Page 26 of Rise
I’m not sure why I didn’t think of that sooner, but I’m glad Vinny did. I see his fingers flying across the little keyboard on my phone screen for a while. After a few minutes, he passes the phone back to me. I’m floored by how much more information Vinny has about the men and theairport ambush. I could hug him.
“Jesus, Vinny. You’re a fucking lifesaver. These details are a huge help.”
Everything makes sense. I know exactly who to look for and where to start my search.
Damn right it’s my search.
Finding Natalia isn’t going to fall to just my men this time. Not without me taking the lead.
It’s my job to find her so that’s what I’m goingto do.
Vinny motions for my phone again, and once he has it, he types some more, then turns the screen to me so I can read it.
SHIT. JUST SAW THE DATE ON YOUR PHONE. HAVE I BEEN OUT THAT FUCKING LONG?
My lips form a thin line as I nod my confirmation. “Sixty-four long days, my friend. A fucking lifetime.”
FUCK. WHY DIDN’T YOU ASK ALESSIO AND RAFFAELE BEFORE NOW?
Jesus, this shit’s fucking hard. Do I have to tell him about this part? He doesn’t need bad news. Do I really need to admit that he’s the only survivor of the men assigned to provide protection for Natalia during her flight? Surely that part can wait. But he’s always been good at readingmy silence. He adds a couple more words to the phone screen.
TELL ME
I shake my head slowly, telling him the news without words.
THEY DIDN’T MAKE IT? NEITHER OF THEM?
“No. I’m sorry, Vinny. But that’s why I have to find her. They can’t have died for nothing.” I riseto my feet and reach out, motioning for my phone. “And when she’s back safe with us, I’ll make sure everyone responsibly pays for their part in all this. For taking Natalia, for hurting you, and for murdering two of our own.”
Before he returns the phone to me, he types in another message. His eyes are intense when they lock with mine as he rests the phone back into my open hand, screenfacing up. I read the words and nod my agreement with what he wrote.
YES. FIND NATALIA. THEN MAKE THE FUCKERS PAY. CRISTIANO TOO. KILL THEM ALL.
