Page 24 of Armando

I nod, letting his words sink in. The tremble in my hands subsides enough for me to start the engine and peel out of the parking lot, heading north toward Teasers. Valentino is good under pressure, I’ll give him that much.

Ignoring traffic laws and speed limits, I weave between lanes of cars at a break-neck pace. To his credit, Valentino doesn’t say a single thing about my driving. He knows I’d just as soon unlock his door and shove him out if he tested me right now.

As soon as I see the hot pink sign for Teasers, I turn the wheel, jumping the curb as I pull up next to the decrepit structure with no windows. I’m about to tear the door off its hinges to get to my girl, but once again, Valentino rests his hand on my shoulder. Bold move, seeing as I’m ready to break necks first and ask questions later.

“You’re in control,” he repeats. “Don’t let the anger and fear cloud your judgment.”

“When did you become some new age guru?” I snap. “Every second we sit here is more time she’s in danger.”

“I’m trying to help,” Valentino answers calmly. “I’ve been guided by rage before, and it nearly destroyed me. I don’t want the same for you or Allegra.”

“Fuck,” I sigh, wiping a hand down my face.

“I’ve got your back. Let’s be smart about this. We have the element of surprise. Tommy doesn’t know we’re associated with Allegra.” I bob my head, listening to his plan. “I’ll go in and conduct business as usual. We were supposed to talk to our mutual contacts in shitty establishments, and this fits the bill. I’ll ask for Tommy. If he’s half as smart as Aaron says he is, I’m sure he’ll recognize the Di Salvo family when they show up. I’ll distract him while you look for Allegra.”

“What if they aren’t here?”

“Then we’ll figure it out. But something tells me Tommy will want to put your girl to work sooner rather than later.”

I growl, the rush of adrenaline spiking once more. Valentino catches my eye, and we nod, knowing what needs to be done.

We get out of the car, and Valentino conceals his weapon as he straightens his suit. He heads to the front door while I hang back, sticking to the shadows as I make my way to the side entrance.

The door is propped open with a cracked cement block that doubles as an ashtray. I peer inside, noting the layout. It appears to be a prep room for the dancers and other workers, with lockers on one wall and a row of vanity mirrors on the other.

Luckily, it’s early in the day. Hopefully, they’ll be operating with a smaller staff until the sun goes down. I’ve learned from experience that darkness gives people permission to sin.

Keeping a hand on my gun, I step inside the building, ducking so my large frame can fit through the doorway. I’m immediately hit with the smell of cheap perfume and even cheaper alcohol. My angel deserves so much better than this.

“Yo, Tommy!” someone shouts. I freeze, every muscle pulled tight as I wait for the reply. “Tommy, you got some goon here to see you. You owe money again?”

“Stop runnin’ your goddamn mouth, boy,” the man I assume is Tommy grinds out. “Told you, I’m busy.”

“He was very insistent, boss. Said something about the protection offered on this joint is in jeopardy. I thought we already had a couple bouncers, so I’m not sure what he’s referring to, but–”

“Jesus H. Christ,” Tommy mutters. “Fine.”

Smart move on Valentino’s part. While this strip club isn’t under Di Salvo protection, it’s a good bet that one of the local gangs struck up a deal with the business on this block. If Tommy thinks his club is in danger, he might take Valentino a bit more seriously. I just hope the Capo knows what he’s doing.

There’s a shuffling sound, followed by a gasp, and then Tommy hisses out, “If you move a fuckin’ muscle, I’ll stop being so nice. Understand?” A brief pause, followed by what sounds like a hand slapping against the wall. I hear a muffled cry that sends fury blazing through my veins.

Allegra.

Instinct takes over, and I reach for my gun, holding it at the ready as I fling open doors trying to find where that fuck put my angel. Valentino’s words come back to me, reminding me to stay in control of my rage long enough to ensure Allegra’s safety.

The sound of a thick curtain being pulled back gets my attention as I wander through the maze of private rooms presumably used for illegal goods and services. Noise from the front of the strip club grows louder, and I hear Tommy ask someone where the goon is.

It’s time.

“Allegra,” I call out, running down the hall where I heard her cry. Another muffled whimper stabs at my heart, but it’s enough for me to lock onto the room she’s in.

I kick down the door, which splinters far too easily, not that I’m complaining. Allegra’s eyes widen in fear as she stares down the barrel of my gun, and then she ducks her head and turns away, trying to hide from me.

My heart rips in two at the sight of my sweet girl cowering in fear. The pain is amplified when I realize she’s afraid ofme.

I tuck my gun away and kneel in front of her, unsure where to begin. “I’m so sorry,” I whisper, hovering my hands over her body.

She’s tied to a chair with a rag covering her mouth to prevent her from speaking. My beautiful girl is trembling, her blue eyes bloodshot and rimmed in red.

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