Page 119 of Merciless Monster

“But…”

“Please, Arnold. Do it for Mia. She must be out of her mind with worry for our son. You know how much she loves him. Please.”

“Fine. I’ll stay here. But you better keep me up to date, Dante.”

“I swear it.”

Bruno and Lucian are back. I can hear them talking downstairs. Only Bruno comes up to the office.

“Where is Mia?” he asks.

“There,” I say, pointing to the spot on the map.

“Okay. It isn’t too far away. I’ll get the men armed and ready.”

“Tell Lucian and two others to stay behind and guard Arnold and Angelo.”

“Yes, Boss.”

“I’ll take Angelo into the bunker. We’ll lock ourselves in there until you come black with Mia. It’s an old war bunker. No one can get in there. We’ll be safe.”

“Thank you, Arnold.”

“Be careful, Dante. Bring my daughter back to me and his son. I’m putting my trust in you, son. Don’t let me down.”

“I won’t. We’ll be back soon. When this is over, we’ll all go back to LA. How much have you told Catherine?”

“I haven’t told her about Mia’s kidnapping yet. I don’t think I have the heart to do that to my wife. Mia is her only child. It will break her heart.”

“Don’t tell her now. We’ll tell her once we have Mia back.”

“Agreed.”

“Just a few more hours and it will be over. I promise you that, Arnold.”

I have to talk to my son before I leave. God forbid anything should happen to me and I didn't see his perfect little face one more time.

“Angelo!”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Where are you, son?”

“I’m in the den.”

He’s watching a movie with Splash.

“Son, come sit with me.”

“What’s wrong, Daddy?”

“Nothing, my love. I just wanted to give you a hug before I went to town.”

“Why are you going out?”

“Bruno and the boys and I need to go get something quickly. Grandpa will stay here with you until Mommy and I return.”

“Oh, okay.”

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