Page 11 of Promise Maker

“It’s me,” I announce. “It’s Domenico.”

She pauses, studying my face in the shadows. Thenshe starts to break down.

“Help my dad,” she implores amid her sobbing.“Please…”

“Come on.” I tow her to the car, placing her inthe back. My driver takes off for the Brigham residence.

Entering the neighborhood shortly, both SUVs slowdown a few feet from the gates as we often do in intense situations.

The cops haven’t arrived as yet. But it won’t belong.

We have to move fast.

“Stay here,” I say to Solari, adding firmly, “Donot leave the car.”

Her head goes up and down.

“Tienila al sicuro,” Iordermydriver.Heremains in the car with Solari while the rest of us file out, guns in our handsas we covertly move in on the property.

There’s no gunfire.

I have a feeling the attack is long over.

Peeking through the trees aligning the entrance, Ispot bodies on the ground, confirming my suspicion.

Everyone’s dead.

Sadly, even Bishop might be.

I signal to the men, and they sneak to the sidesand back of the house.

The others come with me to the busted front door,where more guards lie in puddles of blood in the entry.

I head for the office, halting in the doorway.

My throat clenches at the sight of Bishop on the carpet.He has a single gunshot wound in his chest, blood seeping from his mouth.

Cazzo!

I look past Bishop to the shelves, where the doorto a secret passage is ajar.

That must be how Solari got away. But someonemight have followed.

I thank the heavens she survived.

Crouching, I press my fingers at Bishop’s neck.

He coughs suddenly.

“Mr. Brigham.” I touch his shoulder.

He grips my hand, eyes wide as he struggles to lifthis head from the ground. “Solari…is she….”

“I found her. She’s all right.”

“Thank…god.” He coughs more blood. “Bastard…caughtme by surprise….”

“Who was it?” I urge.

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