Page 74 of Unbroken (Russo Mafia)

“Benny heard word about Seth taking people into hiding. He can’t be sure about the location, but he has an idea.”

“Get him on the phone now. I need to hear everything.”

I’m not waiting around any longer. We’re sneaking into the Atwood territory today.

We listen to Benny explain everything. He found his information second-hand, so he isn’t entirely sure how reliable the source is. All he can tell us is that someone had seen Seth’s men drive a busted-up SUV into their neighbourhood, which for them seem kind of off. Especially the way Seth likes to keep everything looking sharp. The source lost sight of them, but he’s positive he knows where they went. I need a definite answer. Guess I’ll have to take a location. It’s better than what we have now.

“What do you say, Lucca, do you trust this guy?” Nico quirked a dark eyebrow at me in question.

“We don’t have anything else to go off. Seth should’ve called back by now if he really wanted me, so he has something else in mind. I’m not risking it any longer.”

“Do you think he’ll get wind of us?” Nico asked

“We should move in at night. That way, we blend in more,” Rett suggested.

“I would have to agree,” Tony added, pausing, holding up a rifle. “I think a bunch of mafia men rolling in would cause a scene in broad daylight. Charlie and Oscar are strong. They can stay steady for a little while longer.”

“God, I hope so Tony, I really do.” My heart skips a beat thinking about them being there longer now. I hope I’m doing the right thing.

Rett comes up behind me squeezing my shoulder. “We’ll do this right. No casualties on our side.” Giving me his devilish grin.

Rett’s trigger finger itching to go, Nico’s love for fire and Antonio’s smarts ready when we need him. My team at my back willing to go into any war for me and my family. No questions asked of them. This is what it means to be family in the Cosa Nostra.

The waiting for nightfall is what’s killing me. I’m spending it with Ada trying to distract my mind. That’s why I’m being tortured with dolls.

“Not that way, Daddy.” Ada corrects me for the thousandth time.

“My bad,Principessa.I didn’t know there were rules for playing with dolls.”

She lets out a small huff. “Well, there is Daddy.” She’s picking a pink dress for her doll, while I try to find an outfit for the boy doll, she made me play with.

Who knew there were so many rules for playing with dolls? I’m getting educated quickly that’s for sure. I’ll admit it’s been ages since I’ve sat down and had any quality time with my daughter and if I don’t receive a horrible father of the year award for that I’ll be surprised. It could’ve been her that got kidnapped again. Every time I look at her, I’m forever grateful that’s she still here. That day will haunt me like there’s no tomorrow. Now add Charlie’s kidnapping. I can’t have a simple life, can I? Everything I touch seems to break.

“Daddy? Can you pass me that purple dress?”

“Sure baby, what else did you want to do besides play dolls?”

“I don’t know. When’s Charlie coming home?”

Then there’s that. I don’t enjoy lying to her. But I’m not about to tell her that something has happened.

“She had to go out of town for work. She won’t be home for a couple more days.”

Her shoulders hunch forwards. “That sucks. I miss her.”

“Same, don’t worry it’s not much longer and she’ll be back.” That’s a fucking promise that I won’t be breaking.

It wasn’t until I laid her down for bed, that reality set in. I’m about to bring a rain of Italian terror down on their asses. Resting my lips on her forehead I send a silent prayer to watch over her tonight. Not that I’m a religious man, but I know her mother is watching over her.

“I love you so much.” With that, I leave her behind with one last look.

I kiss Anna on the way out, telling her I love her, and I’ll see her later. I also tell her to have the doc on standby. I’m almost certain we’ll need him.

Meeting the guys at the office we gear up. Being the capo that I am, I wear my suit. I wouldn’t be wearing anything else going to war, to be honest. I strap my shoulder holster on, tucking my guns inside. Taking in a deep, cleansing breath, I close my eyes. If I die tonight Ada, is Charlie’s. She doesn’t know it, but I had Scar draw up the paperwork for me. Leaving custody to her, it’s my dying wish no matter what.

“You all set boss?” Rett asked. Holding the keys letting me know he’s ready.

“Yeah, let’s roll.”

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