Page 56 of Devoted to the Enemy

I ended the call and slipped my phone into the pocket of my tux jacket before grabbing my keys and walking out the door.

I stepped outside and on to the sidewalk that lined the roundabout in front of the hotel. I could see my car from there and I felt silly standing there waiting as Rocco rushed across the parking lot to get it, but it was how things had been done for decades. If I'd tried to do it myself, it would have been like a slap to the face for him. It was a tradition I planned to change eventually, but it would take some time for people to get used to, and there were more important policies and issues that needed my attention first.

So, I stood there waiting like an invalid as one of our soldiers unlocked my car and climbed inside.

I pulled out my phone to text Mia when a loud blast shook the windows of the hotel and I ducked. A lady nearby screamed. People began running and shouting, not knowing what had happened. A ball of smoke billowed up from the parking lot and I looked out to see my car completely enveloped in flames. I ran as fast as I could toward the fire. Some of my men poured out of the hotel to join me. I reached for the driver door handle, but the heat made me snatch my hand back. I covered my face with my jacket and tried to move closer again using my sleeve but there was no use. I couldn't get close enough to the car, and by the looks of the flames, Rocco was long gone. There was nothing left to save.

A couple of my guys pulled me back and I breathed out a string of curses.

“How did this happen? Find out how this happened,” I barked the orders just as Luca and Alessandro came out to join me.

“What happened?” Lucas asked.

“This was a hit,” Alessandro stated the obvious, but I let it slide considering that we were all in shock.

“We had guards out all night. But when that one guy went after Mia, I sent my security detail to help find him. I left my room to go to Mia's to check on her. That gave them plenty of time to plant the bomb.”

"Shit,Rocco." Luca let out a sigh and shook his head.

“He was a loyal soldier,” I said with a heavy sign. “Does he have any family we need to contact?”

“No. We were his family,” Alessandra said with a grave expression on his face as he stared at the flames dancing in the car. “I'll take care of this. You've got a wedding to get to.”

“So do you. I need you there today.”

Alessandro gave a nod. “I'll make a call and get a couple of our guys over here to take care of this mess.”

“Thank you. And let's get a sweep on Mia's car and anyone else in the family. I won't lose anyone else.”

“Should we call and let the girls know what's going on?”

“No. There's no reason to darken their day. Just get their cars checked. If we find anything, we get it out of there, and they never have to know.”

“Okay.”

“Knowing Mia, she's going to want to get an early start today. I need to delay her a little bit.”

I pulled out my phone and began dialing.

“What are you going to do?” Luca asked curiously while Alessandro stepped away to make his calls.

“I'm creating a diversion.”

"Room service. How may I help you?" A bright young sounding woman answered the phone, and I turned my attention to her.

"Hi. Yes I would like to order an assortment of breakfast choices from your menu for room one-sixty-four."

"Of course, sir. We have a breakfast sampler that sounds like what you're looking for. How many people will be eating?"

"Just one."

"Of course, sir."

"If I leave a note at the front desk, could you see that it is delivered along with the breakfast?"

"Yes of course, sir."

"Good. Thank you. I'll include specific instructions with the note."

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