Page 36 of Hunting

Ricco is the one who answers. He comes closer to me. Moves so he is in my line of vision without me moving. “Val was kidnapped.”

“What?” I screech. I try to extract myself again, but Massimo won’t let me move an inch. “How, when?”

“A few hours ago. Two of our three convoys were attacked after the meeting with the Russians. Massimo’s team got to Luca’s in time to help. There wasn’t enough time to get to Val before he was gone.” Replies Ricco. I can see the pain of the unknown status and health of his son is taking a toll on his heart and soul. I wonder if Greta knows. She can’t, can she? If she did, how could she have been so calm?

“How could I…” I try to say help. I don’t get it out. Massimo stands abruptly and makes to walk to the door with me still in his arms.

“No.” He grumbles over and over again. One word with each step he takes.

“Massimo.” I say. “Massimo! MASSIMO!!” I try getting louder each time before finally I settle for screaming and pulling his ear. He finally stops walking and loosens his hold enough so I can look him in the eye. “Massimo, listen to me. Can you do that?”

He nods.

“Good. Val is important, not just to Luca and Ricco, or the family. He is important to you. He is every bit your brother as Luca is. Right?” He nods again. “Is what they say true? Could I help bring him home?”

He starts to shake his head no.

“Mass. Honey. Focus. Can. I. Help. Him?” I over enunciate each word while maintaining eye contact.

He nods. It’s barely there, but I see it. He doesn’t want to admit it, but he doesn’t want to lie to me.

“Then let me help.” He starts to grumble and tighten his hold on me. “Massimo. Stop. This is what we signed up for. This is what it is to be a Caruso. We protect each other. So while me doing whatever it is you need me to do, I won’t be doing it alone. Right now Val is alone. I know he’s tough. I know he’s a survivor. But truth of the matter is. He is alone. We need to get him out.”

Massimo seems to finally concede. He kisses my forehead and lowers me to the ground. He takes my hand and walks me back to the table where everyone else is seated.

Luca reaches out for my hand. I take it and squeeze and don’t let go. Massimo moves behind me. Putting his front to my back and holding me close.

“What’s the plan?” I ask.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Livianna

THINGS GO MOSTLYaccording to plan.

It feels like when I was doing jobs with dad. I’m dressed to impress and at a bar in the Russian neighborhood. Ivan knows I’m here. He’s got a few men posted nearby. He can’t put too many men on me, much to Massimo’s frustration.

There are no Italians or Caruso men in the building, or out front. Again, much to Massimo’s frustration.

I’m a golden egg. At least, that’s what Bosco called me when they told me the plan. They had been tracking Joseph. The man that escaped me at the bar the day I was kidnapped. Online chatter that Elena discovered, revealed that Joseph knew the location of Val, and that he was meeting friends at this bar tonight.

My role as the golden egg is to catch the attention of Joseph. Get him to come to me so I can get him talking. There is a chance he knows who I am, and knows I’m with the Caruso’s. If that is true, which is what Massimo fears. I will likely be drugged and kidnapped, then taken to a secondary location.

Everyone is aware of this plan and everyone signed off on it, including me.

Massimo is pissed at me. For good reason. I would be just as pissed if he was in my position and I his. Still, I volunteered for this, and I will take his wrath when I get home.

Home. God that feels good to say and have it refer to Massimo and not my tiny apartment. Which, I really should go back to someday. Massimo’s been buying me clothes and whatever essentials I need. I honestly don’t need much if anything from the apartment. I want to go back to clear it out. To close out that chapter of my life and show Massimo how much I’m devoted to him.

As for the plan. Joseph is making his way over to me now. My nerves tingle with anticipation. Good or bad, I am committed to this plan. Whatever happens, I know Massimo will come for me. I have an army at my back. They are only a minute out. I’ve got multiple trackers on me. One in my shoes. One in my necklace. One in my earring. And one implanted in my armpit. It’s a weird location. But it made sense to put it there. Arms, backs, and even necks are all common places for them.

Hands and feet aren’t practical, and are said to be quite painful locations for them. If I am grabbed, I may be stripped of my clothes, and jewels, or just one of the two. Then someone will search me for signs of a tracker. When they do that, I would be standing with my legs apart and my arms either to my sides or straight out. In that position, the armpit still has some shadows and hidden skin.

Also, who the hell would think to look in an armpit for a needle mark? Not me. Well, not me before this. Now, if I ever capture someone, I’ll be looking.

When the hell would I need to capture someone?

Never. Although, I may need to help Massimo someday.

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