Page 163 of Carnal

"We don't need it," I insist.

Luca's face hardens. "Do I need to remind you that your Papà put me in charge? Are you going to be a problem or a help?"

I sniff hard, not flinching. I hate that Papà won't let me take the lead on this.

Papà says, "Tristano? Answer Luca."

I cave. "Fine. Let's go." I leave the office and go outside.

The ride to the restaurant is quiet. I spend most of it staring out the window at the city with the same thoughts that have plagued me since I woke up in the hospital.

What shape will Pina be in after living with the Abruzzos for months?

Will she remember me?

What's Biagio done to her? Will she ever be able to forget about it?

When we're almost there, I ask Luca, "How did you get access to the kitchen anyway?"

He grunts. "I know people. You have to understand, Tristano, I've been in this game a long time."

I snort. "Yeah, you are an old motherfucker."

He chuckles. "Not too much older than you, so careful who you call old. Anyway, I've got my guys in the kitchen. There are two cooks, one dishwasher, and two waiters. They'll back us up."

"What about the other staff?" I question.

He locks eyes with me. "Hopefully, they'll get out of the way when it goes down."

My gut flips. Neither Luca nor I want anyone innocent to die. But if there are casualties for rescuing Pina, I'll deal with my guilt later.

"The hostess is on our payroll, too. She'll let the police through with no issues. I already texted her," Luca states.

"So your guys are carrying?" I inquire.

"Of course."

"Hostess, too?"

He nods. "She knows how to handle herself."

A moment of silence fills the SUV.

He breaks it, adding, "It's best if we don't blow their cover."

"If we blow their cover, we blow their cover," I reply.

He groans and his eye twitches. "Yeah, well I have other shit I have to do with these guys where the Abruzzos are concerned. And normal business needs to go on after we rescue Pina."

I stay quiet. Luca is right, but all I can see right now is getting Pina out unhurt and alive.

He orders, "We're staying in the kitchen, Tristano. They can't see you or me. I'm already skating thin on their trust level right now."

"What does that mean?"

"We'll discuss it another time. Let's focus on this situation," he answers.

I open and close my fist a few times then snarl, "There's no way that thug will come in the kitchen. We need to shoot any Abruzzo we can. They all should die anyway."

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