falena once I’m done with the man here.”

“That’s justice.”

Shark shrugs. “Whatever you want to call it is fine by me.”

“Venice is only a few hours from here,” I say suggestively. I don’t know what I’m hoping for since Shark and Alessio explained the need for secrecy and why I can’t see my family ever again. Yet, my feelings don’t care about their (or my) logic.

“I know what you’re thinking, and the answer is a resounding no.”

“Maybe I could?—”

“No way,” Shark says in a tone that slams the door on the conversation.

“But you said Denver is paying for proof of life. Videos of me won’t be enough. How is Falena going to deliver the proof, which is me, if I’m not there?”

“He won’t.”

“Wha…? I don’t understand.”

“Falena will kill Denver as soon as the transfer of funds is completed.”

Both hands fly to my mouth. “Oh my God. No. No, I can’t. I must go to the hotel, then. You know which one, right? Obviously.”

Shark shakes his head. “You are not going anywhere near danger ever again.” He pauses and adds, “Unless the danger is me. You can come directly on me. All over me.”

“Shark, I’m being serious.”

“Me too. You’re staying with Alessio and Val.”

“I can’t let this man hurt my brother. My mom will die if something happens to Denver. He’s the light in her eye, you know.” I start crying again.

Shark envelops me in a hug, which is awkward because my belly is in the way so we hug sideways. “Nothing will happen to your brother. It’s why I’m going tonight. To intercept.”

“You can’t guarantee nothing will happen to him.”

“I can. Well, unless he’s clumsy like you and trips over his own feet and falls out the hotel room balcony to his death.”

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