Page 10 of Wild Card

I need to try another tactic. “Sure. But they’re connected. We have to be careful. Jesus, Renzo, Papa would be disappointed to see Freddie rubbing off you like this. We don’t hurt women. And stealing her earrings? Not only is that a bullshit thing to do to an already traumatized woman, it could bring people right to us when you pawn them, even if you use a fence.”

This seems to resonate, and he takes a deep breath.

It’s too late for me to back out of this. But hopefully I can keep things from getting worse.

“Okay Gio. You’re right. I’ll be more careful.”

He doesn’t exactly sound contrite, but hopefully he’ll do what’s smart.

“Good. I’m going to pick up a few things and I’ll be back. Do you need anything for the car?”

“Nah. Got plenty of spare parts. See ya.”

The burner phone buzzes.

I pull it out of my pocket.

Lorenzo is practically salivating.

“Is that him?”

You’re going to wish the cops found you first when we’re done with you. We’re going to obliterate you and your entire fucking family if you don’t return Catriona.

Great. No signature with this one.

“No.” I decide to lie and make a different point. “Something about how many views the video got. Lots of people have this number, Lorenzo.”

I delete that message too.

“It’s untraceable, don’t worry. Freddie made sure of it. Carney’s spawn is an influencer, whatever the fuck that means,” Lorenzo says. “Made it real easy to find her.”

I wish she hadn’t been so easy to find, but it’s too late now. Hopefully James Carney will do what it takes to save his daughter. How could he not after seeing her in so much pain?

If Freddie doesn’t get his money, he won’t be satisfied with just one woman in trade, no matter how beautiful she is. And he won’t be satisfied with just killing Lorenzo, too. Nonna and I would be on that list. It’d be a matter of pride for him, and he can’t let people see him as weak. Not where he sits. Fuck.

I should get her something to eat.

What a Goddamn mess.

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