Page 119 of Vito

Alberto pulls my thoughts away by asking Massimo if they have the go-ahead to proceed.

"Yes," Massimo says. "But reconnaissance only for now."

"Massimo," I growl. "They're here in our territory without permission."

"Yes, I know." His fists clench. "I need to know their bigger agenda and who else is involved first. Mancini was initially loosely implicated in the threat against Sophie. Creed has linked Mancini and Morales through Magna Titano Group, the shit construction company. Now Mancini is here."

I shove my hand over my hair. "Because of the connection to Morales, you're thinking maybe not just a human trafficking ring, but they're connected to that death ring."

That sick fucking ring also had sex slavery as part of it.

Massimo's look is dark. "As soon as Sophie's appointment is over, I want her back here; Creed will have her on lockdown until we know more, for sure."

"What if something is wrong with the baby or Sophie, and they need to go to the hospital?" I'm trying to prepare from all angles as I take out my phone to text Raf for the protection teams to prepare for a level-one threat.

"Creed already has Andro getting everything they need for emergency care to be set up here, including Nina and a few other trusted medical team members."

Nina is Dom Jude's sister. She's a doctor, and Dom had ensured she had nothing to do with the gang. The Jude children hadn't been born and raised in the life; their mother kept them far away from it until Tomas came for Dom when he was a fiery fourteen-year-old because he wanted his son to rule after him. Dom finally agreed, against his mother's wishes, but only on the condition that Nina would never be pulled into gang activities.

Nina may not be involved with the Saints, but with the uncertainty of the Chamber, I'm leery of letting anyone outside our family into our inner sanctum.

"It's only if it's needed," Massimo assures me. "I spoke with Creed, and the cramping and spotting has stopped; they'll know more after the check-up and ultrasound."

As much as Massimo is reassuring me, he's eyeing me with a dark expression. I know he's not telling me everything, likely something he learned from one of his phone calls.

After Raf confirms he's received my message, I stare Massimo down. "What?"

"ZioMarco," Massimo turns to him. "Finish coordinating everything with Alberto to get the teams in place, then get on the plane with your team and get your ass to San Jose. Crispin and Daniele, I need you to set everything up for surveillance and command oversight. All of you, stay in touch with Vito for anything you need, and keep me updated aboutanythingregarding Mancini and Novak."

He grips my elbow, and Gabe steps to the side as Massimo leads me away.

"What the fuck, Mass?" I pull my elbow free and glare at him. But inside, my unease has exploded with thousands of red flags.

He pulls me far enough away from the others so our conversation can't be heard. He's unreadable and tense. "I've heard back from Glass."

"I sent him the picture of the tattoos that Eden took last night, thinking his resources might be faster. He got two hits. In both incidences, the same tattoo was on a Slovak soldier."

Slovak, as in the Czech mafia.

Eden's attackers were connected not only to Morales, but also to Simon Novak.

Both have connections to Mancini.

Whatever was in play regarding Gilly's could be connected to the threat against Santoros.

I need to get to Eden.

Massimo's big body crowds mine, and he speaks in a low, dangerous voice. "You will hide your fucking emotions. We don't need anyone else to know about yourtransgression."

"Fuck you." I seethe and jerk away. But he follows me.

"I'll deal with it, Vito. I'll make sure Ed is covered. You are not to go there or call her."

My teeth grind. He's right, and he knows it.

"Don't youfuckingdareinform the Chamber about this connection."

His jaw works.

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