Page 85 of Captured Innocence

“No. The Volkov Bratva seem to have other more pressing issues to deal with that have nothing to do with the Five Families.”

“Meaning what?”

“The Greeks. From what I’ve heard, there could soon be a bloody war that could last for years.”

“Interesting. Then what are you hearing?”

Sven sighed. He looked more haggard than usual, as if he was under duress. Granted, the man had to be in his early seventies. He’d been one of the few men my father had trusted outside of the family, the two men considered friends. “Here’s the thing, Mattia. The noise on various streets doesn’t make any sense, which is why I was hesitant to contact you tonight.”

“I don’t understand.”

He drummed his own fingers on the desk in his office. In his other hand was a drink and I could tell his arm was shaking. Since the man didn’t have physical tremors, at least that I was aware of, that meant he was nervous about whatever he was keeping from me. “It’s as if there’s someone from your past, or your father’s past that has been waiting a long time to seek revenge. The name ‘the Ghost’ has been whispered as if in reverence. Never heard of an assassin going by that name. Have you?”

Thoughts regarding the visitor in the train station came to mind. “I haven’t heard the moniker, but revenge is always a good reason to attack.”

“True, but I can tell you my instinct says there is a significant difference.”

As far as the reason for the cat and mouse game, revenge was entirely possible. My father had enemies in at least a half a dozen countries, some of which held grudges even now. “Let me guess, this person could be one of a dozen nationalities.”

“That’s possible, my friend. What I can tell you is that whoever is after your family is highly motivated, well organized, and is enshrouded in mystery. There isn’t a single person on the street in several countries who has any idea of the leader.”

“But they sense a game is being played.”

“Absolutely. If I were you, I’d return to Italy and use your influence on the other Five Families so they have your backs. I think a storm is coming sooner than you realize.”

My instinct had already told me that. “I appreciate you trying to find out.”

“So you know. My family has received several threats as of late; my granddaughter’s pet rabbit was taken from his cage then beheaded and left on my son’s front porch. I want to help you, Mattia, but I won’t place my family in continued danger. I hope you understand.”

Now the real reason he’d begged off on the meeting. I couldn’t blame him. “I can fully appreciate that, Sven. I won’t contact you again.”

“You’re a strong man, Mattia. In truth, you remind me of your father.”

“I’m curious about something, Sven. You were closer to my father than almost anyone. Did you ever know what happened between him and Roberto Lazarro?”

He seemed surprised I’d ask the question. “It’s best to let sleeping dogs lie, my son. The two men are dead. Let them rest in peace wherever the hell they are.”

“Rotting in hell.”

His chuckle was full of angst. “Did you save the woman you were intent on protecting?”

“Sophia? Yes.”

When he leaned into the computer screen, I could tell he was searching my eyes, which made me curious what he hoped he’d find. He’d done the same thing when he’d attended both my brother and father’s funeral, perhaps hoping that in my eyes or in D’Artagnan’s he could find words of wisdom. At the time, I’d had none, still coming to grips with everything that had occurred, the truest sabotage of our family. “I can tell you found the woman who captured your heart, my son. I’m very pleased for you and it is something I hoped would happen.” It seemed he’d chosen his words carefully, which was something he’d always done.

“How do you know for certain?”

“Because there’s light to your eyes, something I haven’t seen since you were a child. I remember hating to come and visit because I sensed the joy and awe you had in everything you saw around you was being sucked away.”

“Thanks to my father.”

“Tell me about her.”

I wasn’t certain there were any correct words to use about the way I felt regarding Sophia. “She’s beautiful and brilliant, breathtaking in every way possible. And you are right in that she’s the light to my darkness, which is why I fear I’ll taint her. Destroy her.”

“You were given a second chance. Yes?”

His question hit me hard. That’s exactly what had occurred. Through danger and my job, the bloodshed that had led me to needing to protect a member of my family, I’d been gifted a second chance with the woman I loved. “Yes.”

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