Page 112 of Visions, Paws, and Claws

“They might be inclined toward leniency—butonlyif Vic comes out of this alive. Besides, you’ve provided us with vital information. Once this mission is completed, our next task will be to discover what was in that tomb—and exactly what the Gerans don’t wantanyoneto see.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Thursday

VIC STRODEalong the Via del Banco di Santo Spirito, heading for the Sant Angelo Castle bridge for the second time, his thoughts fixed not on his meeting with Orsini, but on his mates. Crank had sent several messages grousing about the food in the camp, but Vic took those with a grain of salt. Crank was a regular omnivore. Saul called him a human garbage disposal unit, and Vic had to admit he pretty much nailed it. One night back in Homer Glen, Roadkill had filled him in on all the horrendous things they’d gotten Crank to eat over the years, and Vic had been both appalled and impressed.

Not long now.

He knew Saul would be up to his neck in preparation for the mission. He was leading the biggest team, and Vic pitied the men under his command. He imagined Saul would be a tough son of a bitch who demanded nothing but the best from his team.

Yeah, Vic was proud as fuck of both his mates.

Saul had said the team would be heading back to Illinois on Saturday, and Vic wanted to be ready for them. That meant only one thing—lube, lube, and lube. He’d actually gone online to see if a fifty-five-gallon barrel was readily available. It was hard not to order one.

Or two.

As he drew closer to the gates, his progress was impeded by two men in suits, and Vic’s senses went on alert.

“Mr. Ryder?” The taller man flashed him a polite smile. “If you could accompany us, sir.”

Shit. This isn’t good.

Vic frowned. “I don’t know who you are, you’ve shown me no identification, and I have a meeting. So if you’ll excuse me….” He tried to swerve around the men, only to feel what was undoubtedly a gun poking into his back. The person holding it was close enough that Vic could feel his body warmth.

“Don’t cause a scene, Mr. Ryder.”

Vic wanted to wipe the smug smile from that fucker’s face. “Where are you taking me?”

“We have a car waiting. After that, our plans need not concern you.”

Looks like I have no choice.

He followed the two men to the Palazzo Alberini. They went through the hallway and emerged into an inner courtyard where a black van awaited. The side door slid open, revealing another man who beckoned him, a gun in one hand.

“Get in.”

“Seeing as you asked so politely.” Vic climbed into the back seat, and before he could get another word out, something sharp pricked his neck.

“Pleasant dreams, Fridan.”

SAUL CAMEto a dead stop in the middle of his run, unable to stop the shivers that coursed through him. He bent over, struggling for breath.

Crank.

I know. I felt it too. What the fuck was that?

Saul turned back toward the camp and broke into a run.Only one explanation.

Holy shit. Vic’s in trouble.

Saul headed for the command tent.I’m going to see Horvan.

On my way.

The camp was a hive of activity. Weapons checks, equipment, tech…. Nothing would be left to chance.

Except Saul couldn’t think about the mission.

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