Page 151 of Carnal

25

Tristano

"Where is she!"I bark, unable to hold my cool any longer. It's been two months and two weeks since the accident. We're no closer to finding Pina than when I was in the hospital. Every second that passes, my anger overpowers me.

"I don't know!" Mattia Abruzzo cries out. He's a second cousin to Jacopo and the highest-ranking member of the Abruzzo family we've picked up over the last two months.

"You're lying," I seethe, then take the steel claw and slice it down his arm. It's a kitchen tool meant to tear pulled pork or other meats.

"Fuuuuck!" he screams.

My blood boils so hotly, I can't find the control I normally have when torturing men. Spit flies out of my mouth and lands on his face when I declare, "I'm clawing your dick apart next if you don't give me something!" I press the claw on his pecs then slowly move down.

I get below his belly button, and he shouts, "Wait!"

I freeze, arching my eyebrows.

He swallows hard.

"Speak, or I'm doing it," I threaten.

"She was moved to Jacopo's this morning!" he announces.

I snarl, "What else?"

"Th-that's it! I swear I don't know anymore!" he claims.

"Liar!" I accuse, then slice over his cock.

"Fuuuuuuck!" he howls, his voice echoing in the small cell.

Massimo puts his hand over mine, ordering, "Take a break, bro. I'll take over from here."

"He knows more," I insist.

Massimo clasps the claw tighter. "I'll get it out of him. Go tell Papà what he said."

My chest tightens further. Acid burns my esophagus. Since I got home from the hospital, I've recovered from the motorcycle accident injuries. But I can't seem to eat or drink anything without acid burning my stomach and throat. The longer Pina's gone, the worse it gets. Silvio prescribed me some antacids, yet they're worthless.

Massimo murmurs, "If you kill him too soon, we won't get all the information. Now go tell Papà."

I debate a moment then cave. I release the claw to Massimo, leave the cell, and shower in the bathroom. When I no longer have any blood or sweat on me, I dry off and go upstairs.

Papà and Luca are in his office. Luca states, "Word on the street is he took her to Jacopo's this morning."

"Mattia just confirmed," I announce, stepping inside the room and shutting the door.

Papà goes to the window and stares into the backyard. Summer is almost here. The grass is as green as it's ever been. The flowers are in full bloom, and everything screams cheerfulness. All I can think is how Pina loves sunshine. She should be here, but right now, it's like she's a ghost.

Part of me feels relieved she's not dead. The other side of me is worried. Jacopo's house is a fortress. I've racked my mind too many times, wondering how to penetrate his compound without putting her in harm's way. Everything I imagine leaves her hurt or dead.

I assert, "We need to go get her tonight."

Papà spins. "This is not the time for knee-jerk reactions."

"Knee-jerk? He's had her for over two months! What do you think he's doing to her?" I voice, fighting the bile rising in my throat.

"Do you want her killed?" he questions.

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