Page 121 of Massimo

Marcelo sees us and opens the gate to let us in. It grinds and jerks as it slowly opens.

"Shit," Gemma mutters. "That's like nails on a chalkboard."

The gate opens just enough for my armored Rolls Royce to squeeze through without scraping the sides.

Once we're inside, Gabe stops for me to get out and speak to the officers in charge.

A man with deep lines and groves in his face approaches. "Mr. Santoro. I'm Battalion Chief Logan Callahan with the Fire Department. And this is Captain Riley Vasquez with the SFFD." He motions to a no-nonsense-looking woman.

"Thank you both for your team's rapid response," I say smoothly. "Anything you can tell me?"

"Little at this point," Callahan says. "However, we've determined there are no other explosive devices in the vehicle."

"And no one was hurt?" I ask, even though I know the answer; optics are always good.

"No." Captain Vasquez studies me with a hard expression.

It’s no secret who I am; law enforcement knows we’re mafia. They also know about the Chamber—and how we work to limit risk to civilians.The police commissioner is aware of some of the ways my family and I keep the city safer: such as preventing human trafficking, and dealing with anyone pushing tainted or toxic drugs in our clubs—even if we operate on the wrong side of the law.

The Captain's expression tells me she’s aware of all this and isn't pleased, but she won’t do anything about, likely under direct orders from higher-ups.

"I'll have the head of my tech department—" Crispin would snigger at the description—"provide you with any video footage of this evening. Please let me know what else you need from me."

"Any reason for an attack like this?" Vasquez asks.

I'm certain this has to do with Nova. And I have a few theories on who's behind it and why, with one that is bubbling to the top for being most likely. But I keep those thoughts to myself as I straighten the cuffs of my suit jacket.

"None that I can think of at the moment."

Judging by their looks, they both think I'm full of shit, but that's not my concern at the moment.

"Please keep me updated, and like I said, don't hesitate to contact me for anything you may need." Then I'm back in the car, and Gabe is whisking us up the long driveway toward the house.

I check my phone, quickly scanning the details Crispin has unearthed so far.

There's nothing on the gate's video footage, but the intel from the drones tells a different story. Crispin's team has been operating military-grade, undetectable drones to monitor my estate and my family's for the purpose of guarding against threats from Mancini, and tonight, those drones and their surveillance hit pay-dirt.

My brightly lit house illuminates the darkness as we approach. Vincenzo waits inside, likely in ambush. But all I feel is excitement. I'm returning home to my soon-to-be queen, and I'm a predator who just got a lead. Because thanks to the broad aerial view provided by the drones and the city's network of CCTV cameras, Crispin has already traced the origin of the self-driving car to Visitacion Valley.

Which, coincidentally, is Serpent territory.

Ivan Everhart, who suggested the 'social networking' of our faction's inner leadership, has used that opportunity to create chaos. Thewhyhe did so is unclear, but I have my suspicions that it has everything to do with the four-million-dollar bounty that hangs over Nova's head.

Why Ivan would make an enemy out of me is also unknown, but I don't give a fuck. I'll cut the head off that serpent, just like I will with Mancini.

Gabe stops the car in front of the house and looks at me in the rearview mirror. Gemma is pensive as she turns to me. I can hear Vito's 1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 rumbling up the driveway behind us, bringing him andZioMarco.

"What's the play?" Gabe asks.

I feel a bit of Vito's unhingedness settle within me. "Whatever is necessary to protect my soon-to-be wife."

Chapter 50

Massimo

Vito,Gabe,Gemma,andMarco are at my back as we enter my family room. I'm ready for battle.

Vincenzo is withMamma, Creed, and Sophie. He's standing by the marble fireplace that has antique silver candlesticks on the mantel. They're heavy, and I can use them to bludgeon him to death if it needed.

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