Page 116 of Gin & Trouble

The boy whispered, “I will miss you, beautiful lady.”

“I will miss you too. You’ve been so brave. You’re my hero.” I hugged him tight, one last time.

In the courtyard, Dante and I climbed into the wagon, and Leo’s security team covered us with tarps—only these were unlike any tarp I’d ever seen.

“Why are there zippers?” I knew the answer, but I didn’t want to believe it.

“Body bags.” Dante growled.

Oh no. No. No.

“Relax. We won’t zip them all the way.” Leo sounded far too amused. “We’re going to put some of the wreckage around you. Try to be still.”

I clung to Dante as what felt like long pieces of wood rested against my back. “Will we be safe in here?”

“It’s going to be bumpy, but we’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure no one’s looking for us?” The idea of Tommaso coming for me made my blood run cold.

“Probably not. If anyone was searching, I’m sure they’re gone by now. Hold onto me and think happy thoughts.”

I closed my eyes, but I couldn’t imagine home like I’d done as a teen away at school. Instead, my brother’s twisted, angry face filled my mind.

34

Dante

The rideto the dock with piles of wreckage falling on me sucked, but nothing could compare to being sealed into a giant Ziplock bag. Seriously, I’d survived an explosion, a head wound, and high doses of homemade sedatives but the few minutes I spent in the body bag about killed me.

The second I hit the floor, I clawed my way out of the thick plastic and drew a deep breath. “Where’s Frankie?”

Marco stared for a couple of seconds before offering me a trembling hand. “They are bringing her in now.”

Embracing him, I said, “Thank you for getting us out of here.”

“You’re welcome, but don’t ever do something like this again.” He squeezed me tighter.

“Trust me, I have no intention of coming that close to death until I’m a hundred or so.”

“Works for me. You’ll probably be bald then, too.” Marco grinned as if quite proud of his joke.

“Ha ha.”

A member of his security team walked into the room with a second black bag draped across his arms. I never would have thought it possible such a big guy could be gentle, but he rested the bag on the sofa as if laying a newborn into a crib.

I lunged for her and lowered the zipper. “It’s safe now.”

“Oh, thank God.” Frankie wiggled her way free and threw herself into my arms.

“Are you okay?” I ran my hands over her arms, her shoulders, her face.

“I’m good, but that was an experience I’m not looking forward to repeating.”

Once I was sure she didn’t have any new cuts or bruises, I brushed my lips across hers and pulled her to my side. “Tell me about it.”

Marco nodded to the guard. “Tell Leo we’re ready to go.”

He turned and left without a word.

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