Page 143 of Brutal Legacy

“I twisted Antonia’s arm… stole her partner. Don’t worry, both are fine.”

“Why?” I demanded and got to my feet.

“Because I had to get you here… How was I supposed to know you’d decide to come on your own? I needed to play along with Ravelli to get the name.” Massimo smirked up at me. “I thought we could torture him together… just like old times.”

“Mass…” I sighed with annoyance. “You scared my wife, and Toni betrayed her. I should kill you both.”

“But you won’t.” Massimo was full of confidence. “Give me the flash drive… and I’ll consider my contract canceled.”

“You never renege on a contract, or so your reputation would lead me to believe.”

“It’s true, but I don’t keep contracts with dead men… and I believe Sergio Ravelli is living his last hour of life right now, isn’t he?”

I tucked the knife away, tossed the flash drive to Massimo, and took my sniper rifle from my back. “An hour is generous.”

Massimo nodded, tucking the flash drive away in a pocket. “I like her, by the way… your wife.”

I considered him. “Be careful. I could still kill you, you know.”

His booming laughter filled the stables. I offered my hand to him, and he took it. I pulled him to his feet.

“So, he’s insane,” Giada said, having listened to the whole exchange.

“Undoubtedly. Update on Georgia.”

“In the kitchen.”

“The doors are open,” Massimo said conversationally behind me. “I tried them on the way out.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying, we divide and conquer… lure your wife out here and pick off the men around her on the way. That’ll already make a dent in their manpower. I’ll return to the house and take care of the rest.”

“I want to snuff the life out of Sergio Ravelli myself. I want to watch the light drain from his eyes… for daring to mess with my wife.”

Massimo’s eyes widened, and he looked genuinely shocked, shaking his head.

“So, it finally happened… you care about someone. You’re compromised.”

“One day, you’ll realize how empty a life of vengeance is… Living in the shadows, just existing… collecting contracts and money. None of that matters.”

Massimo watched me then shrugged. “Maybe so, but it’s all some of us have. Until next time, Colonel.” He saluted me sharply, stepping back and melting into the shadows.

“I don’t mean to pry, but I got all of that on tape and I’m totally playing it for Georgia.‘I want to watch the light drain from his eyes… for daring to mess with my wife.’”Giada cackled in my ear.

“Focus,” I snapped at her.

She chortled away for a few more seconds.

“So, let’s go with L’Ombra’s plan. But do you think there’s a way to lure Georgia out to the stables?”

My gut lurched as I felt the past and present collide.

“Yes,” I said with perfect certainty. “I know a way.”

41

GEORGIA

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