Page 116 of Beautiful Desire

“A DNA test?” I repeat back to him in confusion.

“That day Nero bumped into Elle at the park, I watched her afterward. I jumped out of my car the moment I saw her cleaning some spit off the baby’s face. I stayed close behind her, and as soon as she threw the wipe in the trash, I grabbed it. Thankfully, it was right at the top, so I didn’t have to go digging. I thought, ‘What are the possibilities?’ So, I used the vial of your blood sample I have and sent them both off to the lab. The results came in yesterday.”

Huffing out a frustrated sigh, I sit upright in my seat. Right now, this is information overload. I just need to focus on getting Lily back.

“I need you to find out where he’s keeping Lily. If there’s a single hair on her head that’s been hurt, I’m coming after every bastard in this city who’s involved with this stronzo.” My chest rises and falls, my breathing turning ragged as anger takes over my body.

I feel so out of control. So powerless. My head is a mess. I don’t know what I’m going to do or how I’m going to do it, but I’m getting my baby back. Even if it costs me my life.

* * *

After ending my call with Enrico, I spent the rest of the drive home in silence, staring out the window, hoping for a miracle. My mind was racing with not just thoughts of where Lily could be, but the fact that I’m a dad.

When I got home, I poured myself a scotch and drank it in one mouthful. I needed something to take the edge off.

There’s a reason I left this life behind me. I wanted no part of it. And now, all these years later, it’s caught up to not only me, but my daughter.

Standing at the bar, I lift the bottle and go to pour another two fingers into my empty glass. My phone sits beside it and chimes with a text alert, causing me to slam the bottle back down on top of the bar. Lifting my phone, I unlock the screen to find a text from another private number.

Private Number

Boston docks. 8.30 p.m. Sharp. Tick-tock, Mr. LOMBARDI.

Checking the time on my phone, I see it’s seven-thirty p.m. I forward the time and location to Enrico, hoping he’ll be able to find something on Lily’s whereabouts before then. Needing to calm my nerves, I pick up my bottle of Macallan and take a deep pull.

Standing at the bar, I gather my thoughts for a minute before sending Bill a text telling him I’m ready to go. The sooner I get there, the sooner I can get my baby girl and bring herhome. This is going to be a long evening. I just hope tonight doesn’t end like it did the last time I found myself in this position.

* * *

Pulling up to the docks, Bill switches off the car and a tense silence falls over us. I look out the window, taking in my surroundings and looking to see if my cugino came early and tried to plan any surprises.

We’re in an old, beat-up Honda Civic parked hidden between some shipping containers, hoping to blend in with the rest of the cars around this area so we won’t look out of place. The outside is rusty and the paint is chipping, but I had the inside completely restored with top-of-the-line equipment in case something like this ever happened.

Pulling my phone out of my suit pocket, I open my messages and send one off to Enrico.

Me

I’m here. Is everything set?

Enrico

I thought he said 8.30 p.m.?

Me

He did. Now answer me. Are we good to go?

Enrico

Of course. I have a team around the corner waiting for my signal in case you should need them.

I breathe a little sigh of relief as I read those words. Knowing I have a team in place in case shit goes down makes me feel slightly better about whatever I’m about to walk into tonight.

Me

Thanks. I’ll be in touch.

As I pocket my phone, my knee bounces on its own while I stare out the window and wait for Nero to arrive. As expected, he shows up shortly after eight p.m. I see a team of black SUVs pull up into the docks. They all come to a stop before one of the men steps out and walks over to the vehicle that I’m assuming houses Nero.

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